Thursday USC played host to one of it’s top 2021 quarterback targets in Colten Gauthier of Dacula, GA who came in to see the Gamecocks’ final practice before spring practice. When the Gamecocks return from their break, they will be visited by QB Will “Goose” Crowder (6-3 195) of Gardendale, AL. He’s rated a 3-star in the 247Sports composite and the #19 pro-style QB in the country.
“Coach (Bobby) Bentley came down during the last period and watched me throw,” Crowder said. “We started building a relationship, texting back and forth, calling and communicating. It’s been going good ever since. I’ve been texting back and forth with Coach (Mike) Bobo as well. The plan is to get up there on the 21st and watch them practice and get a feel for the campus. It’s a great opportunity I believe. I’m building a relationship with Coach Bobo and Coach Bentley and I’m excited to get on campus.”
Last season Crowder passed for 2295 yards with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He completed 61% of his passes. He also rushed for 443 yards and 5 touchdowns according to MaxPreps stats.
“They really think I have a live arm, the ball jumps out of my hand well,” Crowder said. “They said I have what they are looking for as far as the character that they want their quarterbacks to carry themselves with. I’ve got an arm that can make a lot of throws on the field.”
Crowder has many major offers to include Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, South Florida and UAB. USC has not yet offered but he’s optimistic about one on his visit.
“Coach Bentley told me to get on campus to meet with Coach (Will) Muschamp and talk with him,” Crowder said. “He has a good feeling about it.”
Last Sunday Crowder made the short drive to UAB for a visit. This weekend Crowder will visit West Virginia. Some of his other visits to evaluate programs of interest will be to West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Kentucky and Georgia Tech.
“I’m really looking for a family feel,” Crowder said. “Somewhere that really thrives on the concept of family. That’s going to be my home for the next three to four years. And somewhere that’s going to grow me as a football player and a man. Somewhere where I can get a great degree from and set me up for the rest of my life if the NFL doesn’t work out of course.”
One of Crowder’s closest friends is freshly minted Gamecock commitment WR Sam Reynolds of Alabaster, AL. Could the two end up together in Columbia?
“Sam is my dog, Sam is my boy,” Crowder said. “We’ve known each other for awhile. We actually kind of grew up together playing AAU basketball and have stuck with each other ever since. Sam’s my boy. I love Sam. As soon as he committed, he hit me up and he’s like, you’re next.”
Crowder said he is not going to rush the process and has not date for a decision, but he will graduate early and enroll at his school in January.
