USC played host to a big offensive line target from Jacksonville over the weekend in Kobe Baynes (6-4 301) who was in for an official visit. And while on the visit Baynes picked up an offer from the Gamecocks who joined the likes of Florida State, Virginia Tech, Arkansas and Ole Miss on his offer list.
“Coach Wolford started recruiting me for awhile and he wanted to get me up to Columbia so I can meet face to face and see the campus,” Baynes said. “My first day there I got to meet Coach Muschamp and he offered me in person. It was amazing. The facilities are beautiful. They really wanted me and they loved my film.”
Baynes visited with his mother and little sister and said the visit made an impact on him from the Gamecocks’ standpoint.
“I loved the school, it was a great experience,” he said. “They are definitely one of the top players. I haven’t really sat down and put my offers into a list. I would say a couple of schools, Virginia Tech, and I’ve got to get a chance to go see the new Florida State offensive line coach, and if they’re talking good, they’ll definitely be one of the players. But South Carolina, it was a great time I had.”
Wolford is a strong believer in cross-training his linemen and Baynes said that was a point he made to him based on what he’s seen of his high school film.
“Me and Coach Wolf talked about versatility. He loved the fact I played tackle some last year and he said that’s really going to help out,” Baynes said. “But they see me more as a guard or a center. Coach Wolf told me I’ll have to learn all three inside spots.”
Baynes also has visited Florida State, Auburn, Florida, UCF, Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. He has not more visits planned at this point and he does plan to return to USC for a game this fall.
