South Carolina Football: Gamecocks make top group for elite cornerback

South Carolina football only has one commitment so far in the class of 2025. Wide receiver Jayden Sellers, younger brother of expected Gamecock starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, pledged himself to USC back in October and has maintained his commitment status through a couple of changes at the wide receiver coach position.

Still, Shane Beamer and his coaching have the Gamecocks in good position with several big-time prospects in the class.

Carolina also has one commitment in the class of 2026 as Alabama quarterback Landon Duckworth committed to the program back in August.

The 2026 class isn't quite as much of a priority as the '25 cycle right now, but USC is still looking to make in-roads for the future. One 2026 target for the South Carolina football program is 4-star cornerback Dorian Barney.

Barney is a borderline 5-star prospect from Georgia, and on Wednesday, he announced the top-12 schools in his recruitment.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are joined in Barney's top-12 by the Georgia Bulldogs, Colorado Buffaloes, Tennessee Volunteers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Alabama Crimson Tide, Clemson Tigers, Florida State Seminoles, Southern Cal Trojans, Oklahoma Sooners, Ohio State Buckeyes, and LSU Tigers.

Barney is thin, but his 6'1" frame looks like it can put on some weight once he gets to a college weight room. His length and plus-athleticism stand out on film as he holds down a no-fly zone on his side of the field. If a ball is in the air near him, he is sure to get a hand on it, either for a pass breakup or an interception.

Barney is a big-time coverage player, but he also is not afraid to come downhill and lay a lick on a ball carrier or a would-be receiver. He also gets off blocks better than most high school defensive backs.

With two more years of development and physical growth at the high school level still in front of him, Dorian Barney's ceiling is almost limitless as a prospect.

You can watch some of his film here.