South Carolina Football: Nation's top DT puts Gamecocks on favorites list

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer has indicated this offseason that the Gamecocks need to attack the defensive tackle position in high school recruiting.

Coach Beamer's point, though strong, is understated. There is just one player on the entire South Carolina football roster who can play defensive tackle and who has more than two years of eligibility remaining. Picking up young talent in the middle of the defensive line is paramount for defensive line coach Travian Robertson over the next several months.

The top target at the position for the Gamecocks is Elijah Griffin.

Griffin, a Savannah Christian Prep product in the class of 2025, is the top-rated defensive tackle in the country according to three of the four major recruiting services (and he is 2nd in the other). The big fella is a freak, measuring in around 6'5" and 290 pounds while possessing defensive end athleticism.

With gifts like that, it's no wonder that Griffin is one of the most sought-after players in the country. He holds offers from just about every program in America, but over the weekend, Griffin released a list of his favorite schools.

Griffin's top-12 is made up of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Georgia Bulldogs, Colorado Buffaloes, Louisville Cardinals, Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators, Clemson Tigers, LSU Tigers, Southern Cal Trojans, Duke Blue Devils, Oregon Ducks, and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Georgia has long been considered the favorite to land Griffin, and South Carolina football is usually viewed as the 2nd-most likely team to pick up a commitment from the talented tackle. Clemson legitimately seems to be involved, as well, and according to Griffin, 9 other schools are in the running.

As a player, Griffin is dominant as a nose tackle or as a 3/4i/4 tackle. He can win with strength, he can win with speed, he can win with moves, and he can win with a mixture of it all.

Griffin was a high school teammate of current Gamecock David Bucey, and the South Carolina football coaching staff is prioritizing him highly. Beating the Georgia Bulldogs for Griffin will be difficult, but the Gamecocks are giving it their best effort.

You can watch some of his film here.