South Carolina football: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins sets commitment date

South Carolina football hopes for a pledge from the state’s top prospect this week.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, one of the nation’s top defensive line prospects, has set his college commitment date for this Friday, October 30th. Ingram-Dawkins is down to five finalists, which include Georgia, Jackson State, North Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as the Gamecocks.

The lineman ranks as the state of South Carolina’s top player, and the 86th best player in the country, according to 24/7 Sports. Here’s what analyst Charles Powers had to say about Ingram-Dawkins’ potential at the next level.

"Has a considerably large frame with long arms and big hands. Grew over an inch and added at least 60 pounds from his sophomore to junior years. Has tested as a good athlete in combine settings particularly in short area burst and explosion. Plays for one of the better high school programs in upstate South Carolina and sees strong competition. Uses his quickness and length to create disruption with a bull rush. Presents a mismatch as an interior pass rusher but also has the length to be an edge setter on the outside. Moves fluidly and can break down and finish plays in space. His considerable length aids as a run defender as he makes plays even when still engaged by an offensive lineman. Will need to continue adding technical nuance to his game and improve his hands at the point of attack. Projects as a Power Five starter with the upside to develop into an NFL Draft pick."

Ingram-Dawkins was once considered a strong lean to the University of South Carolina, with 80% of the crystal ball predictions going in favor of the Gamecocks. Will Muschamp and Co. were the first SEC school to offer. But Georgia has also been a major factor and seems to be gaining some traction as the Gamecocks’ stiffest competition.

Getting Ingram-Dawkins in the boat would be huge for South Carolina, as he’d become the class of 2021’s top rated prospect. It would also represent the third straight season in which the Gamecocks were able to secure a commitment from the Palmetto State’s highest ranked player.

Currently, the South Carolina recruiting class sits at 42nd nationally and 12th in the SEC. A pledge from Ingram-Dawkins would move the class rank up to 38th. The Gamecocks will find out where they stand by week’s end. Stay tuned to Garnet and Cocky for the defensive tackle’s announcement on Friday.