South Carolina football: full court press on for Oscar Delp

South Carolina football is trying to reel in the nation’s top TE.

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina coaching staff have been busy this summer as the in-person recruiting session trucks on, and the Gamecocks are beginning to pick up some major steam on the trail. Over the last 11 days, coach Beamer has tweeted out 11 different #WelcomeHome messages, signaling a new commitment to the program. Eight of those 11 pledges have been made public, giving South Carolina a 10-man class for the ’22 cycle. Three more commitments have yet to be made known, but we’ll likely hear some news regarding the decisions in the coming days.

Beamer and Co. are looking to keep that momentum rolling, and they’ve now got some fellow recruiters when it comes to one big-time tight end prospect. Oscar Delp, a pass catcher from the state of Georgia, is considered by Rivals to be the No. 2 player at his position, and the 101st-ranked prospect in the nation. Delp has been high on Shane Beamer’s target list, and the Gamecocks were able to get him on campus this past weekend.

Delp said his visit exceeded expectations, and will certainly give him something to think about regarding his college decision.

"“It was awesome. I was really blown away. I’m definitely leaving with way higher expectations than I came in with. I really loved everything about it. It was really awesome talking with the coaches and the players. I’m really glad I came by here."

South Carolina is battling with Florida, Michigan, and the hometown Bulldogs for Delp’s services. It won’t be easy, but it looks like some of coach Beamer’s players are trying to help reel in the uber-talented tight end.

A number of Gamecocks have flooded Twitter throughout the week with the hashtag #WeWantDelp.

https://twitter.com/BradenDavis_5/status/1409929078426193925

Everyone within the South Carolina program is putting on a full-court press with Delp’s recruitment. It’s going to be tough to beat Georgia and some of the other blue bloods for the tight end’s services, but there are a few things working in the Gamecocks’ favor.

First, Delp’s mother attended the university, meaning he should have some familiarity with the program and at least one supporter of the team within his inner circle. Second, his grandparents live in Columbia, and it could be a draw for Delp to have the opportunity to play in front of his family on Saturdays.

The pass catcher isn’t planning to make a decision any time soon, hinting at a possible September 30th commitment, which is his mother’s birthday (coincidence, or a sign in favor of the Gamecocks?). He could ultimately decide earlier should he make his mind up prior to that date, but it has to benefit South Carolina with coach Beamer getting the last official visit. The Gamecocks are squarely in the mix, here, and the entire team is doing its best to add him to the class.