South Carolina in pursuit of 2018 Tennessee TE Gavin Schoenwald
The Latest: Class of 2018 three-star prospect Gavin Schoenwald has a unique recruitment and it’s already lead to plenty of unique options. After starting his career has a quarterback, Schoenwald has since shifted his focus to tight end, where programs like Tennessee and South Carolina have already extended offers. Even though some programs would still like to see him throw this spring, it’s likely Schoenwald finds a home as a pass catcher rather than a pass thrower in college. Rivals.com caught up with him to discuss his options heading into the spring.
In His Words: “South Carolina is showing me the most love right now. I talk to them the most. Coach Bentley is the running backs coach there and we keep in touch a lot. He’s Jake Bentley’s dad so he tells me how great I would be catching balls from him in that offense. I’ve talked to Coach Muschamp too.”
On his fit in the Gamecocks offense: “They have Hayden Hurst and they really feature him in the offense. He set the record for receptions for a tight end and the thing coach Bentley has really stressed to me is that we use our tight end. I went there to watch them play against Missouri and there he was every single play flexed out. That was really attractive to me.”
On the game day environment in Columbia: “Williams Brice is a huge stadium and seeing all the fans with the towels waving at the same time was really cool. It reminded me of something you see in pro sports in the playoffs but it’s every game for them. Everybody in Columbia loves Gamecock football and you know you’re going to have everyone cheering for you no matter who you’re playing.”
Rivals Reaction: Schoenwald has ideal measurables for the tight end up position and his athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect for schools. The Gamecocks have clearly done a nice job catching his attention and it will be interesting to see how things shake out when it comes time for visits in the coming months. Schoenwald is expected to visit Duke in the next few weeks and the Blue Devils will likely be his next Power Five offer.