South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer has secured commitments from three top in-state recruits in just two days, highlighted by a four-star receiver who switched from Florida State.
A 6-foot-1, 170-pound receiver from Rock Hill, announced his commitment to the Gamecocks on Saturday after decommitting from FSU. On the same day, tight end Jamel Howse, measuring 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, also committed to USC, following the Friday commitment of receiver Jordon Gidron.
He had been considering South Carolina for some time, making his July commitment to Florida State a surprise, especially with North Carolina and N.C. State as other finalists. However, he changed his mind on Tuesday, deciding to decommit from the Seminoles.
Clark’s connection with the Gamecocks dates back to 2023, when he attended a spring visit, participated in a summer 7-on-7 event, and returned for games during the season. He was present for the spring game last April and made an official visit the first weekend in June, as well as attending the Akron game last month. He planned to be at Williams-Brice Stadium for the Ole Miss game today.
Earlier this year, Clark mentioned that Beamer’s approach during the recruiting process really resonated with him.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m talking to a big-time coach, just feels like you’re talking to a normal coach,” Clark said. “I like the coaching staff. I like the people who are around at South Carolina off the field. I like the school. They make me feel like they really want me. I like the family feel and I like the organization.”
Clark was the first receiver that USC’s former receivers coach James Coley offered when he joined the staff last December. After Coley departed for Georgia, Mike Furrey, the new receivers coach, ramped up the recruitment efforts for Clark, maintaining strong communication even after Clark’s summer commitment to Florida State.
Through six games this season, Clark has recorded 38 catches for 480 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, he tallied 46 catches for 800 yards and nine scores.
Howse opted for the Gamecocks over offers from Virginia Tech, Louisville, West Virginia, Cincinnati, UCF, South Florida, Liberty, and Coastal Carolina.
USC was Howse’s fifth major offer last October. He has made several visits, including a junior day in January, the spring game in April, and games against ODU and LSU this season, although he did not attend Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.
“I talked to my parents and I really wanted to get it over with,” Howse said Saturday afternoon. “I feel like Carolina is home. That’s not really going to change. I’ve been thinking for a long time.”
Howse added that several factors played into his decision.
“The coaches. It’s close to home. The fan base is amazing. That’s was attracted me a lot,” he said.
As a sophomore, Howse recorded 36 catches for 789 yards and nine touchdowns. A versatile tight end, he noted that USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott detailed how he would be utilized in the Gamecocks’ offensive scheme.
“I like how Coach Elliott told me I can really do anything,” Howse said. “He can split me out wide, bring me down, motion me. I’m cool with all that. I can do it all.”
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