South Carolina Football: Gamecock target now #2 national recruit

South Carolina football has a big need for young defensive tackle talent on the roster. Thanks to some lackluster recruiting effort from previous defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey, new defensive line coach Travian Roberton was put in a bad position in the class of 2024, and the Gamecocks were unable to secure a commitment from a single player at the position.

Now, after a few transfer portal defections, the Gamecocks are left with just one scholarship tackle who has more than two years of eligibility remaining (redshirt sophomore Jamaal Whyce).

Recruiting big guys in the class of 2025 will be critical for Robertson and the Gamecock defense, and they have a clear top target on the recruiting board.

Savannah Christian defensive tackle Elijah Griffin is the best defensive tackle in the nation in the '25 cycle, and when the new On3 recruiting rankings dropped, he slotted in as the #2 overall player in the nation.

Despite being a junior, he made multiple All-American teams last year. Typically those award lists are reserved for senior players, but Griffin is just that good.

As a player, the big defensive tackle is a force. He is strong and athletic, and that combination allowed him to dominate against any type of offensive lineman who drew the misfortune of being assigned to try to block him.

Griffin's strength allows him to stuff the run like an elite nose tackle, but his athleticism gives him the ability to get after the passer and chase down ball carriers who try to escape around the edge. In a 4-2-5, he can play either defensive tackle spot, and in Carolina's 3-3-5, he could play any of the three defensive lineman positions well if he were to end up in Columbia.

South Carolina football long has been considered one of his top-2 schools. Unfortunately, the rival Georgia Bulldogs are viewed as the heavy favorite to land Griffin when all is said and done in his recruitment. The Clemson Tigers and a few other schools are still involved with Griffin, as well.

You can watch some of his film here.