Following two weekends packed with visits, the South Carolina football program is enjoying a surge in recruiting success, welcoming new talent to Columbia.
Over the span of Friday to Tuesday, the Gamecocks secured commitments from six players, as revealed by Shane Beamer’s customary #WelcomeHome announcements on social media. Linebacker/defensive back Jaquel Holman, EDGE player Kobby Sakyi-Prah, and defensive back Chris Hatfield all made their decisions public shortly after informing the USC staff.
On Wednesday, the fourth commitment to the South Carolina football program was announced, as highly skilled tight end Preston Douglas from Florida shared his collegiate decision with a post on social media.
As a player, Douglas has been utilized primarily as a split tight end. He is a weapon that makes defenses pay with good straight-line speed and better-than-expected ability after the catch. The recruiting industry doesn’t have him rated that highly (he is a 3-star prospect), but he has the potential to develop into a productive player at the college level.
Blessed and thankful to say I’m committing to the University of South Carolina!! Go GAMECOCKS🐔🐔@CoachSElliott @CoachSBeamer @CoachYurachek @Dowell_Loggains @adamgorney @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 @Hayesfawcett3 @Andrew_Ivins @JohnGarcia_Jr @EricKresser pic.twitter.com/CZbA0BXYFO
— ⭐️Preston Douglas⭐️ (@presdouglas2025) June 12, 2024
Douglas is big enough to be a matchup problem in coverage for most defensive backs, and he is athletic enough to be a nightmare for linebackers to try to cover. On film, he has shown himself to be a major deep threat, and he has logged his fair share of 50-50 ball wins.
At 6’3″ and 225 pounds, Douglas does not have a ton of film in which he was deployed as a blocker. However, he has the type of frame that seems capable of adding weight and strength, so blocking is not out of the question for his future.
Douglas also plays some at wide receiver on offense and as an EDGE player on defense, but tight end seems most likely to be his positional future with the Gamecocks.
