Another big 2026 prospect in South Carolina is OT Malcolm Gaston (6-5 330) of North Augusta. He put himself through the summer camp gauntlet, and the effort is starting to play dividends.
Georgia was his first big-time offer in June after he attended one of Kirby Smart’s camps. His second one came in this week from Florida State where he also camped earlier this summer. He also camped at Clemson, South Carolina, Wake Forest and North Carolina.
“Still heavy with Clemson, but with FSU coming in, it’s really a battle between FSU and Clemson right now,” Gaston said. “I haven’t heard too much from Georgia mainly because they are in fall camp. I haven’t heard a word from South Carolina (since camp).
Gaston said Clemson has been keeping in touch.
“They send me graphics and pictures of the weight room. Other than that, nothing really much other than the coach checking up on me to see what my game schedule looks like,” Gaston said. “They really like how I move well with my thighs and quick feet. At the time (of camp), I was like 350 pounds, 345 range. They really liked that, and I showed amazing effort, so that’s part of the reason that they like me up there.”
Gaston is hopeful what he showed the Tigers at camp will be enough to land an offer.
“I don’t want to come off as disrespectful saying, what are my chances on an offer, because I feel like that offer has got to be earned,” Gaston said. “I think whenever they feel like the time is right, they are going to give it to me. O-line wise I think I’m one of the best in the state. I’m still going to reach out and see who I can talk to. As long as they respect me as a player, my morals and everything else I have as a checked box, I’ll just keeping reaching out and stay humble.”
Gaston said he plans to go to some games this season and has been invited to Coastal Carolina for the Virginia game. He is planning to attend the Clemson vs Georgia game in Atlanta.