South Carolina football fans have long held to a conspiracy theory that the recruiting industry was out to get the Gamecocks. The theory posits that USC commitments (or even suspected commitments) often get bumped down in the rankings simply for being associated with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
While it is probably true that South Carolina football commits don't get the same "benefit of the doubt" when questions arise about their spot in the rankings as pledges to bigger name programs, there isn't much merit to the conspiracy overall.
However, one prominent Carolina commit did receive a sizable dip in his ratings according to 247Sports' latest update.
Quarterback pledge Dante Reno had been a 4-star prospect according to 247Sports, but with the latest update, he saw his rating drop from a 90 to an 88. The drop moved him down to a 3-star at 247Sports, and his composite rating dropped to 3 stars at On3 (where he already is a 3 star), but he remained a 4 star in the 247Sports composite.
Reno's fall puts him as the 457th-ranked player in the On3 composite and the 406th-ranked recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings despite being an Elite-11 quarterback participant.
Despite the drop in rankings, the South Carolina football program is getting a good quarterback in Dante Reno. He possesses a quick release and a strong arm that can both air out deep balls and deliver shorter passes with real zip.
Though not really a dual-threat quarterback, Reno is a better athlete than most give him credit for being; he is not a statue in the pocket and can escape pressure and run for first downs if given some space.
Reno also is a smart player. Playing quarterback his whole life has helped in that regard, but his father Tony reno is the head coach of the Yale Bulldogs in the Ivy League. Being the son of a coach (especially one that leads Ivy Leaguers) has prepared Reno to play the most mentally-demanding position on the field.
His best traits, however, have nothing to do with his arms or legs or brain. Dante Reno is a quality person and a big-time leader.
Since becoming the Gamecocks' first commitment in the class of 2024, Reno has worked to develop relationships with players interested in joining the South Carolina football program, done some recruiting of his own, and built a rapport with his fellow future Gamecocks.
Set to sign with the South Carolina football program later this week, Reno will be just the 2nd quarterback on the roster. He will behind presumed starter LaNorris Sellers. The Gamecocks are expected to add a veteran transfer to provide more depth in the room, as well.