Group features pair of four-star recruits
The South Carolina football team upgraded its future roster earlier this month with the commitment of another four-star recruit.
Kevin Crosby, from Bamberg, S.C., is the second four-star recruit in the 2014 recruiting class to commit to the Gamecocks. He is the No. 2 tight end in South Carolina, a thick bodied tight-end who shows very good natural strength and has impressive first-step quickness. Despite his height of 6 feet 2 inches Crosby has a large wingspan and is an above average athlete. His route running skills need improvement, but with his body and speed, he could excel after the catch for the Gamecocks.
Crosby’s pass-catching skills are top in his class. He has soft hands and has proven to be capable of making difficult catches. Because of his size, his blocking against SEC opponents could be trouble, but Crosby has shown the ability explode off the line and place defenders on the ground. If he can develop great lower-body strength, he has a good chance of being able to compete with SEC defensive lineman and linebackers. Crosby has excellent athletic ability, could potentially contribute early on, and has good special team skills.
Crosby joins Bryson Allen-Williams as the second four-star to commit to the Gamecocks for their
2014 class. The 6-foot-2-inch 214 pound outside linebacker from Ellenwood, Ga. has a good frame and raw strength. Allen-Williams displays great effort on the field, but sometimes has difficulty reading schemes. He is a physical linebacker who looks to deliver a blow to the offensive player. His blitzing ability is one of the reasons the Gamecocks were so interested in getting him to commit. He has a good jump off the ball and a good initial burst. He hands are active at all times and he is able to cut inside or outside quickly. He has the overall athleticism and linebacker qualities to play for the right defensive scheme, but could take a couple of years to develop his mechanics.
Beside the two four-star recruits for the Gamecocks, South Carolina has had several three-star recruits commit as well. Kalan Ritchie from Goose Creek, Malik Young from Piedmont, and Joe Blue from Dillon make up the 2014 recruiting class for the Gamecocks to date.
Blue is a player to watch out for, with the ability to play both sides of the ball. He will likely redshirt his freshman season, but has the potential to be a productive linebacker and fullback for the Gamecocks. He is a tough competitor with great wrap-up tackling skills, though he is a bit undersized for his position and needs to improve his zone coverage. His quickness, speed and athleticism place him as a very strong prospect for college football and the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks are building a strong 2014 class similar to their 18th-ranked 2013 class, with 11 four-star recruits coming to South Carolina for this upcoming season. Those 11 include defensive tackle Kelsey Griffin from Hoschton, Ga., running back David Williams from Philadelphia, Pa., quarterback Connor Mitch from Raleigh, N.C., inside linebacker Larenz Bryant from Charlotte, N.C., offensive tackle Alan Knott from Tyrone, Ga., defensive end Devin Washington from Orlando, Fla., offensive tackle Na’Ty Rodgers from Pomfret, Md., outside linebacker David Johnson from Lithonia, Ga., offensive tackle J.P. Vonashek from Brunswick, Ga., offensive tackle D.J. Park from Dillon, S.C., and wide-receiver Jasper Sasser from Jacksonville Fla.