National Signing Day 2011: South Carolina Gamecocks' Talent-loaded Class

South Carolina's monster recruiting class is shaping up.  We are now two days away from National Signing Day, and the Gamecocks look to make some noise. 

So far, here are the players that are verbally committed to USC, and also some players who look like they could sign on the dotted line, with their star rankings for Scout.com, ESPN.com, and Rivals.com.

Player Name and Position	Scout.com rating	Rivals.com rating	Average Rating
Rory Anderson, TE	***	***	3
K.J. Brent, WR	***	***	3
Kalem Broome, OL	**	***	2.5
Damiere Byrd, WR	****	****	4
Shon Carson, RB	****	***	3.5
Ahmad Christian, ATH	***	***	3
Gerald Dixon, DE	**	***	2.5
Gerald Dixon Jr, DT	**	***	2.5
Deon Green, DT	***	***	3
Kyle Harris, OL	***	***	3
Shamier Jeffery, WR	***	***	3
Kadetrix Marcus, DB	***	***	3
Ronnie Martin, DB	***	***	3
Martay Maddox, QB	***	***	3
Mike Matulis, OL	***	***	3
Lorenzo Mauldin, DE	***	***	3
Tanner McEvoy, ATH	***	***	3
Quincy McKinney, OL	***	***	3
Jordan Montgomery, LB	***	***	3
Edward Muldrow, LB	***	***	3
Drew Owens, TE	***	***	3
Kelcy Quarles, DT	****	****	4
Marcquis Roberts, LB	***	***	3
Sheldon Royster, DB	****	****	4
Brandon Shell, OL	*****	****	4.5
Will Sport, OL	**	***	2.5
Angelo Watley, LB	***	***	3
Brandon Wilds, RB	***	***	3
Brison Williams, DB	***	****	3.5
POTENTIAL SIGNEES
Jadeveon Clowney, DE	*****	*****	5
Cedrick Cooper, LB	***	***	3
Phillip Dukes, DT	****	****	4
Jerell Adams, TE	***	***	3

Which players stand out the most?

Obviously, if Jadaveon Clowney signs with Carolina, he would go down as one of the greatest recruits to commit to South Carolina.  He has been on the cover of ESPN magazine and is pretty much at the top of every school's wish list. 

Beyond Clowney, Damiere Byrd, the Dixon brothers, Shamier Jeffery, Kelcy Quarrels, and Brandon Shell stick out the most.

Byrd and Jeffery (Alshon's younger brother) add tremendous speed to an already fast wide receiver core.  The Dixon brothers are vastly underrated, and were sack experts in high school.  Kelcy Quarrels is a natural leader, and a player his prep school coach called a "man-beast" who will require constant double teams. Brandon Shell is the hard nosed linemen the team has needed for years.

Where does this class help the most?

As a whole, this class really leans towards defense.  If Clowney signs with South Carolina, this defensive line class could be the best they have ever had.  Clowney and Dixon on the outside end with Dukes and Quarrels on the inside could make the SEC's best defensive line for many years. 

South Carolina also has some good defensive back prospects coming in, including two four star players that should boost a terrible passing defense and provide depth.   

What potential signees will make the largest immediate impact?

Obviously, Clowney again would make the biggest impact, and would likely start from day one, a la Marcus Lattimore. 

Beyond that, Shell is ready to step in and play from day one.

Which players could we lose on signing day?

Lorenzo Mauldin and Mason Harris are currently soft verbals, and have been visiting other places.  They are likely not fully committed due to South Carolina's standing with Jadeveon Clowney.  These two defensive ends think they can get more play time elsewhere. 

Which player committed to another school could we potentially gain?

Lateek Townsend would be a great "signing day switch", but it doesn't look good.  He seems firmly committed to Clemson. 

Stranger things have happened, though. 

Where will this class finish in national rankings?

As of right now, the class ranks 21st on Rivals, 12th on Scout, and 24th on ESPN.  If Clowney, Dukes, Adams, and Cooper sign, look for a guaranteed top 15 ranking on all three recruiting sites, with a potential ranking between 5-10 on Scout. 

It should be one heck of a class.   After signing day, (or Clowney day, on February 14th), I will re-review these pick ups and reveal my 3rd annual South Carolina season preview.