Shane Beamer shares most underrated pickups in 2024 recruiting class
After a successful signing day, head coach Shane Beamer discussed the hidden talents he found not far from Columbia in Savannah, GA.
Michael Smith from Calvary Day School and David Bucey from Savannah Christian Prep have football history that runs deeper than both signing to play at South Carolina. The two were both on Beamer’s radar as players not getting enough attention.
“They asked me one guy not enough people are talking about and I said these guys,” Beamer said. “There’s a lot of guys I could say that about but these two players, David Bucey and Michael Smith, both from Savannah, rival high schools, David played for the state championship, Michael was a game away.”
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Both Bucey and Smith were recruited for their immense amounts of talents but also the versatility they bring to the team. Bucey played both wide receiver and safety in high school. Smith was recruited as a talented tight end with some experience at cornerback.
“Both those guys are great players that I think could honestly play on both sides of the ball if they wanted to,” Beamer said.
According to On3 Sports, Smith is ranked No. 10 amongst the class of 2024 tight ends. He is seen as a naturally coordinated player who scored 11 touchdowns for 638 yards his season year.
“He could play I think defensive end and rush the passer but he’s a really really talented tight end, just a big body with athleticism that will continue to grow,” Beamer said.
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Along with South Carolina, Smith was offered by 29 schools including SEC powerhouse Alabama and Ohio State.
“Michael is going to start out as a tight end. He’s another one that we were in his home a week or two ago and we had multiple SEC schools that were constantly calling trying to get into the house and come see him and they wouldn’t let him,” Beamer said.
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Bucey, a three star safety, received 12 offers in addition to one from South Carolina. He gained attention as a tough competitor.
“He’s a guy, also had him down there at our seven on seven camps, having a chance to just watch him compete,” Beamer said. “The more we watched his tape and spring practice videos and things like that he’s just a guy that is a competitor and was always around the ball. He’s got good athleticism and ball skills.”
