While it takes some prospects weeks, or even months, to commit to a college to continue their careers, it's unusual when someone does it quicker than others. That is the case when it comes to three-star safety Triston Lewis from Greenwood, SC. Last week, the in-state target for many schools, mainly the South Carolina Gamecocks, made his commitment to head coach Shane Beamer and the football team instantly.
Lewis told The State his reasoning as to why he committed so quickly to the Gamecocks. “Them taking a chance on me playing a different position and giving me a chance to play at the next level, that was big to me. Especially with me living in Greenwood, South Carolina, like an hour and a half away, that was cool, too. I went to a game last year versus Wofford, and just the coaching staff, how Coach Beamer is with the players, the whole atmosphere of the stadium, the energy, it just felt like I was home but playing with a bigger crowd. Even though I wasn’t playing, it felt like I was on the field in the moment.”
Lewis played on both sides of the ball while at Greenwood, but the sense was that he wanted to play as a defensive back. That was one of the reasons why he committed so quick to the Gamecocks: their willingness to give him a chance to play safety. When it was mentioned that they would give him that chance, it was an instant yes.
I’m home baby, let’s do it😎🤙🏾 @GamecockCentral @GamecockFB @CoachSBeamer @togray14 @nextt_level @YoureNextTrain1 @coach_liner @CoachChildress_ @Tb8Butler @sentell112 @ghseagles_fb @coachfurrey @HaleMcGranahan @WesMitchellGC pic.twitter.com/iY33m6y0js
— Triston Lewis (@TristonLewis18) July 17, 2025
The instant yes came during a batting practice session for travel baseball, another sport Lewis played outside of football. He saw that he got a call from Beamer, which he missed, and instantly called back. Lewis stated that Beamer "cut to the chase" and offered him right there on the phone. Not even missing a beat, Lewis told Beamer, "Thank you, and I'm ready to commit right now." Beamer did his usual "welcome home" tweet, and it was confirmed by Lewis later. The Gamecocks got their 2026 three-star safety.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound defensive back will be fun to watch when he joins the Gamecocks. Furthermore, it'll be fun seeing his family, who are only 90 minutes away, be able to watch Lewis play for the local college football team in the SEC alongside fellow players from the state. It takes some great work to keep in-state talent, and the Gamecocks did just that by keeping one of their own in the Garnet and Black.