South Carolina must turn recruiting success into wins in 2023

South Carolina ended 2022 as one of the hottest teams in the country, and that taste of success has seen some blue-chip prospects begin considering the Gamecocks a bit closer than they would have otherwise.

Head coach Shane Beamer wrapped up the 2023 cycle with the No. 16 overall class and have added some key transfers to the mix. To On3’s JD PicKell, that success on the recruiting trail needs to quickly translate to winning football if the Gamecocks continue to expect top talent entering the program.

“For South Carolina, you have poured gasoline all over this thing,” PicKell said on a recent edition of the Hard Count. “All over the recruiting trail, you’re just taking your can of gasoline and spraying it everywhere. That’s great, but that’s only going to be as good as if you’re able to light a match to it.

“And so, for South Carolina, what would light a match to that gasoline they’ve poured all over the recruiting trail and help them capitalize on it? Some wins in 2023.”

The crowning jewel of Beamer’s 2023 class is five-star ATH Nyckoles Harbor and is described by On3 as the “rarest jumbo athlete we’ve seen as a recruit.” Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Harbor is one of the nation’s top sprinters. He’s expected to be a pass-catcher in college, so he logs comparisons to Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf — although, Harbor is bigger than Metcalf already.

Beamer’s class is comprised of 24 total recruits, half of which are rated at four-star of higher.

In terms of transfers, wide receivers Trey Knox and Eddie Lewis, and tight end Josh Simon are expected to pick up instant an instant role on the team this fall and were three of the biggest offensive wins for the Gamecocks during the early transfer portal window.

But are all of these additions enough to help South Carolina attain higher success in 2023?

“If they were to win nine games, or take a victory over a high-ranked team like they did last year. It’s all about proving that South Carolina is more than just a good story. Shane Beamer said it last year, and I wholeheartedly believe it,” PicKell said. “But they’ve got to take it to the 2023 season and be able to capitalize on the momentum they’ve created.”

The Gamecocks have an opportunity to kick off their 2023 campaign on the right track, matching up against rival North Carolina and star QB Drake Maye on Sept. 2 at a neutral site — Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.