Earlier this week, the South Carolina football program faced a setback when 4-star wide receiver Malik Clark, a Rock Hill native, committed to the Florida State Seminoles instead of staying in-state with the Gamecocks. Despite this loss, South Carolina remains optimistic with three wide receivers already committed for the class of 2025: Jayden Sellers, Brian Rowe, and Lex Cyrus.
On Friday, the Gamecocks bolstered their receiving corps with another addition. According to a report from SportsTalk’s Phil Kornblut, Ruben Jackson of Miami Dade College is enrolling at the University of South Carolina this fall as a walk-on wide receiver. Jackson, a Florida native, will join the team immediately, ahead of the 2025 recruits.
Jackson’s Journey:
Jackson’s college football journey has taken him through several programs. He began at Mississippi State before transferring to Georgia Military College, and later finished his academic requirements at Miami Dade College. Coming out of Glades Central High School in the class of 2020, Jackson was rated as a 3-star prospect.
Eligibility and Potential:
Jackson, who stands between 5’8″ and 5’11” and weighs under 180 pounds, will have up to two years of eligibility remaining. This is due to a redshirt year in 2021 and the extra year granted by the NCAA for the 2020 season due to COVID-19.
Playing Style and Impact:
As a slot receiver, Jackson brings quickness and agility to the position. While he is smaller in stature, he compensates with solid speed and quickness, making him a potential asset in providing depth to the wide receiver group. South Carolina’s receiving room experienced significant turnover this offseason, losing six players to the transfer portal and several others to graduation or the NFL. Jackson’s addition aims to address this depth issue.
Looking Ahead:
Jackson’s arrival will provide immediate support to a position group in transition. With the Gamecocks looking to rebuild their receiving corps and integrate new talent, Jackson’s experience and skills will be valuable as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Fans and coaches alike will be watching to see how he contributes to the team’s efforts on the field.
