South Carolina Snaps Cold Streak with Key Commitment from 4-Star OT Kamari Blair
After a string of recruiting disappointments, South Carolina football broke through in a big way on July 16, securing a vital commitment from one of its top targets in the 2025 class — offensive tackle Kamari Blair out of Clarksville, Tennessee.
The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Blair selected the Gamecocks over Ole Miss and Tennessee, providing a major boost to a recruiting class that had struggled in recent weeks. His pledge marks South Carolina’s first public commitment since quarterback Noah Clark on July 2, ending a frustrating run in which the Gamecocks had missed on seven of their last eight known targets, including the last four in a row.
Blair, widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the Southeast, had taken a steady interest in South Carolina since being offered earlier in the year. He made multiple trips to Columbia, signaling a serious level of mutual interest between the program and the player.
His first visit came in April during a spring practice, giving him an initial glimpse into Shane Beamer’s culture and the direction of the program. However, it was his official visit the weekend of June 6 that sealed the deal.
During that weekend, Blair and his family had a chance to spend extended time with head coach Shane Beamer and offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, both of whom left a lasting impression.
“Coach Beamer and Coach Teasley really made us feel like family,” Blair told reporters. “It wasn’t just about football — they care about who I am as a person and what I want for my future.”
The relationship-building that took place behind the scenes proved to be the difference-maker. While Tennessee and Ole Miss both made strong pushes to keep Blair closer to home, the genuine connection he felt with South Carolina’s staff and their long-term vision won out.
With Blair now in the fold, the Gamecocks add size, athleticism, and versatility to their offensive line group — a unit that has become a clear priority under Coach Beamer. Blair is expected to bring immediate depth to the tackle position and could eventually develop into a cornerstone piece up front.
The commitment not only fills a positional need, but it also helps stabilize momentum in South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting efforts, which had stalled in recent weeks. With Blair on board, the staff is hoping this marks the beginning of a recruiting rebound heading into the fall.
