South Carolina QB, running back commitments off to strong start to 2023 seasons

Lou Bezjak
·2 min read

Dante Reno made a big splash during his high school football season debut on Friday.

The South Carolina Class of 2024 quarterback commitment was 18-of-30 passing for 339 yards and three touchdowns in helping Cheshire Academy (Conn.) to a 20-14 win over Brunswick School. It was Chesire’s first game of the season. Reno is in his first year at Cheshire after playing Loomis Chaffe last year.

Reno is one of two USC quarterback commitments. Class of 2026 commit Landon Duckworth also is off to a big start to his sophomore year.

Duckworth threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 43 yards, in the Jackson (Ala.) 38-7 win over TR Miller. In three games this season, the sophomore is 39-of-59 passing for 699 yards and 10 touchdowns, and also has rushed for 141 yards and a score.

Running back commit Matthew Fuller also is putting up big numbers for Wayne County High in Georgia. Fuller has rushed for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games this season, including a pair of 200-yard-plus performances.

In the season opener, Fuller rushed for 291 yards and four touchdowns against Bradwell Institute. He is coached by Jaybo Shaw, brother of former Gamecock Hall of Fame QB Connor Shaw.

How other USC 2024 recruits are doing

Mazeo Bennett, WR, Greenville: Bennett has caught 11 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns despite missing time with a concussion.

David Bucey, WR/DB Savannah Christian (Ga.): In four games this season, Bucey has 11 catches for 153 yards, three touchdowns and also has 20 tackles.

Blake Franks, OL, Greenville: Franks was one of four Gamecock commitments picked for the 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game.

Wendall Gregory, LB, Walton (Ga.): In four games this season, Gregory has 18 tackles, seven for loss and five sacks.

Kelvin Hunter, RB/DB, West Florence: Hunter has 16 tackles, five for loss, two blocked kicks and one forced fumble. On offense, he has rushed for 167 yards and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Hunter also got picked for the 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-Star game.

Braydon Lee, DB Charles Herbert (Md.): In three games this season, Lee has three tackles.

Zy’Marion Lang, WR, Cardinal Mooney (Fla.): In four games this season, Lang has 11 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

Mason Love, K/P, Park Hill (Mo.): Love has connected on 50 and 55 yard field goals this season. The 55-yarder is a school record.

Kam Pringle, OL, Woodland: Pringle was picked for the 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star game on Sunday.

Michael Smith TE, Calvary Day (Ga.): In four games this season, Smith has caught 10 passes for 227 yards and five touchdowns.

Josiah Thompson, OL, Dillon: Offensive tackle is now a five-star recruit in latest On3 rankings released Monday. Thompson also got picked for the 2023 Shrine Bowl.