Heathwood standout CB Onis Konanbanny reacts to South Carolina offer
Columbia (S.C.) Heathwood Hall class of 2025 four-star cornerback Onis Konanbanny initially named a Top 10 at the turn of the calendar year that did not include South Carolina as the Gamecocks had not yet offered — that last part changed last week when Torrian Gray offered the top cornerback in the state.
“It was good, it was great,” Konanbanny told GamecockCentral. “Because I know that’s probably one of the hardest ones to get, being an in-state kid. Well, playing – not even in-state, but playing in-state. But, yeah, I was relieved. It was cool, just to know I could stay at home, stay right here and have all my guys still here and then see – go to school just up there and just still be around the family.”
Konanbanny transferred to Heathwood last year from Rabun-Gap Nacoochee in Rabun Gap, Ga., and instantly became one of the top prospects in the Palmetto State.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pounder attended two South Carolina games in 2023, watching the Gamecocks host Furman and Florida.
“The atmosphere,” he said of what stood out. “I think they’ve got one of the best fan bases in college football, for sure. They’ve got one of the best – the game, the atmosphere was crazy. Playing in that atmosphere, playing in that stadium, you probably get chills. I got chills when I was there. But, yeah, they go one of the biggest – one of the best fan bases in college football, for sure.”
Konanbanny visited Miami a couple of weeks ago after visiting Tennessee, North Carolina, Cincinnati, and South Carolina during the season.
This spring he says he’s going to visit many of the schools that have been in contact with him. He says the Gamecocks will get a visit.
Konanbanny currently has one official visit locked in, to North Carolina, for what he believes is the June 7 weekend.
“I think I’ll probably take all my OVs when you’re allowed to take OVs and then that summer, before I get into my senior year to the season, probably make a decision,” he said. “But I’m not (locked in to that) – that’s just how I imagine it. It might not go that way, but that’s just how I imagine it.”
Konanbanny’s Top 10 that he released at the beginning of the year consisted of Florida State, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and Southern Cal.
Since then, South Carolina has offered and Miami has also heavily entered the picture.
“Relationships, one,” Konanbanny said of the important factors in his decision. “Somewhere that I fit. Somewhere I fit their scheme. I prefer somewhere where after football, I’m straight for life. Like, I’m good for life with that degree and somewhere that can teach me to be a man and grow up. Because I know football’s going to end, so what after football ends, what do I have added to my bag and what not?”
