South Carolina trending for coveted 4-star EDGE Jared Smith

Hoover (Ala.) Thompson four-star EDGE Jared Smith was one of the many touted prospects in Columbia over the weekend for South Carolina’s spring game.

The Gamecocks have held a heavy presence in Smith’s recruitment for some time now, and after his latest trip to the Palmetto State, the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder is now trending to the SEC program, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong and Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons each logged a pick in favor of Shane Beamer’s team on Monday morning. The Gamecocks now sit with an 84.6% chance to land Smith in the RPM.

“I like the people at South Carolina. Coach Shane Beamer and the staff has good energy, they are fun to talk to and I had a good visit up there,” Smith said in January.

South Carolina is set to welcome Smith back for an official visit from May 31-June 2. Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss and USC also have OVs scheduled with the four-star thus far, but South Carolina looks to be in position to land another impressive prospect. Smith previously told On3 he’s aiming for a summer commitment.

He is the No. 52 overall prospect and No. 6 EDGE in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Smith is also the No. 3 player in Alabama.

South Carolina on a recruiting hot streak this month

In April alone, South Carolina has five pledges and is now approaching a top-20 class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The Gamecocks landed two commitments over the weekend via Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale four-star cornerback Shamari Earls and Chesterfield (Va.) Matoaca three-star defensive lineman Caleb Williams. A top-125 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, Earls checks in at No. 70 overall and No. 9 at his position in the 2025 On300.

Concord (N.C.) Jay M Robinson four-star wide receiver Brian Rowe kicked things off on April 9 and was followed by Abbeville (S.C.) three-star safety Damarcus Leach less than 24 hours later. Rowe is a top-400 recruit and a top-10 player in North Carolina, while Leach is the No. 10 player in South Carolina.

Sumter (S.C.) three-star EDGE Anthony Addison then joined two days later on April 12. He discussed his decision with On3’s Chad Simmons, becoming the latest in-state prospect to pledge to Beamer and Co.

“I love how they plan on using me,” Addison said upon his commitment. “It is close to home. It is only 50 minutes, so I know all my family will be able to come and see me. Coach Beamer, he stayed on me. I know I am going somewhere where the head coach believes in me and believes in what I can do.”