South Carolina Adds Speedy 4-Star WR Shi Smith to 2017 Class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Gamecock connection was working well on Saturday leading in-state four-star wide receiver Shi Smith to commit to South Carolina. Gamecock Nation got more good news on Saturday finding out junior college linebacker Eldridge Thompson had also verbally committed.
Smith was a prized national recruit and a big “win” for the Gamecocks. The 5’9.5”, 175 pound, receiver reports a 4.22 time in the 40-yard dash, and has highlight reel full of footage showing his elite speed in the open field.
Colleges started noticing the Union High School talent after a freshman year that included 35 catches for 425 yards with two scores and 18 carries for 198 yards with two more touchdowns. Smith has offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Appalachian State, North Carolina State, Towson, and Tennessee.
Smith’s commitment to South Carolina via Twitter was simple, “Committed. #SpursUp.”
South Carolina was Smith’s first offer and he is coached by a former Gamecock, quarterback Steve Tanneyhill. Smith has taken numerous visits to the Columbia campus and let it be known that he grew up a fan of Gamecocks football.
Thompson is an under the radar recruit poised for a big sophomore season with Coffeyville Community College. The 6’2”, 215 pound, linebacker picked USC over offers from East Tennessee State, South Alabama, Western Illinois, South Dakota, and Middle Tennessee State.
The Gamecocks have been on a recruiting roll over the last three days landing four commitments. Devonte Wyatt, Davonne Bowen, Thompson, and Smith give South Carolina 13 commitments to the 2017 class. Rivals has Thompson listed as a member of the 2016 class.
South Carolina Gamecocks 2017 Verbal Commitment List (13)
LB Damani Staley, 6-1, 200, Ridge View HS, Columbia, SC
LB Eldridge Thompson, 6-2, 218, Coffeyville C.C., Coffeyville, KS
DE Davonne Bowen, 6-2, 220, Woodmont HS, Piedmont, SC
DE Tyreek Johnson, 6-4, 245, Lakewood HS, Sumter, SC
DE Devonte Wyatt, 6-4, 260, Towers, Decatur, GA
TE Will Register, 6-4, 240, Chapin HS, Chapin, SC
OT Summie Carlay, 6-5, 280, Laurens HS, Laurens, SC
OT Dennis Daley, 6-6, 310, Georgia Military College, Milledgeville, GA
OT Eric Douglas, 6-5, 282, Mallard Creek HS, Charlotte, NC
RB Kyshaun Bryan, 5-10, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FL
QB Jay Urich, 6-4, 198, Wren HS, Piedmont, SC
WR Shi Smith, 5-9.5, 175, Union HS, Union, SC
ATH Shawn Smith, 5-11, 160, Brunswick HS, Brunswick, GA
Photo credit: twitter.com; Shi Smith at South Carolina.