Gamecocks beat out Clemson for Greenville OL Blake Franks

Shane Beamer’s historic 2024 South Carolina Gamecocks recruiting class is now even better after the addition of in-state three-star offensive lineman Blake Franks.

The Greenville product formally announced the choice during a ceremony at his high school on Friday night as the Gamecocks beat out Clemson to land his pledge.

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The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder chose USC over a substantial list of offers that included the Tigers but also programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Miami, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Penn State, Wisconsin, and numerous others.

Multiple South Carolina coaches have been heavily involved in Franks’ recruitment, including offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, who was promoted into the position this offseason.

“I love it,” Franks said of his relationship with Teasley back in January. “He is a cool guy and I know he deserved the promotion. I’m happy for him.”

Analyst Greg Adkins, director of player personnel Taylor Edwards and player personnel/recruiting assistant Sam Serbay have also played a role key role in Franks’ recruitment.

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The On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of prospect ratings from all four major recruiting services, has Franks as a three-star prospect and the seventh-best in the state of South Carolina for the 2024 class.

Franks joins fellow Palmetto State standout Kam Pringle (Woodland High) in USC’s 2024 offensive line class. The Gamecocks also continue to heavily pursue – and lead for – Dillon’s Josiah Thompson, who has an announcement slated for April 14.

Shane Beamer’s ’24 recruiting class in Columbia is currently ranked by the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings as the seventh-best in the country.

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