South Carolina had a few recruits on hand for its spring practice opener on Wednesday. Included in the group was QB Ethan Royal (6-2 190) of Cornelius, NC. Royal and the Gamecocks are just starting to cook in recruiting, and the visit gave him a chance to meet up with Shane Beamer and new OC Kendal Briles.
“The visit went very well. I got invited in to mainly build a relationship and talk about my recruiting process in this whole thing,” Royal said. “One of the things that stood out most to me out of the whole day was the new people that I met, like Coach Briles. I got to talk to Coach Beamer for a few minutes. The conversation went well. I know I come back there April 22ndfor a seven-on-seven, so they want to see me, evaluate me again, and then just keep stacking days with them.”
Beamer and Briles have not yet made an offer to Royal, but he knows the two coaches are discussing that possibility.
“I was getting good vibes,” Royal said. “They watched my tape. They love me. They just want to get to know me more, is basically what they were telling me. I just got a good vibe. That place feels like home. Hopefully, we can get this process rolling.”
The Gamecocks were rolling through their various drills on Wednesday, and Royal found their work ethic and approach to be top dollar.
“Everybody wants to come in each day to do their work,” he said. It’s a brotherhood. It’s exactly what you want. Good brotherhood. Coaches who are going to develop you to succeed in life and to the next level.”
Last season, Royal passed for 2272 yards and 29 touchdowns, and he rushed for 721 yards and 14 touchdowns. He helped to lead his team to a perfect 14-0 season, including a state championship. He obviously has impressive film that Briles has studied.
“He likes my footwork. He likes the way I can make decisions,” Royal said. “He likes how I’m a way maker. I find a way to adjust to anything that’s thrown at me. He really loves my decision-making. And I’m a dual threat. I can work pass, and I can run.”
As a quarterback, Royal was focused on Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers during the practice session. He saw a lot to like.
“Just his timing on everything. Everything is so crisp,” Royal said. “You can definitely tell that he’s one of the ones in college football right now. His footwork is on time. Ball is popping out his hands. And he’s making good decisions. Just a good quarterback overall.”
Royal said the Gamecocks want him to return in April for another recruiting visit, not related to his visit for the seven-on-seven tournament that month. He also has visits set with West Virginia on March 11th, Coastal Carolina on March 13th, James Madison on March 14th, Appalachian State on March 17th, East Carolina on March 18th, and Iowa State on March 27th.