South Carolina football recruiting: Jamyest Williams sets his decision date

A decision is around the corner for Atlanta-area cornerback Jamyest Williams. The highly-ranked cornerback, a consensus top-11 player at his position, took to Twitter to unveil when and where he’d be committing.

The Gamecocks weren’t originally thought to be a favorite to land Williams. However, in recent weeks - especially around the time of The Opening - he started to rapidly trend in their direction. It’s expected to be either South Carolina, Georgia or Clemson that ends up with him in the end.

A commitment from Williams would be Will Muschamp’s highest rated recruit since taking the reins of South Carolina. Muschamp has had a run of success when it comes to recruiting backfield players: most recently, Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted 11th overall in this year’s NFL Draft, while his fellow Gator CB, Teez Tabor, is projected to be a top five pick on many 2017 draft boards. Williams ranks a few ticks lower, but would have every opportunity to thrive under Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson’s system.

Decision dates for other key Gamecocks recruits

A.J. Terrell (2017) - The elite corner from Atlanta has the Gamecocks in his top three, along with Clemson and Florida - with no leader right now. He has mentioned September 23 as a possible date but did say that it could be "before or after" then. The Gamecocks have a home game against ECU on September 17, so any official visit to Columbia would likely fall on that Saturday.

OrTre Smith (2017) - Smith’s doing due diligence on all of his top schools - South Carolina, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. While the Gators, Bulldogs and Tar Heels make up a third of his top five, it’s almost a given that the Charleston-area WR will stay in state. Smith’s decision date is set for September 11.

M.J. Webb (2017) - The big-time end (top 10 according to 247Sports) from right outside Athens is being linked to the Gamecocks, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee right now. Georgia has also offered, but they don’t appear to be in the running. Webb will decide in November.

Dakereon Joyner (2018) - Joyner, from Charleston himself, is being wooed heavily by both South Carolina and Clemson, and it’s believed to be either of those two teams that end up with him. Joyner will decide on June 18, 2017 - Father’s Day - in honor of his late father.

Xavier Thomas (2018) - The crown jewel of the 2018 class is considered a Gamecocks lean right now due to the fact that he grew up as a fan of the team and idolizing Jadeveon Clowney. While he doesn’t want to be compared to the defensive end, he’ll be the program’s first five-star recruit since the Rock Hill native stepped onto campus. Thomas has targeted next spring as a decision date.