South Carolina Football: Gamecocks pick up commitment from local standout

South Carolina football defensive back Nick Emmanwori had one of the best games of his career on Saturday when the Gamecocks took down the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium. Emmanwori collected 9 tackles, an interception in the end zone, and another pass defended to lead the USC defense in one of their most impressive games of the year.

The former Irmo High School product was not highly rated as a prospect until the very end of his recruitment, but he has outperformed many expectations.

Now, the next underrated Irmo Yellow Jacket defensive back is also planning to stay home as 2024 safety Isaiah McClary announced his commitment to the South Carolina football program.

McClary was offered a preferred walk-on spot last week by Shane Beamer and his staff. He wasted no time in announcing his pledge to the hometown Gamecocks.

At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, McClary has several scholarship offers to smaller programs, but in the end, a walk-on opportunity with Carolina (and a chance to reunite with Emmanwori) made the most sense for the talented defensive back.

As a player, McClary has played all over the defensive backfield for Irmo High School. His impressive speed and good hands make him a really good high school corner, and his ability to adjust off his assignment to make plays on the football has helped as a safety (and in zone coverages as a corner).

McClary and Irmo are playing in the 2023 South Carolina Football High School League playoffs. The Yellow Jackets are in the “final four” of the 4-A playoffs and will match up with the South Florence Bruins, the current team of class of 2025 Gamecock commitment Jayden Sellers.

McClary also has been named to multiple showcases and all-star games for high school players, including the South Carolina North-South game.

You can watch some of his film here.