USC missed on one of its prime defensive targets Friday afternoon when DE Desmond Evans of Sanford, NC announced for North Carolina. The Gamecocks were prominent with Evans early in the recruiting process. He visited for a couple of games during his junior season and was back for the spring game in late March. But first year North Carolina coach Mack Brown has made signing in-state talent a priority and he’s been able to keep some of the top players at home. Evans visited Chapel Hill recently for the Clemson game. Evans also has Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Florida in his top five.
2021 RHP/INF Owen Washburn of Webster, WI committed to USC Thursday night. Perfect Game had this scouting report on Washburn following a 2018 showcase: Primary shortstop, shows quickness to footwork moving towards the ball, shows a feel for mechanics with clean and loose actions which he repeats well, fields out front and funnels into a clean arm action, gets on top of throws and shows carry across the diamond with accuracy on throws. Also pitched, simple side step into a leg lift up above belt; smooth and easy arm action through the back working to a three-quarters release point. Gets tall on backside and shows nice balance over the rubber, repeats well and ran fastball up to 83 mph, mostly true in life with command. Flashed breaking ball with 10-4 shape with short depth at 71 mph. Lefthanded hitter, begins with an even base and utilizes a hanging leg lift trigger for timing in the box, can continue to implement additional shift through lower half moving into contact. Does a nice job of staying compact with swing and shows a handle for the barrel, gets hands extended out front and can work to all fields. Has present bat speed to swing and projects moving forward with added strength.
6-8 Ja’Von Benson of Ridge View will release his college decision on Twitter around noon on Friday. His decision came down to USC and the College of Charleston.
LB Justin Flowe of Upland, CA told Rivals he will take official visits to MIami November 9th, Clemson on the 16th, Georgia on the 23rd and Oregon November 30th.
USC target WR Semaj James of Tallahassee plans to name a top five soon according to a Thursday afternoon tweet. He camped at USC and Clemson last summer and the Gamecocks have offered.
2023 QB Raheim Jeter of Greer plans to visit Louisville Saturday.
South Aiken TE Jess Sanders plans to visit Virginia Tech Saturday.
2021 OL Trevor Timmons of Blythewood was offered by Illinois.
USC offered 2021 WR Jaden Alexis (6-1 185) of Pompano Beach, FL.
USC offered 2023 WR Adarius Redmond of Powell, TN. He plans to visit Saturday for the Florida game.
