Sumter DE Monteque Rhames (6-6 240) has been a Gamecock in high school, and he’ll continue as a Gamecock in college as he announced a commitment to USC Saturday night. Rhames is the second in-state commitment for the Gamecocks and the 14th overall for the 2023 class.
Rhames was a frequent visitor to the football facilities this spring and summer. The Gamecocks were one of his early favorites and their continued strong pursuit led to his conclusion that playing for Shane Beamer and defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas was the move.
“They said I can be one of the best players to come out of USC,” Rhames said earlier this year. “He (Lucas) has been on me since he got here, since his first day. He told me I would fit in good. He said he can’t wait to work with me. He likes the way I play, and he can get me right and ready for the next level.”
Rhames also had on his short list. Virginia Tech, NC State, Georgia, Michigan, UCF, Florida State and Coastal Carolina. He made several other unofficial visits besides to USC including stops at Clemson, NC State, North Carolina and Alabama.
Rhames was a destructive force on one of the state’s top defenses last season. He totaled 70 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.
USC 2023 commitments:
JUDGE COLLIER CB 6-1 190 LEGION COLLEGIATE
MONTEQUE RHAMES DE 6-6 240 SUMTER
GRAYSON HOWARD LB 6-3 223 JACKSONVILLE
JADEN ROBINSON LB 6-1 215 LAKE CITY, FL
DONTAVIUS BRASWELL RB 5-11 200 SANDERSVILLE, GA
TROVON BAUGH OT 6-4 315 ATLANTA
ISAIAH JATTA OT 6-6 310 SNOW JC, UT
ZABHARI SANDY SAF 6-1 204 WASHINGTON, DC
CAMERON UPSHAW SAF 6-3 175 PERRY, FL
JALON KILGORE SAF 6-2 196 EATONTON, GA
CONNOR COX TE 6-6 227 JACKSONVILLE
KAMRON SANDLIN TE 6-4 210 ANNISTON, AL
KELTON HENDERSON WR 5-11 175 LEHIGH ACRES, FL
CJ ADAMS WR 6-3 210 MABLETON, GA
