USC has one defensive tackle committed in the 2021 class in Nick Barrett of Goldsboro, NC. The Gamecocks also have a good shot with Gaffney DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. And they are now in a position to grab DT Luther McCoy (6-4 280) of Saint Augustine, FL. McCoy named his top five last weekend and the Gamecocks were a part of it along with Minnesota, Baylor, Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
McCoy has yet to visit any of his finalists, so he had to form his opinion on the programs based off his conversations with the various coaches.
“All the coaches I talk to, there is no fake energy,” McCoy said. “I feel like I can trust them, talk to them about anything. I feel like as a whole, their staffs have the same goal and mindset.”
McCoy said he hears from USC coach Will Muschamp every day via text message. He also talks a lot with defensive line coach Tracy Rocker. Those two have got him thinking hard about playing his college ball in Columbia.
“Coach Muschamp pumping up great defensive linemen, and the D-line coach is a really cool dude. I like talking to him,” McCoy said. “I feel like I will be used well to the best of my ability. I’d have a chance to be great at South Carolina.”
And McCoy said he relates well to Rocker, himself a former standout defensive tackle who is in the College Football Hall of Fame.
“He was recruited highly, so he kind of understands what I’m going thru right now with all this Covid stuff,” McCoy said. “I feel like he’s a very good person and very intelligent. He likes that I play hard and fast and have a lot of potential.”
McCoy has not set any of his official visits, and he’s not sure if he’ll sign early or graduate early. He said all five of his finalists are in regular contact and are recruiting him with a lot of effort.
McCoy is rated a three-star prospect. In the 247Sports Composite, McCoy is ranked the #62 defensive tackle prospect in the country and the 167th top prospect in Florida in his class.
