LIVE RECRUITING UPDATE: Landon Duckworth Talks South Carolina, Latest Offers
ATLANTA, GA – Former South Carolina quarterback commit Landon Duckworth is nearing the final stretch of his recruitment, and plenty has changed since he decommitted from the Gamecocks last June.
The Jackson, Alabama standout originally pledged to Shane Beamer’s program early on but backed off his commitment as shifts unfolded within the program. Now, with Coach Beamer securing a contract extension and LaNorris Sellers proving his potential at quarterback, the landscape at South Carolina looks different.
We caught up with Duckworth at the Under Armour Next Series in Atlanta to get the latest on where things stand between him and the Gamecocks.
Duckworth on Changes at South Carolina
“You know, Coach Loggains has left, but Coach Beamer is still there, so it’s all good. We have a really good relationship,” Duckworth said.
He also spoke highly of new quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, who has been making an effort to build that connection.
“I’ve had a relationship with Coach Shula for a while, too. He came down to my school a couple of times, and he met me and my mom in Mobile for dinner.”
What Duckworth Expects from Mike Shula’s Offense
With Shula now running the offense, Duckworth is curious about how things will unfold but acknowledges Shula’s coaching pedigree.
“I think it really depends,” he said. “You know, he coached Cam Newton for a long time, and I think his dad was a really good coach as well. They are depending on him for sure.”
The Message from South Carolina’s Staff
Despite his decommitment, Duckworth remains in constant contact with the Gamecocks’ coaching staff.
“We talk a lot—me, Coach Shula, and Coach Beamer,” he said. “But I talk to all the staff. Even the new guys that just got hired. It’s been really the same message—they just want me. They tell me all the time.”
Who Else Is Prioritizing Duckworth?
While South Carolina remains in the picture, several other Power Five programs are making their push for Duckworth.
“Florida State. Missouri—I like Missouri. North Carolina and Georgia,” he listed among the schools prioritizing him.
Final Thoughts
As Duckworth nears his decision, the Gamecocks remain in contention, but he has no shortage of options. With Mike Shula now shaping South Carolina’s offense, the next few months will be critical in determining if Duckworth finds his way back to Columbia—or if another program will land the talented quarterback.
Stay tuned—this recruitment battle is far from over.
