Dexter Wideman inches closer toward becoming academically eligible

Four-star defensive line signee Dexter Wideman is one step closer to becoming academically eligible to enroll at South Carolina this summer, according to a report by Phil Kornblut. Wideman's Saluda (S.C.) High School coach Stewart Young, Kornblut's source on this story, hedges his optimism by reminding us that official word on Wideman's eligibility will not come until the summer.

Wideman could need to take summer school courses in order to help improve his GPA, and it could be as late as July before Gamecock fans know whether or not Wideman will be a part of the 2014 freshman class. If he does not qualify, South Carolina plans to place him at Georgia Military Junior College.

Well before he flipped to the Gamecocks on signing day, South Carolina coaches were well aware Wideman had some work to do in the classroom. Still, with question marks facing the defensive line heading into spring practice and continuing into the fall, they hope that Wideman will be on campus this August competing for a spot in the defensive end rotation.