South Carolina football recruiting: Xavier Thomas returning for Missouri game

Some South Carolina recruiting news and notes for your Friday:

—Two of the Gamecocks’ defensive commits will be are set to take official visits for the game against Mizzou on Saturday. Cornerback Damarri Mathis (Lakeland (Fla.)) and JUCO linebacker Eldridge Thompson (Coffeyville (Kan.)) are set to take the game in from the sidelines when South Carolina takes on the Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Thompson was originally set to take his official visit last week, but rescheduled and will be in town this weekend instead.

—Among the uncommitted players visiting will be Xavier Thomas, who returns after a visit earlier this season for the East Carolina game. With the country’s #1 player apparently just weeks away from making a decision - he has said that he will commit at some point after his junior season - the push for his commitment will be heavy until the end. It’s expected to be a two-horse race between the Gamecocks and Clemson to get his pledge. Also visiting: running back Jaylond Williams.

—Gamecocks QB commit Jay Urich was offered by Tennessee on Tuesday, and Vols offensive coordinator Mike DeBord was in to check on him last night for Wren (S.C.)’s contest against Eastside. Urich had quite a game last night, by the way.