Where South Carolina, Clemson stand with Greenville High teammates

South Carolina’s football program has done well recruiting in-state players for the Class of 2023.

The Gamecocks have three commitments from the state so far and have their eyes set on some of the top prospects for the Class of 2024.

Dillon High offensive lineman Josiah Thompson has been at USC a few times this summer. Greenville High receiver Mazeo Bennett and offensive lineman Blake Franks are two more in-state targets with heavy South Carolina interest.

The two Red Raider teammates attended last month’s cookout at Williams-Brice Stadium. The laid-back event was a way for prospects to have fun and connect with the coaches. Events at the cookout included water-gun fights and a variety of games.

Mazeo Bennett update

“The cookout was another great experience,” Bennett said Thursday after Greenville’s scrimmage against Dutch Fork. “It was great to be with (wide receivers) coach (Justin) Stepp again. Coach Stepp was with me the whole time. Coach Beamer and all the love they have for me, they really made it feel like home.”

Bennett also paid a visit to Tennessee last week. The 247Sports Composite ranks Bennett as a four-star prospect and No. 3 in South Carolina for the Class of 2024 behind Woodland offensive lineman Kam Pringle and Dillon’s Thompson.

Bennett is coming off a big junior season in which he caught 25 passes for 661 yards and five touchdowns in helping the Red Raiders to the Class 4A Upper State championship. Since the end of last season, Bennett has seen his recruiting interest increase.

Oregon offered Bennett this past week. He’s also taken unofficial visits to Alabama, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Florida, Miami and Florida State this summer.

Bennett said he plans to be at South Carolina’s Sept. 3 opener against Georgia State and is likely to take some other visits for games.

“Been a great experience,” Bennett said of his recruitment. “Last year, I was under the radar and now I am starting to get a lot of recognition. I am just trying to be humble with it every day.

“Coaches like how I am versatile, can play inside and outside, and block for teammates — and I am just a dog on the field.”

Blake Franks update

The 6-foot-5 Franks has seen his interest increase since May when Louisville offered him. South Carolina offered on June 15. Since then, offers have come from Penn State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Alabama and Clemson.

Franks also had a fun experience at the USC cookout. It was his first visit back in Columbia since attending a camp in June.

“Got to see the coaches for the second time now, mingle with them a little bit and start to figure out where I want to go to school,” Franks said. “I still don’t know where I want to go yet. But South Carolina is definitely up there, in my opinion. I like how they treat you like family.”

Clemson also is high on Franks’ list. The Tigers offered him July 29. Franks’ former teammate Collin Sadler is a freshman lineman for the Tigers. The two trained together this summer.

“I was surprised,” Franks said of the Tigers’ offer. “I didn’t think they would offer this quickly. I thought they wanted to see some of my game film this year. But knowing that I got an offer, it is a different energy.”

Franks also took visits to Louisville, Alabama, Coastal Carolina and South Florida this summer. He ranks as the No. 5 prospect in the state by 247Sports Composite.

Franks plays offensive tackle for Greenville but also could play guard if needed. He said he plans to visit Alabama for the Ole Miss game and is likely to take other visits during this season.

Greenville offensive lineman Blake Franks
Greenville offensive lineman Blake Franks