USC has been the front runner for CB Dontae Balfour (6-2 170) of Starke, FL since offering in June, and as time grows closer for a decision, the Gamecocks are still out front. Balfour said he plans to drop a top seven within the next couple of weeks, and that will be a precursor to his commitment announcement.
“South Carolina is recruiting me hard, like really, really hard, and I appreciate that,” Balfour said. “Besides them, Ole Miss, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and I talk to FIU and Austin Peay.”
Balfour said he talked to Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp and area recruiter Mike Peterson when they offered, and he still hears from them and others on the staff regularly.
“Coach Muschamp sends me stuff every day, every morning about how to encourage myself and how to push myself thru the day and stuff like that,” Balfour said. “And I’m on the phone with them too. They are like, the best play in the SEC and the best play at South Carolina, and they will fit me very well, and I’m pretty sure in my mind they do. They like my ball skills and the way I play the game and stuff.”
Balfour said the Gamecocks continue to be his leader over Ole Miss.
Balfour is rated as a three-star safety by 247Sports, but he said the Gamecocks like him as a corner. He’s ranked as the 105th best prospect in Florida for this season. USC has one corner and one safety committed for the 2021 class at this point.
