With the baseball season over for the Gamecocks, the focus in Columbia has shifted on the future of the program, and there is growing excitement surrounding the offseason. Several Gamecock commits from the 2025 class made headlines this week by racking up some major honors across the South Carolina high school baseball landscape.
TL Hanna High School standouts and Gamecock pledges Seth Manning and Will Craddock both earned 5A D2 All-State honors for their strong senior seasons. Craddock is a versatile infielder took home even more hardware, being named 5A D2 State Player of the Year and Region 1-5A Player of the Year. Another teammate, Jackson Robinson, who is also committed to South Carolina, was also recognized, earning All-Region honors as a junior left-handed pitcher.
Seth Manning, a right-handed pitcher is already bringing the heat in the low 90s, mixing in a solid change-up with multiple breaking pitches. He is a dynamic athlete who has not only contributed on the plate but has also played on the defense in the outfield and behind the plate. Manning's versatility could prove valuable down the line.
Will Craddock, meanwhile, has the physical tools and production that makes him one of the state's most exciting prospects in the 2025 class. He had ten homeruns this season and possesses the ability to play all over the infield. Craddock was the driving force behind TL Hanna's run of three straight region championships as well. His upside suggests that he could compete early for playing time once he arrives at Founders Park.
Another future Gamecock at Lexington High School, outfielder Brandon Cromer was also selected to the 5A D1 All-State team after a strong season with the Wildcats. Cromer is a two-way threat who has seen time inthe outfield, at first base, and on the mound. While a recent injury slowed his pitching development, his speed-power combination and left-handed bat could put him in the mix as soon as he arrives in Columbia.
Cromer's Lexington squad is still on the hunt for its second straight state title this week, and he will have the opportunity to finish his high school career on top before heading to the collegiate level.
As the program regroups and reloads after a disappointing season, and with elite talent heading to the program, it is clear that the Gamecocks are laying down a strong foundation for the future.