South Carolina Football: Gamecocks make early list for 4-star EDGE

On Tuesday, South Carolina football found itself in a couple of situations that are emblematic of many modern recruitments. Some prospects begin announcing their favorite schools with lists of top-25 and top-20, and the Gamecocks were included in two such lists on Tuesday.

Former Southern Cal commitment Jett White (4-star cornerback from California) put the Gamecocks in his top-25 schools.

In addition to making White’s early group, South Carolina football was put in another early top group by consensus 4-star EDGE Sharlandiin “Zaqq” Strange when, on Tuesday, Strange announced the top-22 schools he would be considering in his recruitment.

Strange is one of the top players in the state of Pennsylvania in the class of 2025 and has some of the top programs in the country pursuing him.

Hailing from Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Strange is closer in proximity to schools like Rutgers and Maryland than Penn State and Pittsburgh. However, based on his top-22 list, being close to home might not be a priority. South Carolina, Southern Cal, Colorado, and Notre Dame are all factors in his recruitment despite being far away.

As a player, Strange plays all over the defense at Cheltenham High School. Primarily a defensive end, he also plays snaps inside at defensive tackle and some as a linebacker (both as a standup EDGE rusher and as a traditional linebacker). He also plays some tight end on offense.

One of Strange’s best qualities as a pass rusher is his length. At 6’4″ as a high school sophomore, Strange knocked down a lot of passes and forced altered throws by getting his hands up in the air. He also was able to use his long arms to shed blockers after engaging. A plus athlete, Strange also is a good pursuit player for a defensive lineman.

The Gamecocks do not yet have any players committed in the class of 2025.

You can watch some of Strange’s film here.