In the current landscape of college football, recruiting classes get shaped over multiple years. This 2016 class still has the fingerprints of former coach Steve Spurrier, but Will Muschamp had just two months to build his inaugural class in the wake of Spurrier’s departure.
On National Signing Day, Muschamp welcomed what he called a “good, deep class” of 26 new Gamecocks to South Carolina.
Muschamp’s first two visits for recruitment were to linebacker TJ Brunson and wide receiver Bryan Edwards.
"I think they're both really good football players," Muschamp said. "I think that they'll contribute in a huge way here at the University of South Carolina."
His strategy of pinpointing them early on paid off because both South Carolina natives will be taking their talents to Columbia.
Muschamp also discussed the signing of Louisiana native Stephon Taylor at the press conference.
“Stephon Taylor was a big get for us today out of New Orleans," Muschamp said. "I’ve been recruiting Stephon for about three years in really three different shirts. But he’s a guy that I really feel good about ... He's got good feet and change of direction, he's got good length in his arms ... A guy that's got that length and that girth are hard to find.”
Muschamp called new offensive linemen Will Putnam and Akeem Cooperwood “massive human beings.” That size will be paramount in protecting the prize of this year’s class, quarterback Brandon McIlwain out of Pennsylvania.
When introducing McIlwain, Muschamp said, “That was huge for us. We needed to sign a quarterback in this class. [He’s] an athlete that can run the ball and throw it extremely well. We are really excited about him.”
Muschamp was also fired up about landing running back Rico Dowdle: “He scored 50-something touchdowns this year, and that’s pretty impressive. He is very explosive ... but he also played quarterback (in high school), which I have always had very good success with high school quarterbacks that come play a different position for you because at the end of the day they gotta communicate.”
Muschamp offered some final words of wisdom when he stated, “Winning on signing day is not real important to me. It’s about two years down the line, three years ... How productive were they as players for South Carolina?”
Muschamp and the players seem eager to start spring training and earn their playing time. There is a new fire lit and it seems to be burning with more strength and passion.