South Carolina Football: Receiver Elijah Caldwell Officially Signs NLI

The South Carolina football program has put together one of their top recruiting classes in recent years for the 2023 recruiting cycle. While the recruiting rankings are ever-changing, according to industry leaders on3 and 247Sports, Shane Beamer and company have found themselves firmly inside the top-20 since the Early Signing Period ended.

One of the players in this class is WR Elijah Caldwell, who signed with South Carolina today on the classic National Signing Day.

Position: WR
Recruiting Ranking:  4 Stars (ESPN); 3 Stars (on3, 247, Rivals)
Measurables: 6’0”; 190 pounds
Former Player Comp: Bruce Ellington

Elijah Caldwell committed to the Gamecocks just last week but made his pledge official when he signed his National Letter of Intent to join the South Carolina football program on National Signing Day. Caldwell is a South Carolina native who brings a lot to the table for Wide Receivers Coach Justin Stepp and his wide receiver room.

Caldwell is an impressive athlete despite his lack of elite foot speed. He is slippery with the ball in his hands and can go up and get it when targeted on a jump ball. He also shows a willingness to run behind his pads and deliver blows to defenders trying to bring him down. Caldwell shows good vision with the ball in his hands, part of why he made his living in the screen and quick game and why he is able to contribute in the return game, as well.

Most impressive about Caldwell, though, is his instincts during his routes. Even though he was heavily targeted on screens and other passes in the quick game, on film he shows an uncanny knack for altering his route just enough to find open space to catch the football, especially in the middle of the field against a cover-2 zone look with deep safeties. As that is one of the most common defensive coverages he will face at the next level, that trait will certainly come in handy when he sees game action.

Caldwell’s game is reminiscent of former South Carolina two-sport standout Bruce Ellington. Ellington was also a good athlete that shone through with his agility and quick acceleration rather than top end speed. Ellington was an elite route runner and had great hands, two traits that Caldwell seems poised to grow into during his time as a Gamecock.

The young receivers on South Carolina’s roster will have every chance to earn their ways onto the field early in their careers. Juice Wells is going to get the heaviest usage of all the receivers, but no spot is safe after that. Caldwell will immediately be put into the mix to compete for a spot in the two-deep.

An almost bust-proof prospect, South Carolina football fans should expect to become very familiar with the name Elijah Caldwell.