Live Update: Star RB Carsyn Baker Keeps South Carolina in Top Contention After Junior Day Visit
FAIRBURN, Ga. — Carsyn Baker, the dynamic 6-foot-2, 190-pound running back from Langston Hughes High, continues to give South Carolina a long, hard look. Having already visited the Gamecocks four times in 2024, he kicked off his 2025 visits last weekend with a stop at USC’s Junior Day—his first of at least three planned trips this year.
The red-carpet treatment began as soon as Baker arrived in Columbia, where he was personally welcomed by head coach Shane Beamer and running backs coach Marquel Blackwell.
South Carolina Making Baker Feel Like a Priority
“It was a great visit,” Baker told me. “What stood out was meeting a lot of the staff. I’m just building a relationship with Coach Blackwell, Coach Beamer, and the rest of the coaching staff. They made me feel like I’m a top player and a key piece for their 2026 recruiting class.”
And they’re backing up their words with a vision. Beamer and Blackwell took time to break down film, showing Baker exactly how he could be a major weapon in their offense.
“They laid it all out—how I fit in their scheme, how they use their backs, and how I could make them better,” Baker explained. “It was eye-opening to see how I could be explosive in their system.”
South Carolina Locks In as a Contender
If his repeated visits weren’t already a strong indicator, Baker made it clear that this latest trip only strengthened his interest in South Carolina.
“I feel really good about them,” he admitted. “They’ve definitely solidified themselves as one of my top five schools, and I’m going to keep visiting and learning more.”
That next visit is already on the books—he’ll be back for a spring practice, and an official visit is in the works.
Baker’s Recruitment Heats Up
Baker isn’t limiting his options, though. The weekend before heading to Columbia, he visited Georgia, and this Saturday, he’s set to check out Kentucky. Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops even stopped by for a visit on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Ohio State running backs coach made his way to see Baker this week, and an official visit with the Buckeyes is also planned. Clemson’s running backs coach CJ Spiller has been in contact as well, though the Tigers have yet to offer.
As for a decision? Baker is playing it smart—he’ll wrap up his official visits and announce his commitment before the start of his senior season.
Stay tuned, because this recruiting battle is just heating up!
