LIVE REPORT: SOUTH CAROLINA’S RECEIVING REVAMP
A year ago, South Carolina fans marveled at one of the best wide receivers in the nation, Xavier Legette. On a team that finished 5-7, Legette was the standout, racking up 71 receptions for 1,255 yards—second-most in the SEC—and seven touchdowns. Fast forward to 2024, and the Gamecocks have a very different look.
Despite lacking a dominant receiver, South Carolina boasts a strong 9-3 record. Their top wideout, Mazeo Bennett Jr., has modest numbers—24 catches for 324 yards—barely cracking the Top 50 among SEC receivers. In fact, Bennett’s yardage is the second-lowest among team-leading receivers in the conference, ahead of only Oklahoma’s top target.
Is this a problem? South Carolina’s record suggests otherwise, but their aggressive recruiting strategy for 2025 hints at a focus on improving the wide receiver corps.
Recruiting Push: A Haul of Receivers
On December 4, South Carolina signed 25 players in their 2025 recruiting class, with five wide receivers making up the largest group at any position.
Head coach Shane Beamer praised the efforts of first-year wide receivers coach Mike Furrey, a former NFL wideout and head coach at Limestone College. Furrey, known for his recruiting prowess, wasted no time making an impact.
“He came in on a mission,” Beamer said. “I think he said it when he got hired: There’s no reason the best receivers in the country shouldn’t come play for the University of South Carolina. And he went on a mission to go do that.”
That mission could still grow. Donovan Murph, a four-star prospect from Irmo High, remains undecided between South Carolina and Clemson. His announcement is set for January 2 at the Under Armour All-American Game.
Even without Murph, the Gamecocks have built an impressive group:
- Malik Clark (Four-star, 6-2, 183, Rock Hill, SC)
- Lex Cyrus (Four-star, 5-10, 170, Harrisburg, PA)
- Brian Rowe (Four-star, 5-10, 151, Concord, NC)
- Jordon Gidron (Three-star, 6-2, 185, Columbia, SC)
- Jayden Sellers (Three-star, 5-11, 165, Florence, SC)
Key Storylines in the Class
- Lex Cyrus shocked recruiting analysts by choosing South Carolina over nearby Penn State.
- Jayden Sellers, brother of USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers, became the first commitment of the 2025 class, committing last October.
- Jordon Gidron was initially targeted for the 2026 class but reclassified to join the Gamecocks a year early.
- Malik Clark, ranked as a Top-20 wide receiver nationally, is considered the gem of the class.
Clark’s recruitment provided one of the most dramatic stories. Back in July, he verbally committed to Florida State, leaving the Gamecocks staff deflated during their annual “Birdies with Beamer” golf event. As Furrey practiced his swings, Beamer sat in a nearby cart looking discouraged.
“There’s 132 days until signing day,” Furrey said calmly.
Exactly 132 days later, Clark signed with South Carolina.
Beamer reflected on the process with a grin: “Like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused, it’s just patience, patience.”
What’s Next?
With a strong recruiting class, the Gamecocks are poised to elevate their receiving game in 2025. Whether it’s Furrey’s recruiting magic or Beamer’s vision, South Carolina is clearly building for sustained success.
Stay tuned for Donovan Murph’s January 2 decision—Gamecock fans are hoping to cap off an already stellar class.
