South Carolina hosted several prospects committed to other schools during Saturday’s game against Akron, including some from the state. Notable attendees at Williams-Brice Stadium included Rock Hill’s Malik Clark (Florida State), Hammond’s Mike Tyler (LSU), Dutch Fork’s Josh Smith (Coastal Carolina), Elgin Sessions (West Virginia), and Lancaster’s Kevin Peay (Georgia Tech).
This was Clark’s first visit to Columbia this season. The Rock Hill receiver surprised many by choosing the Seminoles over USC and UNC on July 25, but South Carolina continues to pursue him. With FSU’s 1-3 start, Clark has some important considerations ahead.
During his visit, Clark mentioned that he had the opportunity to speak with USC head coach Shane Beamer and receivers coach Mike Furrey.
“The visit and atmosphere were electric,” Clark told The State. “The message has always been the same: that USC is home and I’m still wanted in Columbia.”
Clark isn’t certain if he will make any more trips to USC. He previously visited FSU for the game against Memphis on September 14. The Gamecocks currently have three receiver commitments for the 2025 class but are looking to add one or two more. Christ Church’s Jackson Repp also attended the game on Saturday.
The 6-foot-3 Clark is a four-star prospect according to 247Sports Composite, ranked as the No. 2 player in South Carolina and the 30th-best receiver nationally. This season, he has tallied 27 catches for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
Tyler, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end, was also visiting a USC game for the first time this year, having attended several last season. He committed to LSU on August 17, choosing the Tigers over Duke and West Virginia. While communication with USC had slowed in recent months, the Gamecocks remain interested.
Tyler is ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports Composite and is the 12th-best recruit in South Carolina for the Class of 2025. This season, he has recorded 15 catches for 288 yards and four touchdowns.
Smith and Sessions were among six Dutch Fork players at the game, joined by Daniel Williams, Jarvis Jackson, Derek Smith, and Tyler Norris. This marked Smith’s second consecutive game attendance after going to USC’s matchup with LSU.
Last week, the Gamecocks offered the Dutch Fork linebacker, who had committed to Coastal Carolina in April. “It was great; I got to see the inside of the locker room before and after the game and talked to many of the coaches, including Coach Beamer,” Smith said. He plans to return to USC for the game against Ole Miss on October 5. Ole Miss is also recruiting him, and he intends to visit there this week, as Dutch Fork has a bye.
247Sports Composite ranks Smith as a three-star prospect and the 25th-best prospect in the state for the Class of 2025. He plays both linebacker and lines up on the edge at the line of scrimmage for the defending state champion Silver Foxes. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Smith has 26 tackles, five for loss and three sacks this season. Sessions, a defensive back, also was making his second straight game.
He has yet to get an offer from USC. The 6-foot, 180-pounder is a three-star prospect and ranked the 24th player in the state by 247Sports Composite. Sessions has nine tackles, three for loss and five pass break-ups this season. “I’m not sure if they will offer or not, but if I’m able to make plays on tape then I should continue to open their eyes some more,” Sessions said.
