USC offensive line coach Randy Clements has been burning up the recruiting trail lately. But sometimes, a quick look at a prospect’s film can save you some gas money.
“Me and Coach Clements have been in contact for a little bit now,” says OL target Jaylen Hill. “We were talking and he was telling me about the program and how good South Carolina is and how he just got there and stuff, but yeah, I mean he liked my film, so he decided to give me an offer.”
Hill (6-5, 295) of Lanett, AL, is still getting his bearings with regard to the Gamecocks, but Clements is already envisioning Hill playing either tackle or guard at Carolina. His physicality has already impressed the veteran assistant. Now, he just needs to educate Hill on the ins and outs of Gamecock football.
“I knew the program had a really big tradition on game days,” Hill confessed to SportsTalk. “But other than that, not really, I mean, this is my first time learning about South Carolina.”
Holding offers from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Wake Forest, and Troy, Hill’s recruitment is certainly heating up. Now that the Gamecocks are in the mix, what does that do for his plans?
“Yes, most definitely trying to set up an official visit with them, actually. So, gotta go check that out,” Hill revealed. “We’re going up there for an unofficial on the 19th (Tuesday), so I’m very excited about that too.”
With official visits already scheduled for Arkansas (May 29-31), Kansas State (June 5-7), Pitt (June 10-12), Mississippi State (12-14), and Missouri (19-21), it might be tough to squeeze the Gamecocks into his timetable. However, he is hoping that the unofficial visit this week will lead to an official midweek visit with USC on down the road.
Hill doesn’t have a commitment date set, but he definitely wants to make a decision prior to the start of his senior campaign. But whenever it comes time to make his college choice known, Hill has a certain set of priorities to help trim the would-be suitors.
“So development is number one because for the offensive line you need a good amount of development before you can get on the field,” Hill said. “I’m thinking that academics is a big one for me too. So I definitely want to get a good degree when I graduate from school. And then relationships with all the staff, as well.”