WR Rico Powers of Hapeville, GA camped at USC in June and worked closely with receivers coach and offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon. He has built a good relationship with McClendon and area recruiter Mike Peterson, and he considers the Gamecocks as one of the schools at the top of his list.

“They want me there, so we just keep building our relationship and getting to know each other,” Powers said.  “They are up there.  I like South Carolina.  They are in pretty good shape.  I should be taking an official visit there this fall.”

Powers said his communication with McClendon and Peterson has continued on a regular basis since they first started to recruit him when he lived in Savannah. And he has found one very appealing factor about the Gamecock program.

“My position coach there, the receivers coach, Coach McClendon.  I’m very excited about that.”  I know he really wants me and wants to coach me.  I’m not really looking for the school, I’m looking for the school that chooses me.”

Powers had wanted to make his decision before the season but he’s been advised to wait until after he takes some official visits this fall, and that appears to be the course he will follow.

In May, Powers named a top five of USC, Auburn, Georgia, Oregon and Nebraska. But he recently said USC, Oregon and NC State were the three standing out the most to him because of how hard they have been recruiting him.

Last season Powers had 17 catches for 552 yards and 6 touchdowns. He played mostly in the slot as a junior, but at his new school he expects to play outside and see his numbers go up.