What could be a huge week in recruiting for Shane Beamer and his 2024 USC football recruiting class started off big on Sunday afternoon with a commitment from OT Kam Pringle (6-7 315) of Woodland. Pringle is regarded as one of the top tackle prospects in the nation for the ’24 class and one of the state’s top prospects as well.
Pringle made several visits to USC over the recruiting process and his decision ultimately came down to the Gamecocks and Georgia. He also had Clemson, NC State, Tennessee and Florida on his short list.
“I feel like Carolina is a really good program. It’s on the rise,” Pringle told the media following his announcement. “I’ll have the opportunity to go in and play early and make an impact to the team. Of course, it’s close, an hour from my house. All my family can come to games. I just feel like it was the right place for me.”
Beamer jumped on Pringle in recruiting not long after he became the Gamecocks’ head coach in December of 2020 and he led the charge for his staff with help from line coaches Lonnie Teasley and Greg Adkins, and player personnel director Taylor Edwards.
“He’s (Beamer) just been there recruiting me hard since I was a freshman,” Pringle said. “I’ve gotten to know him. Just building that relationship is always been something in the back of my mind.”
Pringle had set this date for his announcement in his mind because it’s his mother’s birthday, so he saw the chance to give his mother a huge present while also securing his college future.
“She grew up a Carolina fan, that’s why I didn’t really publicize it because people can crack codes quick,” Pringle said. “This is something I’ve been waiting for for a long time, looking forward to. Having this day here, it just feels great. She was comfortable wherever I was comfortable. If I had to go across the country, she would have been there every step of the way. I grew up a Florida fan, but South Carolina was always there and I always watched South Carolina.”
Pringle can’t sign until December, but he said there’s nothing Gamecock fans should worry about regarding the strength of his pledge.
“I’m an all-in type of guy,” Pringle said. “Now that I’m committed to a school, that’s a school I’ll be visiting. That’s a school I’ll be rooting for. And that’s a school I’ll be preparing to come in and play for.”
Pringle is the second Gamecock commitment for 2024 joining quarterback Dante Reno. Tuesday the Gamecocks hope to land TE Michael Smith of Savannah when he makes his announcement, and Friday they will be hoping for good news from LB Wendell Gregory of Marietta, GA as he reveals his decision.
