South Carolina football: Gamecocks trending for Keenan Nelson, Jr.
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football is looking to pick up a big CB prospect.
The South Carolina football staff has been hot on the recruiting trail this offseason, landing a total of 15 commitments in the most recent class. Nearly a dozen of those pledges have joined the cycle since June following the NCAA’s lifting its ban of in-person contact between coaches and prospects. The class currently consists of four-star products Braden Davis, Emory Floyd, Ryan Brubaker, and Anthony Rose.
Now, the Gamecocks are looking to add another blue-chip recruit to the group.
South Carolina has been trending for four-star defensive back Keenan Nelson, Jr this week, and the corner could be making his college announcement as early as tomorrow. The Pennsylvania native had previously been considered a lean to attend Penn State, but Shane Beamer obviously made an impact on his decision.
Coach Beamer teased a commitment on Sunday night by issuing a #WelcomeHome message on Twitter, but he would not name the recruit, who’s expected to commit this week. Could Nelson be that prospect? It’s certainly looking to be the case.
That’s good news for the South Carolina secondary, who’s looking to add the talented defender whom 24/7 Sports labels as a multi-year starter and potential NFL Draft selection. Here’s what recruiting analyst Brian Dohn had to say about Nelson’s abilities on his recruiting profile.
"“Has ability to be dominant cornerback… Quick, smooth feet. Comfortable in backpedal and transitions well to turn and run with receiver. Stays tight on hip out of breaks. Can jam and re-route. Good ball skills. Does not panic. Excels against elite competition.”"
Should the Gamecocks land Nelson’s commitment, their current recruiting class would improve from 17th to 13th nationally, as well as from sixth to fifth among Southeastern Conference programs. Stay tuned to Garnet and Cocky for updates surrounding Nelson’s recruitment, and the recruitment of other Gamecock targets around the country.
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