South Carolina football: Can Shane Beamer land a top 15 class?

Can South Carolina football earn a top 15 recruiting class?

Recruiting momentum in Columbia has been sky high since the beginning of June, with the Gamecocks landing 11 different pledges since the calendar turned from May. The Gamecocks added two more over a busy Fourth of July weekend, launching their 2022 cycle up near the nation’s top 15.

The 15-man class now ranks No. 13 according to Rivals, and No. 16 by 24/7 Sports. Can Shane Beamer and Co. keep it up? Our bet is ‘yes.’

South Carolina hasn’t landed a top 15 recruiting class since the days of Steve Spurrier roaming the sidelines back in 2009. That cycle included superstars like Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, and DJ Swearinger, and helped lead the Gamecocks to its first and only SEC Championship Game appearance the following season.

The recruiting coordinator on that staff… you guessed it. Shane Beamer.

Beamer is now trying duplicate that outcome during his second stint in Columbia. He’s been able to create a positive buzz around the program, reviving a fanbase that was fading fast. Over the last week, Beamer has helped secure pledges from three four-star prospects to boost the Gamecocks up near the top of the SEC. He’s also been able to match archrival Clemson’s success on the trail.

Has South Carolina peaked or can it sustain the success with the ’22 class?

The Gamecocks will have a chance to stay near the top of the rankings, but they’ll need to pull a few high profile recruits ahead of signing day. South Carolina is currently in the final groups for players like Oscar Delp and Nick James, and there are still five unsigned four-star prospects available in the Palmetto State.

Should Shane Beamer land even half of the remaining targets in the ’22 class, a top 15 finish isn’t out of the question, but he’ll have to beat out Clemson, Georgia, and more in order to do so.

One thing that is for sure, this new coaching staff has recruits excited about the opportunity to play for South Carolina. We have a feeling that this momentum is just the beginning, and that Shane Beamer will continue his recruiting prowess throughout this offseason, and in seasons to come.