Skip to main content
south-carolina logo

Hammond tight end Mike Tyler discusses flip to South Carolina

wesby:Wes Mitchell•12/04/24•

WesMitchellGC

Columbia (S.C.) Hammond School tight end Mike Tyler discusses his decision to flip from LSU to South Carolina (Wes Mitchell/GamecockCentral).
Columbia (S.C.) Hammond School tight end Mike Tyler discusses his decision to flip from LSU to South Carolina (Wes Mitchell/GamecockCentral).

The writing was on the wall that Columbia (S.C.) Hammond School tight end Mike Tyler was likely to flip to South Carolina — on Wednesday he made it official.

After visiting the Gamecocks for just about every home game this year, Tyler flipped his commitment from LSU to South Carolina prior to signing with the hometown school on National Signing Day.

“It’s a lot of stress, so it’s a relief, honestly,” Tyler told GamecockCentral. “I’m just grateful that I had to go through this process. It’s a blessing. I get to stay close to home, play in front of everyone. They don’t have to go far at all, 30 minutes down the road. So it’s just very special to me and my family and my friends.”

South Carolina National Signing Day Resources:

[GamecockCentral: Subscribe for $1 for 7 days]

The nation’s No. 28 tight end prospect previously raved about his South Carolina official visit, which he took a few weeks ago for the Missouri game weekend. That’s when he knew where he’d be playing at the next level.

What were the deciding factors?

“The culture,” Tyler said. “How they’re on the up-rise. I really think I can add to the team in the 2025 class. And just being part of the family is the main thing. I’m other there basically every day, so I love it.”

Tyler was also personally recruited by head coach Shane Beamer.

“It means everything,” Tyler said. “If a head coach is talking to you consistently, he obviously likes you. I really saw effort there and that’s what really sparked my interest.”

Beamer’s personal recruiting touch was a major factor considering that the Gamecocks had three different tight end coaches during the early part of Tyler’s recruiting process.

But he ultimately would build a strong relationship with new assistant coach Shawn Elliott, who is in Columbia to stay.

“He’s a great guy,” Tyler said. “He’s very loud, very energetic. I’m definitely going to have to get used to the yelling (smiles) but I’ll be fine.”

Watching the Gamecocks so often this year, Tyler saw a lot of his own game in South Carolina tight ends Josh Simon and Michael Smith.

“It’s similar,” Tyler said. “They like to flex the tight ends out, and throw perimeter balls, and edge blocking. I think I can excel at those too.”

Now, he’ll get his chance.

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!

You may also like