South Carolina got quite a holiday present Monday when 247Sports Composite 4-star RB MarShawn Lloyd committed to the Gamecocks.
Lloyd is the sixth-best running back in the 2020 class and as the top-ranked South Carolina commitment, boosts the Gamecocks’ class to No. 17 nationally.
Assuming he keeps his commitment, Lloyd will be the highest-ranked running back to sign with the Gamecocks since Marcus Lattimore.
Georgia, Clemson, Maryland and Penn State are among the programs competing for his signature on signing day.
The Delaware native announced his commitment in a YouTube video Monday afternoon.
South Carolina should give Lloyd the opportunity to get carries immediately, and maybe even compete for a starting role.
At schools like Georgia and Clemson, he’d probably get slotted far down the depth chart as a true freshman and may have to wait years for a prominent role.
According to The Big Spur, Lloyd would be South Carolina’s fourth-highest ranked signee of the recruiting rankings era, behind only Jadeveon Clowney, Lattimore and Zacch Pickens.
Currently, there are 26 5-star players in the 2020 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Lloyd currently ranks 28th, so it would not be a surprise if he gets classified as a 5-star player by National Signing Day.
South Carolina also holds a commitment from Luke Doty, the third-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 class.
That’s good news for coach Will Muschamp, who has a track record of recruiting higher-caliber players on defense.