Gamecocks Secure Commitment From Terrific Safety

© David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Consensus four-star safety Kendall Daniels Jr. from Norfolk, Va., has committed to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Per On3's industry rating, Daniels is the No. 25 safety in the 2025 recruiting class. Daniels chose South Carolina over Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and other top programs.

Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is the member of coach Shane Beamer's staff who was primarily responsible for Daniels' recruitment.

Kendall Daniels Jr.

Daniels is 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds. He is a versatile defender and elite special teams player. On defense at the prep level, he has lined up as a deep safety, a linebacker and an edge rusher. In the words of 247Sports, he is a "[t]one-setting hitter who flies downhill hunting for impact." He "[f]its the profile of a modern hybrid safety/linebacker." During his junior season, he helped lead Maury High School to a 15-0 record and the championship of Class 5 in the Virginia High School League. In light of his versatility and athleticism, Daniels also played on offense. However, his specialty is defense, and he has demonstrated excellent ball skills after snagging interceptions. As a dominant defender, he helped his high school team outscore opponents last year 864-152.

Gamecocks Recruiting

Daniels is the ninth four-star recruit in South Carolina's 2025 class. Here is a list of the eight four-star recruits that Daniels joins:

• Lex Cyrus, wide receiver

• Brian Rowe, wide receiver

• Shed Sarratt, interior offensive lineman

• Jaquavious Dodd, edge rusher

• Jaquel Holeman, linebacker

• Caleb Williams, defensive lineman

• Anthony Addison, edge rusher

• Damarcus Leach, safety

Before landing Daniels, the Gamecocks' 2025 class was rated No. 27 in the nation and No. 12 in the Southeastern Conference.

Gamecocks fans are hoping early August will continue being kind to them, as consensus four-star IOL Jaylen Gilchrist is predicted to announce his commitment to South Carolina on Aug. 3. With Daniels and Gilchrist both in the fold, the Gamecocks class will likely move back into the top 25.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the South Carolina Gamecocks and other exciting college football news.