South Carolina Football: Gamecocks getting visit from 4-star linebacker, high school teammate of quarterback commit

South Carolina football mascot Sir Big Spur. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina football mascot Sir Big Spur. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina football 2024 commitment Dante Reno has meant more to the Gamecock program than most future quarterbacks. He will come be on campus next year to compete with LaNorris Sellers and others for the starting quarterback job, but Reno is more than just a good player.

In addition to bettering himself on the field so that he can effectively compete for the starting job under center one day, Reno has also been one of Shane Beamer’s top recruiters of future talent.

Reno is in constant communication with other prospects, building a rapport with fellow Gamecock commitments and pitching his program to any undecided recruits who will listen. The relationships that he has developed with other top high school players have had a big impact on the class.

Now, Reno’s high school teammates are starting to take notice. 4-star linebacker Elijah Newby has recently become interested in the Gamecocks, and the talented defender will be taking a visit to Columbia soon. Newby will be on campus the weekend of June 9th as part of a loaded June for the South Carolina football recruiting department.

Newby is a 6’3″, 215-pound linebacker who has room to grow and add muscle to his athletic frame. He is explosive enough to be a track star (high jumps over 7 feet, sprints a 10.6 in the 100-meter) and plays with the physicality needed to play linebacker in the SEC.

His impressive physical attributes (and, likely, some behind-the-scenes prodding from Reno) put Newby on the Gamecocks’ radar as defensive coordinator Clayton White personally presented Newby with his offer to join the Carolina program.

South Carolina football will be in a battle with some elite programs for Newby’s services. As of now, he is planning official visits to South Carolina, Penn State, Southern Cal, and Stanford and appears very interested in a recent offer from Nick Saban and Alabama.

The Gamecocks have one linebacker committed in the 2024 class in 4-star Georgia native Wendell Gregory, but White and the Carolina defense are looking to add multiple players at the position.