South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer and his team have been on a heater in recruiting. In eight days, the Gamecock headman has posted #WelcomeHome in reference to eight recruits, and the most recent came in on Saturday morning.
At the time of the eighth #WelcomeHome, six Gamecocks had come forward with public commitment announcements as linebacker/defensive back Jaquel Holman, EDGE Kobby Sakyi-Prah, defensive back Chris Hatfield, tight end Preston Douglas, linebacker AJ Holloway, and offensive lineman Shed Sarratt all made their pledges to the South Carolina football program known.
On Saturday night, a seventh announcement was made. Kicker/punter Max Kelley posted on social media that his recruitment is over after his visit to Columbia.
After an amazing weekend with @JoeDecamillis @CoachSBeamer @GamecockFB I am excited to announce that i have made my decision!@JamesWilhoit25 @CoachStroup @GHSWaveFootball @KohlsKicking pic.twitter.com/YNTAV0dbpR
— Max Kelley (@MaxKickerKelley) June 15, 2024
Kelley chose the South Carolina Gamecocks over a scholarship offer from the rival Tennessee Volunteers.
When Kai Kroeger and Alex Herrera (a former walk-on) graduate after next season, Mason Love will be the only kicker/punter remaining on scholarship. Preferred walk-on Peyton Argent is a redshirt freshman this year. Love has primarily worked with the punters so far since arriving in Columbia, while Argent has been a kicker. Kelley will have the chance to work at both positions, but he is viewed first as a placekicker.
Based on the rankings from KohlsKicking, Kelley is the #14 kicker in the nation and the 36th-ranked punter. That makes him a 5-star kicker and 4 1/2-star punter according to the outlet's rating system.
Kelley has some size (listed at 6'2" and 210 pounds), and he is a good athlete. That size and athleticism have been used in high school in the fake game, something that has been a required skill for USC kickers and punters (and even longsnappers) in recent years. He converted two 2-point conversions last fall, one on a completed pass and one in which he carried the ball after receiving an option pitch.
As a junior, Kelley went 8/11 on field goal attempts and managed to kick touchbacks on 63 of his 67 kickoff tries, including several that sailed through the uprights. His season-long field goal make was just 45 yards, but the kick would have been good from about 60 yards. As a punter, he had multiple boots that went over 60 yards.
You can watch some of his film here.