Star S.C. WR OrTre Smith commits to South Carolina|USC Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

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The top player in the state spurns Clemson and is headed for Columbia.

The Gamecocks picked up a major in-state target this evening. OrTre Smith, ranked as the top player in South Carolina, committed to Will Muschamp and USC this evening. The 6’4”, 210-pound wideout becomes the program’s 22nd commit in the class of 2017 and is its third highest-ranked player according to 247Sports’ composite rankings (behind Jamyest Williams and MJ Webb).

Smith was one of the biggest targets on Muschamp’s radar since becoming South Carolina’s head coach. Muschamp rolled out the red carpet during the senior’s visit back in June and had been in frequent contact with him throughout the recruiting process. Now, with the wide receiver in the fold, the Gamecocks’ coach has taken a big step in establishing South Carolina as a destination over Clemson for up-and-coming recruits, especially within the state’s borders.

Last year, Smith rewrote the Wando High record books as he set the school’s record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns (84 grabs, 1,319 yards, 16 scores). He is likely one of the final remaining major targets for the Gamecocks in the 2017 cycle as Muschamp and the staff look to finish out the class and begin working aggressively on 2018 recruits. With a player like Smith now on board, South Carolina will certainly be top of mind for some other in-state stars, namely elite end Xavier Thomas and quarterback Dakereon Joyner.