TE Michael Trigg is one of the most gifted players at his position in the 2021 class. Last season he caught 82 passes for 1232 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s an athletic tight end with the speed and agility to make plays down the field. That’s why he’s such a highly coveted prospect who has narrowed his list to USC, LSU and Southern Cal. And, he’s a major college basketball prospect to boot and will play that sport as well in college.
The Gamecocks recruiting effort has been led by receivers coach Joe Cox and tight ends coach Bobby Bentley. They have impressed upon Trigg their need for a player of his skill level, and the opportunities what would be available to him with them.
“I talk to Coach Bentley and Coach Cox every day, so I’ve got a pretty good feeling about them,” Trigg said. “It’s the relationship me, Coach Cox and Coach Bentley have, and the way they run the offense, I feel like if I go there I’ll be able to play immediately.”
Trigg said Cox and Bentley have done an excellent job laying out their plans for him and how he would be used in their offense.
“They showed me blocking schemes. It will be a lot of down blocking and a lot of kicking out,” Trigg said. “And they showed me my route schemes. They have a lot of short routes I can turn into big plays, because the wide receivers are getting the corner and the safety out of the way, so it is open. So, they just need an athletic tight end like me to run a touchdown.”
The Gamecock football coaches are the only ones from Columbia in touch with Trigg. He’s also hearing a good deal from Gamecock basketball coach Frank Martin and assistant Chuck Martin.
“They say they like my physicality and how I’m able to get to the rim. And I can shoot a little bit,” Trigg said. “I play shooting guard and small forward.”
USC is the only school in his final three Trigg has visited. He may or may not be able to visit the other two before his decision. He does not have a definite timeline on a decision, so it’s possible he could get visits in if the NCAA lifts the dead period before his decision. And at this point, there is no favorite.
“I’ve got three great options,” Trigg said. “It’s kind of hard to say.”
Trigg is close friends with Gamecock cornerback John Dixon, and said Dixon has nothing but good things to say about the program. He also has a good friend who plays at Southern Cal. He said his dad and his trainer are consulting with him on his decision.
