South Carolina Football: Gamecock running back target announces commitment

The South Carolina football team has just one scholarship player in the backfield who is younger than a junior. True freshman DJay Braswell, junior Juju McDowell, and redshirt junior Mario Anderson are the only three backs who could return to the team next year, and Braswell is the only one who could be back after that.

This makes running back recruiting a massive emphasis for the Gamecocks right now. In the class of 2024, 4-star Matthew Fuller (who leads the entire state of Georgia in rushing yards) is the only commitment at the position, but it is believed that USC would like to take two ‘backs in the class.

4-star Daniel Hill is deciding between South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama, but Alabama is viewed as the favorite to land him. The Gamecocks are weighing some options with other targets in the class.

In the class of 2025, South Carolina football is already in on a few targets at the running back position. One of those targets is Georgia native Justin Baker.

The 4-star ballcarrier from Buford High School announced his college choice on Wednesday evening.

In an interview with On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Baker announced a commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers. Baker chose the Vols over other major programs like the South Carolina Gamecocks, Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, Ole Miss Rebels, and NC State Wolfpack.

Baker is the second running back to choose Tennessee over the Gamecocks in recent months as class of 2024 speedster Peyton Lewis picked the orange and white back in May. The Gamecocks are also hoping to flip a current Tennessee commitment (4-star wide receiver and South Carolina native Braylon Staley).

With South Carolina football still in need of more running backs for the future, Carolina fans can expect to see their favorite team continue to scour the recruiting market for another ‘back or two.