One of the major targets South Carolina will be hosting for an official visit this weekend is OT Jabian Shabazz (6-7 295) of Kernersville, NC. Shabazz visited the Gamecocks for their spring game in April, and offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley was in to see him earlier this month.
Now, Shabazz gets to take a close-up look at the program this weekend to see if the Gamecocks offer what he’s looking for.
“I look forward to building the relationship with the coaches, but more than anything, I just want to see the players,” Shabazz said. “I want to talk to the players and see what they like, and what made them pick the school. And make sure my family has a good time, of course.”
Shabazz will be joined by his mother, older brother, sister and grandfather for the visit.
Shabazz is also looking forward to visiting with Teasley and others in the offensive line room. He’d like to get some clarity on how he would be coached and developed by the staff.
“For me, I might need a little extra time when it comes to certain things,” Shabazz said. “As long as I’m able to spend time with my coaches, and they really help me and teach me, that’s all I need, really. I want to see what they do. I want to see everything.”
Teasley has done a good job thus far with Shabazz, and going into the visit, the Gamecocks are right at the top of his list with Ohio State.
“They are like my top two. They’ve been up there since pretty much the start,” Shabazz said. “I feel like they’ve done a great job recruiting me. I feel like they really want me to be there, which I’m excited for. If I had to commit today, I would feel great about committing to them.”
After the USC visit, Shabazz plans to take official visits to Penn State, Ohio State, Tennessee and NC State. After those visits, it will be decision time.
“I plan on committing before the football season, if I can,” Shabazz said. “It’s not going to be too hard. I want to take some time to think. That’s why I’m saying I hope I can get it done before my first game. I just want to hear from these players and see how they feel, and what made them pick these schools. They will play like the biggest part of all, honestly. I’m going to be with these guys all the time, and if it sounds like they don’t want to be there, I’m going to have to take a step back and really think. Also, people have different perspectives. Somebody might not like it, but there’s another kid that probably loves it.”
The Gamecocks have two offensive tackles committed for their 2026 class. One of those, Anthony Baxter of South Pointe, will also make his official visit this weekend.