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National Signing Day 2016: Ranking and grading each SEC football recruiting class

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks helmet lays on the field prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks helmet lays on the field prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

New South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp has a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, as do assistants Travaris Robinson, Byron McClendon and Lance Thompson. In fact, the Gamecocks could argue that they have the strongest quartet of recruiters in the SEC. However, with a limited timeframe following Muschamp’s hiring, the 2016 South Carolina recruiting class leaves a little to be desired.

Nevertheless, South Carolina made big progress and there are several future stars among Carolina’s 26 newcomers, led by quarterback Brandon McIlwain – who initially committed to the Gamecocks’ former head coach Steve Spurrier.

A dual-threat QB that reportedly runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.5-second range, McIlwain is also a top baseball prospect that will play for the Gamecocks this spring. Therefore, McIlwain won’t receive much of an edge in the competition with Perry Orth, Connor Mitch and Lorenzo Nunez in the race to become South Carolina’s starting quarterback in 2016.

Instant Impact Performer: CB JaMarcus King

While McIlwain appears unlikely to start from Day 1, junior college signee JaMarcus Kinghas a good chance, even if an academic issue has kept him from enrolling early to take part in spring practice. The top-rated JUCO cornerback in the nation, the 6-foot-1, 188-pound King will, at least, provide quality depth for the Gamecocks in 2016 until he works his way into the starting lineup.

Among the high school signees to watch is four-star wide receiver Bryan Edwards, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound prospect that is already enrolled and on campus. Edwards, ranked among the nation’s top 250 players overall, should provide an immediate boost at a position of need.

Underrated Signee: WR Chavis Dawkins

In addition to Edwards, South Carolina landed three three-star wideouts. Though not the highest rated of the bunch, Chavis Dawkins may have the most upside. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Dawkins has great size in addition to a long stride that helps him separate from defenders as well as the leaping ability to overwhelm smaller corners.

Unanswered Question: Can newcomers on the offensive line provide much-needed depth?

The Gamecocks return just two offensive linemen that started more than five games in 2015, so the position was an obvious need in this year’s recruiting class. While the Gamecocks added five offensive linemen, including four-star Javon Kinlaw, it’s unlikely that any will push for a starting spot in 2016. Time will tell if any can even work themselves into the rotation as true freshmen.

Complete 2016 South Carolina Football Recruiting Class:

Final Thoughts: Don’t expect South Carolina to continue to lag in the bottom third of the conference after this year. With Muschamp, his right-hand man and new defensive coordinator T-Rob, Thompson, who joined the crew at Auburn last season, and McClendon, who earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters at Georgia, the Gamecocks will be a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail in coming years.

And, you can already see evidence of the impact. South Carolina’s 2016 recruiting class was ranked No. 71 by Rivals.com in early December but finished No. 26.

Next: Arkansas

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