USC and Clemson are two of the many big-time programs zeroing in on DE TJ Searcy (6-5 250) of Thomaston, GA. The Gamecocks had Searcy in for a visit in January, but his offer goes back to December 29th, 2020. Clemson had him in for their junior day last Saturday, and that’s when Dabo Swinney and Lemanski Hall made their offer to him.
“I had a great time on the visit,” Searcy said. “Two of the things I enjoyed the most was one, going to the meeting room with Coach Hall. I felt like I learned a lot of technique. After that, I liked hearing Coach Swinney’s speech. He was telling us his main goal for all of his players is to graduate them. His main goal isn’t winning, his main goal is graduating his players. I liked that a lot about him.”
What Hall likes about Searcy is his versatility as both a run stopper and a pass rusher.
“He likes my length and the way I can move for my size,” Searcy said. “He said he can develop me definitely if I come there. He’d get the most out of me. I think I’m decent at it all. I don’t really just excel at either one (run stopping and pass rushing).”
The visit with the Tigers, and their offer, has put them right in the thick of things with Searcy.
“I will definitely say they are one of my top schools,” Searcy said. “All the visits I’ve been on, I like all the schools I’ve been to. It’s kind of hard for me to make a list right now.”
Searcy has also visited Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. Coming up will be return visits to Auburn on March 19th, Florida on the 20th, Alabama on the 25th, Florida State on the 31st, Georgia on April 9th, and he’s returning USC for their spring game April 16th.
Searcy said he’s in regular contact with Gamecocks defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas and head coach Shane Beamer.
“He (Lucas) hits me up at least three times a week, and Coach Beamer texts me at least once or twice a week,” Searcy said. “We have a decent relationship. Coach Lucas is a real cool dude. He likes to talk about stuff outside of football a lot. We talk about life and family. I like South Carolina a lot too.”
More notes from Tuesday:
USC was one of several schools to offer Arkansas State transfer WR Corey Rucker (6-0 203) who just entered the Portal Monday. Last season he earned Freshman All-American honors after totaling 59 catches for 816 yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s a Mississippi native and Ole Miss is among his offers. Some of his other new offers are from Vanderbilt, FAU, Texas State, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Appalachian State and Utah State.
USC target OT Antonio Tripp of Baltimore committed to Miami.
Clemson offered SAF Bryce Thornton Monday while he was in for a visit.
WR Devin Hyatt of Columbia and IMG Academy plans to visit USC this weekend.
2024 QB Jadyn Davis of Charlotte plans to visit Clemson this Saturday.
2024 WR Debron Gatling of Milton, GA plans to visit Clemson Saturday.
2024 WR Mazeo Bennett of Greenville will visit Georgia March 19th. He’s going to Clemson this weekend.
USC target LB Jaden Robinson was offered by Maryland.
Clemson target WR Noah Rogers was offered by Auburn.
Clemson and USC target TE Reid Mikeska was offered by Florida State.
USC and Clemson target OT Olaus Alinen plans to visit Ohio State this week.
WR Creed Whittemore, who was one of the prospects to visit Clemson last Saturday, was offered by Georgia Tech.
Coastal Carolina transfer DB Jordan Morris committed to Sam Houston.
Beaufort DT Eamon Smalls was offered by Eastern Michigan.
CB Brandon Cisse of Lakewood was offered by Morgan State.
