The South Carolina Gamecocks have already signed a couple of top players
this morning, but no surprises yet in the Palmetto State in that regard.
The big surprise has been that according to TigerIllustrated.com, Northwestern defensive lineman
Roderick Byers won't sign with Oregon, but with the Clemson Tigers.
Byers chose the Ducks last Wednesday. According to the site, Byers was offered the scholarship to Clemson Wednesday morning. The Tigers had held off offering Byers as they waiting for commitments for other defensive lineman.
Byers finished the season with 98 tackles and seven sacks.
For the Gamecocks, Lake City tailback
Shon Carson, Goose Creek offensive lineman
Brandon Shell and Manning defensive lineman
Phillip Dukes have already sent in their signed letters of intent.
Carson, MaxPreps' 12th ranked tailback in the nation, committed to the Gamecocks in early October, choosing them over offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee and several others. Carson, who could be drafted in the higher rounds of the MLB Draft, rushed for 2,280 yards and 30 scores as a senior. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl and in the Offense-Defense All-America Bowl.
Shell, the No. 4 offensive tackle in the country, according to MaxPreps, also signed. The 6-foot-7, 300-pounder All-American and Shrine Bowl player has football in his genes, as his great uncle is NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell.
Shell picked South Carolina over Clemson, Georgia and Alabama.
Dukes committed to the Gamecocks on Tuesday. He is the No. 14-ranked defensive tackle in the nation, according to MaxPreps. He finished his senior season with 89 tackles, 23 tackles for losses and 12 sacks and played in the Shrine Bowl. Dukes picked the Gamecocks over Clemson, North Carolina and Alabama.