Two-way performer Eric Shaw (6-4 219) of Notasulga, AL was among the prospects to take in the USC spring game last Saturday. Shaw is a tight end and a linebacker. On his visit with two of his coaches last weekend, Shaw said it was made clear to him by Gamecock tight ends coach Bobby Bentley that he wants him for his position because, as he told him, he has the skills to be an excellent SEC tight end.
“My ball skills on offense and my hand size and arm size, he said, make for a great tight end,” Shaw said. “And he said also at tight end, you have to be able to block, you’ve got to be physical. On my tape, I play linebacker and I’m physical on defense. I can block on offense and get physical, and then split out and run routes. I’ve got really good speed. They want me strictly for tight end.”
Shaw said he got the chance to look inside the Gamecock program and was impressed by the new facilities and the fans at Williams-Brice Stadium. He certainly found a comfort level in Columbia.
“The feel was great,” Shaw said. “I think it’s a great program. Coach Bentley and Coach Muschamp, they love their players. It’s a great vibe there. I can see myself at South Carolina. They are one of my top teams for sure right now. I can tell the coaches really care about you. That’s exactly what I want in a university. I want someone that’s going to make me better and actually care about you. They ain’t all business.”
Shaw said Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, Notre Dame and Georgia Tech are some others he considers to be in his top group along with USC, but he added that group will fluctuate as he takes more visits. He also has seen Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State and Troy this spring. He plans to return to USC, perhaps for a camp, and definitely for an official visit.
Shaw said he plans to sign in December but he’s not sure yet if he will graduate early.
Last season he played in just five games due to a torn ACL to his left knee. He said he has been cleared by doctors to return to his football related activities.
