South Carolina football: Dylan Lonergan releases top 12

The South Carolina football program continues to stay top of mind for a number of talented prospects, not only in this year’s class, but for future cycles, too. Shane Beamer and his staff have been active on the recruiting trail this offseason as he looks to continue building his roster during his first full season.

That hard work is already paying dividends.

The Gamecocks recently picked up a couple of predictions to land one of the nation’s top defensive line prospects in the 2023 class, with Palmetto State native Xzavier McLeod projecting to be a future South Carolina commitment. He currently sits at No. 48 on the latest 24/7 Sports composite rankings in his prospective class. One spot behind him is another Gamecock target, who recently placed the program among his top 12 finalists.

Dylan Lonergan of Snellville, GA has unveiled a list of finalists that includes South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Penn State. Lonergan is considered to be one of the top 50 players in the nation in next year’s cycle, and the Gamecocks have already made an impact by hosting the gunslinger in June during an offseason camp session. He’s made unofficial visits to Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi State, and Georgia Tech, too.

One thing that could set the Gamecocks apart is the fact that Lonergan is a top baseball player, in addition of being one of the country’s best signal callers. The pitcher and corner infielder would like to play both sports at the next level. South Carolina offers a landing spot where he could play for a historic baseball program, while also working his way to early playing time in a thin quarterback room.

The main threats, here, appear to be Alabama and Penn State, though others could be tough to fend off, too. Lonergan’s father was a football player for Penn State’s 1982 National Championship team, while the Crimson Tide often get their pick of the litter unless they have someone further up their target list. It’s also hard to rule out the hometown Georgia schools, and Mississippi State picking up a visit and a recent national championship on the baseball diamond doesn’t hurt their cause, either.

This one will be a battle for the Gamecocks, but Lonergan appears to be the staff’s top target at the quarterback position in the 2023 class. Shane Beamer and Co. will hope to fend off the remaining finalists and close out his recruitment with a commitment.