South Carolina football recruiting: Jamyest Williams wooing Xavier Thomas, Clemson pledge AJ Terrell

Yesterday, SB Nation recruiting analyst Bud Elliott wrote about the importance of the Gamecocks having a player like Jamyest Williams in the fold. Bud specifically mentioned the fact that Williams would prove to be an invaluable recruiter for the program as he could cause many high-level prospects to give South Carolina a close look.

(Williams’) reputation among other recruits might be even higher than his lofty rating. Other recruits are going to take note that a player they consider to be a true elite took a chance on the Gamecocks. While South Carolina is not expected to have a good season on the field, Williams’ infectious personality might turn him into the Gamecocks’ most valuable recruiter this cycle, especially in his home state of Georgia.

The Grayson (Ga.) star is already going to work, and one player in his sights plays not too far from him: Atlanta Westlake’s AJ Terrell. Terrell, a four-star cornerback and the #8 player at his position according to 247Sports, committed to Clemson a couple of weeks ago. But Williams is trying to get him to change his mind - and bring others along with him.

Williams said the first thing he aims to do is bring more big-time players like him to Columbia. His first target will be four-star Westlake cornerback A.J. Terrell.

“I am going to flip AJ to South Carolina,” Williams said.

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‘I am then going to dig deep and find some players who are under-the-radar who are still top-notch and are real dogs,” Williams said. “I can find some dogs. I know what those guys look like on the field.”

One big-time Gamecocks target set to make his decision in the spring took notice of Williams’ pledge. That’s elite 2018 Florence (S.C.) Wilson defensive end Xavier Thomas.

Williams responded:

There’s likely more where this came from. If Will Muschamp and his staff can continue this positive momentum over the next few months (getting OrTre Smith on September 11 would be very ideal), they will have the pieces in place to compete in the SEC East very soon.