Top 150 TE Michael Smith discusses sticking with South Carolina and its 2024 recruiting class

The University of South Carolina took a chance early in Michael Smith’s recruitment. And it ended up paying dividends for the Gamecocks this December. 

South Carolina signed the top 150 four-star tight end recruit on Dec. 20 after about an 11th-month verbal commitment. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School chose the Gamecocks over 24 other Power Five football offers, including Alabama, Florida, Ohio State and Texas. 

The On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 107 overall player and No. 10 tight end in the 2024 recruiting cycle stuck with South Carolina despite a 5-7 season. And his loyalty dates back to the priority the Gamecocks coaching staff showed him early in his recruitment. 

“Every coach will tell you, ‘You’re No. 1 on my board,’” Smith told On3 after Tuesday’s final Under Armour All-America Game practice. “But I actually felt like I was No. 1 on their board.”

“Being in 10th grade, a 15-year-old getting a scholarship offer, they stayed consistent during the whole recruitment process. They recruited me and made me feel at home every time I went. That was the biggest part.”  

Smith also paid unofficial college recruiting visits to Florida and Ohio State. He even considered attending a few college football games this past season, like the “Iron Bowl” at Auburn. But he backtracked on those plans after they were made public. 

Instead, Smith stayed locked in with the Gamecocks and began building bonds with other 2024 recruits. 

Michael Smith one of five South Carolina signees playing in the Under Armour All-America Game

In addition to Smith, the Under Armour All-America Game features four other South Carolina signees: Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Dylan Stewart, three-stars wide receiver Debron Gatling and quarterback Dante Reno and kicker/punter Mason Love. 

Five future Gamecocks being in Orlando, Fla., for a week has helped them build chemistry before officially arriving in Columbia, S.C., over the next few months. 

“I spent like two hours in the players’ lounge just chatting with Dante,” Smith said. “I don’t know how, but I end up with Dylan half the time, anywhere we go. I’m in a room with Debron, so it’s just like I’m constantly linking with them. I haven’t interacted much with Mason, but he beat me in ping pong three times.” 

Smith plans to start at South Carolina in May. And when he and the rest of the Gamecocks 2024 football recruiting class get to campus for good, the program can expect at least one thing.

“Consistency,” he said. “Being consistent at what we do. We all have what we do best, and we have to stay consistent with being better at our different things.”