South Carolina football: Kajuan Banks announces commitment

South Carolina football lands ’22 DB.

The South Carolina football team landed the commitment of three-star safety Kajaun Banks on Saturday, as the defender picked the Gamecocks over finalists Maryland and West Virginia. Banks, who hails from Tallahassee, Florida, is rated by Rivals as the Sunshine State’s 100th best prospect, regardless of position.

The addition gives the Gamecocks four pledges for the 2022 class, while also bumping the group into the top 40 nationally in the recruiting rankings. Banks fills a huge area of need, with the South Carolina roster thin in the secondary.

The Gamecocks saw their top five defensive backs either transfer out of the program last season or move on to professional careers. Returning are just three players with any real experience from a group that allowed more than 256 passing yards per contest in 2020. Banks could slide into the safety rotation immediately, and have a chance to make an impact the minute he steps on campus in Columbia.

The commitment is very much welcomed by head coach Shane Beamer, after losing a pledge from defensive back Anthony Rose earlier this week. Banks adds immediate depth, while also bringing elite speed to the position room. A high school track and field performer, the defender ran a 11.04 100-yard dash last weekend, one of the top marks in the state of Florida.

As a junior in 2020, Banks racked up 47 tackles to go along with three interceptions and eight pass breakups. He committed to the Gamecocks despite not being able to see the campus in person. Still, he’s stayed in close contact with the staff, building strong relationships with coach Beamer and Torrian Gray, his main recruiter.

The Gamecocks will celebrate this win on the recruiting trail, and look to add more talent to the class as the Summer rolls on.