Will Muschamp is incredibly known for is his ability to recruit and get the absolute best of his players. Two diamonds in the rough that Coach Boom has already turned in to All-SEC performers for the South Carolina Gamecocks are DJ Wonnum and TJ Brunson. Both of these players exploded into their starting roles during their sophomore campaign, with Wonnum leading the SEC in tackles for loss and Brunson being second on the team in tackles, behind only Skai Moore.

South Carolina’s recruiting cycle has turned out well thus far, with it currently sitting top-20 in the country. Obviously the Gamecocks have missed out on big names such as Xavier Thomas, Channing Tindall and KJ Henry, but signing Jaycee Horn and flipping Rosendo Louis were two late bright spots. At this juncture, the defensive line is the weakest part of the class.

Two of the top three remaining targets for the Gamecocks are defensive lineman Rick Sandidge and John Mincey. Sandidge is a top-15 defensive tackle, and Mincey is one of the highest 3-star defensive ends left on the board. The last remaining target is 4-star offensive tackle Dylan Wonnum, the younger brother of DJ Wonnum. Leading up to signing day, all three of these targets are considered heavy leans towards South Carolina.

The Gamecocks do not currently have spots for all three, but wide receiver commit Ronnie Jamison is expected to sign elsewhere on Feb. 7. It’s been common knowledge for some time now that Jamison and Lamarius Benson (who decommitted earlier this week) were not expected to be part of this signing class. Assuming Bryce Thompson signs on Wednesday, then the class will be filled up on scholarship players if Sandidge, Wonnum and Mincey do indeed become Gamecocks.

Rick Sandidge, DT

The North Carolina defensive tackle has been known as one of the biggest targets for Will Muschamp for over a year now. Sandidge is considered one of the best defensive lineman in the nation, regardless of class.

From a pass-rush standpoint, Sandidge is one of the best 3-techniques I’ve seen. In The Opening finals, he would at times completely overpower guards. He does play too high at times, which can cause him to get tossed. If Sandidge can improve his technique at the next level, he should be an absolute stud wherever he goes.

Dylan Wonnum, OT

If Dylan Wonnum can produce like DJ did this year, I’d be glad to take him on the offensive line as a Gamecock. In a run-heavy offense at Tucker, Wonnum completely obliterates opposing lineman and backers. The Georgia native has the size and frame to be a great D-I offensive tackle. Wonnum has nine SEC offers, but he is heavily projected to South Carolina. The Gamecocks were also able to get the last visit in, which is usually key in landing recruits late in the cycle.

John Mincey, DE

John Mincey wasn’t considered a target for a large portion of this cycle, but he has caught fire recently. He has the size and athleticism to be a perfect 3-4 outside linebacker. From a film standpoint, he reminds of Bryson Allen-Williams. Mincey has a real 6-4 frame and the length to be an absolute stud off of the edge. He constantly set the edge for Clinch County and had no problem running down ball carriers. Landing Mincey would be a huge last-second win over Tennessee for the Gamecocks.