On the eve of NSD-December, USC has clearly addressed any concerns it has at the tight end position. Early Tuesday, the Gamecocks landed a pledge from Arkansas transfer Trey Knox. Then, within hours of Knox’ announcement, TE Reid Mikeska (6-6 233) of Cypress, TX announced his commitment to Shane Beamer and USC.
The former Clemson commit, and most recently a commitment to Miami, also had interest from Alabama, Texas Tech, LSU, Miami, Florida, Michigan State, North Carolina, Baylor, Auburn and Tennessee.
Mikeska made an official visit to USC last weekend. He also made an unofficial visit in November for the Tennessee game and was blown away by the experience.
“It was amazing. A big fan of South Carolina, all the coaches there and all that,” Mikeska said after the visit. “I think that was the best game I’ve ever been to in my life to be completely honest. Everybody stormed the field. That was pretty cool.”
Mikeska watched the Gamecocks’ tight ends in action against the Volunteers. He saw how former offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield incorporated them into the game plan. He also spent a lot of time talking with tight ends coach Jody Wright, who spelled things out plainly to him.
“Basically, just come in. We need you,” Mikeska said. “They don’t have very many tight ends at all, and I’m an early enrollee. They just want me to come in and basically complete immediately. I was really impressed. South Carolina has like a ton of tight ends in the NFL. They used them a lot on Saturday, which is fun to watch. And Coach Wright is a great coach.”
The Gamecocks will be losing four tight ends from this year’s team. Mikeska is the 5th tight end to commit for the 2023 class.
