2007 Recruiting class No. 7: South Carolina

All is well in Columbia, SC these days as Steve Spurrier continues his turnaround of a program once buried at the bottom of the SEC. Spurrier took a big step towards the future of Gamecock football on Signing Day as he raked in what many are calling the finest recruiting class in South Carolina history.

He filled glaring needs on the depth chart by signing seven defensive linemen, seven wide receivers and seven defensive backs. Spurrier leaned heavy on his Florida roots, going back to the Sunshine State and inking 11 players including standouts like QB Stephen Garcia, WR Matt Clements, CB Jamire Williams and CB Akeem Auguste.

Even with the heavy focus on Florida, the Carolinas were still good to the Gamecocks sending All-American caliber talent like Cheraw DE Cliff Matthews to Columbia.

Standout Player: Cliff Matthews, DE, Cheraw, S.C.

Few defensive ends on the high school level possess the sheer athletic ability of Cliff Matthews. The 6'5'' 230 pounder has run the forty in under 4.7 seconds and moves like a linebacker. His performance in one on one pass rushing drills on the summer camp circuit turned him into one of the most coveted defenders in the country. Spurrier won a hotly contested recruiting battle with Georgia to convince Matthews to stay home and help build the Gamecock program. He should be a staple on their defensive line for many years to come.

Sleeper: Pat DiMarco, ATH, Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Pat DiMarco is a great athlete who could play any number of positions on the next level including tight end, linebacker or defensive end. The nephew of PGA Tour golfer Chris DiMarco, Pat is an extremely hard working player with a high motor. He helped Lake Brantley High School to the 6A State Championship this season by racking up 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and 68 tackles during their regular season run to the playoffs.

Complete list of signees
1.    Olufemi "Ladi" Ajiboye     DT
2.    Antonio Allen                     DB
3.    Akeem Auguste                 DB
4.    Eric Baker                           RB
5.    Jason Barnes                    WR
6.    Mark Barnes                      DB/WR
7.    Michael Bowman              WR
8.    Matt Clements                   WR
9.    Chris Culliver                    WR
10.    Patrick DiMarco              FB
11.    Larry Freeman                WR
12.    Stephen Garcia              QB
13.    Clifton Geathers             DL/OL
14.    Joseph Hills                    WR
15.    Melvin Ingram                 LB
16.    Dion LeCorn                   WR
17.    Brian Maddox                 RB
18.    Cliff Matthews                 DE
19.    Byron McKnight              DE
20.    Donte'e Nicholls             DT
21.    Kyle Nunn                       OL
22.    Sam Pope                       DB
23.    Quintin Richardson       OL
24.    Travian Robertson        DE
25.    Weslye Saunders          TE
26.    Arkee Smith                    DB
27.    Addison Williams           DB
28.    Jamire Williams             DB
29.    Jonathan Williams         DT
30    Mat Williams                    TE
31.    Alonzo Winfield             LB

MSL Sports is a nationally recognized scouting and recruiting organization serving both universities, athletes and media organizations. MSL is the only company to provide, through our 13 combines, the Video on Demand technology that allows coaches to view individual combine workouts online. In addition, MSL is the creators of the East Meets West High School All-American Game football game as well as many other sports media properties. To learn more or to register for an event, please visit www.mslcombines.com