South Carolina football: Grayson Mains commits to Gamecocks

Oct 17, 2020; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks players make their “2001” entrance before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2020; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks players make their “2001” entrance before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina football picks up 2nd pledge for ’22 class.

The South Carolina football staff has been hot on the recruiting trail as spring practice ramps up, and Shane Beamer and Co. could start to see some of its investments pay off here in the near future. The hard work is already paying dividends, with three talented prospects announcing their intentions to officially visit the South Carolina campus this summer.

One of those players, offensive lineman Grayson Mains from Georgia, has decided to go ahead and jump into the Gamecocks’ 2022 recruiting class before making that visit in June.

Mains, a three-star tackle, has taken the drama out of the recruiting process by picking South Carolina over his other two finalists, Michigan State and Tennessee. The 6-foot-5 senior was on campus this past weekend for an unofficial stay, and he apparently enjoyed himself enough to pull the trigger.

The pledge becomes the second for the Gamecocks, as Mains joins Florida safety Anthony Rose. With the commitment, the South Carolina class moves up to No. 47 in the country, according to Rivals Recruiting.

Mains provides the Gamecocks with another big bodied, athletic option up front, where he’ll be tasked with protecting quarterback Luke Doty in the coming years. South Carolina is deep up front this season, but could see a few departures following the 2021 season.

Dylan Wonnum, Jaz Turnetine, and Eric Douglas will all finish out their eligibility in the upcoming season, barring any injuries, which could open up some room for Mains to filter into the 2022 rotation.