The South Carolina football team may benefit from the recent coaching changes taking place in South Bend. Former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly left the Irish program in the middle of the night to sign a contract with the LSU Tigers over the weekend. He may be looking to take his offensive and defensive staff with him, too.
How does this affect the Gamecocks?
The state’s top ranked player, Jaylen Sneed, is currently committed to play for the Irish. He made his pledge to the program back in July and hasn’t wavered… yet. Now, the school he planned to attend is coach-less and his top recruiter may be on his way out, too. It’s been reported that Kelly plans to lure defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to LSU by making him the highest paid assistant in college football.
There’s also speculation that Freeman could take over a head coaching role at either Notre Dame or Cincinnati.
What’s is mean for the Gamecocks?
#STRecruiting: What’s up with Hilton Head LB Jaylen Sneed? https://t.co/iV5UULeQR7
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) November 30, 2021
South Carolina football still in good standing
The Gamecock coaching staff has prioritized Sneed throughout the recruiting process. The five-star prospect has attended multiple South Carolina football games this year and remains one of the top targets for Shane Beamer and Co. That could pay off in a major way should things continue to change at Notre Dame.
Sneed also has a sister that attends the university and choosing the Gamecocks would offer his family a closer option when it comes to college visits and game trips.
As of now, Sneed has not pulled the trigger on a decommitment. Still, the South Carolina staff has to feel a little bit better about their position with the standout defender. This will be a recruitment to follow over the next few weeks with the early signing period coming up soon.