Preston Douglas showcased his versatility in football, impressing both on offense and defense during the fall. He caught the attention of South Carolina during spring practices with his skills as a receiver. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, the Gamecocks saw Douglas as an ideal fit for their tight end position, leading them to extend an offer to him a month ago. Following a visit to campus over the weekend, Douglas committed to the Gamecocks.
Formerly playing for Jupiter High in Florida and now attending The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Douglas announced his commitment publicly on Monday. During his visit, he was hosted by Gamecocks tight end Connor Cox, who hails from Jacksonville’s Bolles High School. Douglas emphasized the sense of belonging he felt within the program, citing the warmth and hospitality shown to him and other players during activities such as hanging out at Cox’s apartment, dining out, and bowling.
Despite being limited to six games last season, Douglas made significant contributions on the field. He recorded 23 receptions for 405 yards and nine touchdowns on offense, while also tallying 34 tackles, including 13 for loss, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble on defense.
“Majority of their tight ends are really tall and are more of just blockers,” Douglas said “I feel like I fit in well because I’m really a receiver in a big body.”
Indiana and Maryland offered last month to join the fray but this one came down to South Carolina and NC State, and beating the Wolfpack is a big win considering how long they were recruiting Douglas. NC State offered in January and stayed on Douglas throughout the spring. He was slated to officially visit June 14-16, but that will no longer take place.
The Gamecocks sought a tight end in the class and Douglas’ ability to flex out was a discussion point during his visit. He is the eighth member of the class, and the first tight end in it. He is also the first member of the class from Florida, and the first one from the Sunshine State since the 2023 class.
Douglas’ athleticism pops more on defense but that is not to say he is better suited to play there in college. He lined up in the slot and wide as a junior and his size created mismatches. He tracks the ball well and he is comfortable in tight spaces.
He is good route runner and a reliable pass catcher who can make yards after the catch. He is physical and he has the frame to put on the needed mass to play in the SEC.
He will have to work on playing with his hand on the ground and develop his technique as an in-line tight end but he gives the Gamecocks a tight end who is comfortable playing in space.
