USC made a strong run at 2022 tight end Oscar Delp of Cumming, GA but came up short when he committed to Georgia. On to 2023 tight end recruiting and the Gamecocks’ tight ends coach Erik Kimrey has put his focus on Ethan Davis (6-5 200) of Suwanee. And just like with Delp, Kimrey has the Gamecocks in strong position with Davis.
Davis has cut his list to a final seven of USC, Georgia, Penn State, Florida State, Cincinnati, Tennessee and Ole Miss. He has set December 12th of this year for his commitment announcement.
The Gamecocks got on Davis early and that’s one of the reasons they will be a factor late in his recruiting.
“We have a good relationship going here,” Davis said. “USC is just three hours away from home. We’ve built our relationship over time. They offered me pretty early and they haven’t stopped recruiting me since. That’s definitely showing a lot. We talk like once a week. They’ve been really consistent in recruiting me.”
Davis is still in his junior season and has made 45 catches for 579 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s identified as a tight end but it’s probably best to think of him as a slot receiver because of his skill set and versatility.
“I can go pretty much anywhere on the field,” Davis said. “Hand in the dirt. Lineup on the outside. Running back. Just basically my versatility is what stands out to Erik. For college, I’m really just that slot receiver for them.”
Davis has never visited USC, not for a game, not for a camp and not for a recruiting visit. But he’s kept a close watch on what Shane Beamer has done in his initial season.
“I kind of saw this happening because I knew they had a good team and a great coaching staff,” Davis said. “They definitely opened some eyes this year and are definitely headed in the right direction.”
Davis has been to games this season at Georgia, Florida State, Ole Miss and Tennessee. He’s also as basketball prospect and could end up playing both sports in college.
What will separate one school from the rest? Davis said it will simply be the one that displays to him a long-term commitment to their relationship.
“See who prioritizes me,” Davis said. “Not only stays consistent with our recruitment, but after that, after commit, see if they stay in contact and just satisfied with getting me. And somewhere where I can see myself playing well in the offense. Not just blocking, but going out and running routes and being able to show everything I can do on the field.”
Davis added that he did not grow up a fan of any one team because he’s never really followed college football. He said he hears from all seven schools regularly and one has not emerged as a frontrunner at this point.
