Caden Ramsey’s Coach Praises His Relentless Work Ethic: “He Has That Dog in Him”
When Caden Ramsey committed to South Carolina earlier this month, it was more than just another in-state pledge for the Gamecocks’ 2026 class. For those who know him best, like his high school coach Shaun Wright at Cross High School, Ramsey’s success has been years in the making — built on grit, versatility, and an unshakable competitive spirit.
“He has that dog in him,” Wright said. “Every single snap, whether he’s on offense, defense, or special teams, you’re getting 110% from Caden. That’s what separates him from a lot of players at this level.”
A True Two-Way Threat
Ramsey has made his mark on both sides of the ball at Cross. Offensively, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound athlete plays a hybrid tight end/wide receiver role, where his size and hands make him a nightmare matchup. Last season, he caught 40 passes for 749 yards and nine touchdowns, proving to be a go-to option in the passing game.
Defensively, Ramsey was even more dominant. He led the entire state of South Carolina with 14 interceptions as a junior, while adding 54 tackles. Through the first two games of the 2025 season, he’s already posted 10 tackles, two interceptions, and a 77-yard kickoff return touchdown.
“Caden is the kind of kid you can line up anywhere,” Wright explained. “He understands the game at a high level. He’s physical enough to play in the box, athletic enough to cover wide receivers, and then you put him on offense, and he’s just as dangerous. That’s why South Carolina wanted him so badly.”
Recruiting Journey
South Carolina offered Ramsey in June, and while he had Power Four options at schools like Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Georgia Tech, the Gamecocks quickly pulled ahead. He made several visits to Columbia, including for Junior Day and South Carolina’s home game against SC State, and ultimately announced his commitment in front of his classmates and family.
“Coach Beamer and Coach Elliott, thank you for taking a chance on a young kid from Cross. Go Cocks,” Ramsey said during his commitment ceremony.
A Competitor at Heart
For Wright, Ramsey’s competitive nature stands out above all else.
“Caden doesn’t want to lose at anything — not football, not basketball, not even in the weight room,” he said. “That edge, that fight, that’s what’s going to make him successful in the SEC. He’s not going to back down from anybody.”
That mentality extends to basketball, where Ramsey averaged nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds per game last season, showing off his athleticism and toughness across multiple sports.
What It Means for South Carolina
Ramsey became the Gamecocks’ 16th commitment for the 2026 cycle and their seventh in-state pledge. For a program trying to keep elite South Carolina talent close to home, his decision marks another win on the recruiting trail.
“He’s the kind of kid who can set the tone for a class,” Wright said. “Not just because of his talent, but because of his leadership. He’s respected in the locker room, and he makes everyone around him better.”
With his versatility and relentless drive, Ramsey is expected to bring both toughness and playmaking ability to Shane Beamer’s program. For his coach, there’s no doubt about what lies ahead.
“South Carolina’s getting a special player,” Wright added. “He’s got that dog in him, and he’s only going to keep getting better.”
