2027 DT Jesiah Fields (6-4 245) of Charlotte has been to the USC campus in the past for the spring game and for a camp, but last Saturday night he experienced his first real game inside Williams-Brice Stadium as the Gamecocks defeated SC State under the lights.
“It was a great overall visit,” Fields said. “The game was good, very high intensity. The fans definitely showed up and showed out. It was really packed. A great experience for me to give me a feel for what it would be like at that level.”
Of course, for any first-time visitor to a USC home game, Sandstorm and the 2001 team entrance are a must-see.
“That was great,” he said. “That’s definitely one of the things I wanted to see in person. Being able to see that was definitely great. I definitely did enjoy myself while I was down there.”
Fields has been communicating with Gamecock defensive tackles coach Travian Robertson and defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas. He could play either position in college, depending on how much more he grows. Robertson remains away from the team recovering from the injuries he sustained in a car crash, but he did catch up with Lucas on Saturday night.
“He was just checking up on me,” Fields said. “He knew I would be there, so he was just checking up on me, asking how the season is going so far. Checking in with my family and seeing how they are doing and things like that.”
Fields kept a close eye on the play up front on the defense. In particular, he watched how the ends carried out their assignments.
“I definitely was watching the defensive ends the whole game,” Fields said. “I could definitely relate to the get-off, like getting off the ball as quick as they did. I definitely have a great, quick first step when it comes to that. Might not be as quick as (Dylan Stewart), but I’m close.”
Now that he has the first game visit at USC in the books, Feilds has an even better feel for where the Gamecocks fit in with his recruitment.
“I’m feeling good towards them, actually,” Fields said. “They are definitely high on my list as of now, one where I may be able to go for school. Definitely, their culture and their fan base are great. How they run everything, and their coaches are amazing. They are definitely up there on my list.”
Fields said he will return to USC for another game this season. He is also planning game visits to Georgia, NC State and Auburn in the coming weeks.