4-star CB Braydon Lee commits to South Carolina Gamecocks: 'Coach Beamer, he's got that thing rolling'

Springdale (Md.) Charles Herbert Flowers four-star cornerback Braydon Lee narrowed his decision to Alabama, Maryland and South Carolina. The Crimson Tide offered a strong path to the NFL. The Terrapins offered the opportunity to play college football close to home.

But Lee was drawn to the Gamecocks, as he built close relationships with multiple staffers. That was a key factor in Lee’s decision to commit to South Carolina.

“It’s been very consistent ever since coach (Torrian) Gray offered me over the phone my sophomore season,” Lee told On3. “Him and the rest of the coaching staff, they’ve been one of the few to keep that constant contact and just love. Everything checks the boxes with development, how far it is. It’s a good distance from home. SEC ball, everything just fits. Coach (Shane) Beamer, I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else in college football. He’s just a great guy. He’s a team coach, a players coach. That’s something I really respect.”

Lee’s first visit to the Gamecocks was in August. The trip went so well that it “was pretty much all I needed.” The 5-foot-11.5, 160-pound defensive back returned to Columbia in September for South Carolina’s game against Georgia.

Throughout his recruitment, Lee grew to appreciate Gray, as the coach did not force him to make any decision. Now that he is pledged to the Gamecocks, the four-star believes Gray will take his game to greater heights.

“Coach Gray, he’s got guys in the league like Jaycee Horn, who was one of my role models growing up,” said Lee, the No. 297 overall prospect and No. 28 cornerback in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “Him at South Carolina was just spectacular. That’s somebody’s game I’d like to implement as mine.”

Lee believes Beamer can lead South Carolina to success

South Carolina had one of the best conclusions to the 2022 regular season. They defeated Tennessee and Clemson, both top-10 teams, in back-to-back weeks.

Those wins showed Lee what the Gamecocks are capable of. He believes things will only get better as Beamer’s tenure continues.

“The way they get things done, the way the tradition goes, the atmosphere, everything about it, everyone’s seeing it as the fastest-growing program in the country,” Lee said. “Coach Beamer, he’s got that thing rolling. I’m just glad, to be honest.”

Lee is one of the many blue-chip recruits taking their talents to Columbia. His high school teammate —four-star EDGE Desmond Umeozulu — is already enrolled at South Carolina. According to Lee, this is just the beginning for the Gamecocks.

“It’s only going to keep going up,” Lee said. “We’re already getting four-and-five-stars, three-star recruits, some of the top players in all the states. Everyone’s seeing it. Everyone’s witnessing it… South Carolina’s got the whole country on notice.”