Four-star OL Blake Franks commits to South Carolina
South Carolina just reeled in another four-star prospect and they didn't have to go far to get him. Greenville, S.C. offensive lineman Blake Franks has announced his commitment to head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. Franks laid out all the reasons for his decision with Rivals.com.
*****
TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer portal player ranking | Transfer portal team ranking | Transfer Tracker | Message board | Team ranking FAQs
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
*****
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"I really like how close the offensive line coach has become with my high school program," Franks said. "Coach Beamer too. They've talked to my coaches a lot and I like how they're really close. Seeing how they play, it's not far off how my team plays right now. I don't think there's much change that I'll have to go through. The plays aren't that different but I'll just need to learn how they call them.
"They really sat down and tried to get to know me as a person," he said. "I feel like I know the entire staff and I feel really comfortable down there. They tried to really make it feel like home there. Any time I was there it didn't feel uncomfortable. It's not very far from my family and now they can come to pretty much every game they want to.
"The other recruits have been very vocal in my recruiting process," said Franks. "They want me to be there playing with them. I've also gotten to know them from going to South Carolina and other schools for visits. They have my phone number, Instagram, and Twitter so they've been messaging me telling me to come to South Carolina throughout this whole process. They didn't force me to do anything because this is really my decision but knowing a lot more people at the school did make me feel more comfortable making that decision."
RIVALS' REACTION
Franks is a major addition for South Carolina for multiple reasons. The in-state four-star offensive lineman was considered an early lean for Clemson. Being from their backyard and still choosing the Gamecocks is a big win for Shane Beamer's squad. With Franks and Kam Pringle onboard, South Carolina now holds commitments from two of the three four-star in-state offensive linemen. The Gamecocks are hoping to get a commitment from the third - Josiah Thompson - in a few weeks. Locking in these three prospects has been a top priority for South Carolina in their 2024 class and their just one step away now.
On the field, Franks has a chance to be a multi-year starter. He has a great frame that won't require much reshaping and he has the quickness to play multiple positions across the offensive line. Franks excels as a pass blocker, showing a good sense of timing and hand placement. As a run blocker, Franks can toss defensive linemen out of the way when the offense is running his direction. He does a good job opening holes when pulling too. Franks can play a bit too high at times but that's something he'll be able to work on at the next level.