One thing that South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has been able to prove in his time with the Gamecocks is that he knows how to keep in-state recruits at home. While there is no clear number of how many instate recruits Beamer has brought in, so far 10 of his 21 members of the Class of 2025 commits are from the state of South Carolina.
After the big win against No. 10 Texas A&M over the past weekend, South Carolina kept the good times rolling by getting yet another in-state commitment, three-star linebacker Josh Smith out of Irmo, South Carolina.
Smith is joining the Class of 2025 as the 21st member of the No. 22 recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports. Smith received offers from other SEC schools, such as Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, and ACC schools, such as NC State and Clemson. Beamer was able to beat out in-state rival Clemson for the hometown kid in South Carolina.
Smith talked about how he chose South Carolina so he could represent his hometown team and also have the opportunity to get into the lineup early. If there is anything that Beamer has proven, especially this season, is that he is willing to give young guys and opportunity early if they have what it takes.
The young linebacker has family ties to South Carolina with his grandfather, who graduated from the university and told Smith all about how much he loved the Gamecocks.
Smith feels like he has the best opportunity to play early with all the linebackers leaving USC, especially with the latest departure of Bangally Kamara, who just committed to the Kansas Jayhawks from the transfer portal.
Beamer continues to stay hot on the recruiting trail, with National Signing coming faster than anyone is truly ready for. He will also begin to work on the transfer portal and see what needs he wants to fill with a veteran presence.