The University of South Carolina has landed another defender from Eastern North Carolina.

Havelock High School athlete Donovan Darden committed to the Gamecocks on Monday afternoon. According to On3, 247Sports, and Rivals, he is a 3-star prospect. The commitment comes within a month of South Carolina adding a pledge from Vance County High School edge rusher Taeshawn Alston. The Gamecocks also have a commitment from Jay M. Robinson High School wide receiver Brian Rowe.

The class of 2025 prospect is ranked as high as the No. 16 rising senior in North Carolina (by On3 and 247) and as low as the No. 30 player (by Rivals).

NC State was considered the second most likely school to land Darden, according to the On3 recruiting prediction machine. He also received offers from (in order) Charlotte, East Carolina, Old Dominion, James Madison, Marshall, UConn, Missouri, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Illinois, Michigan State, and Indiana.

Darden is listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He has a 6-foot-11 wingspan. He has played all over the field for Havelock. He started as the Rams’ quarterback last season and ended up playing some different roles. Ultimately, he threw for 140 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. On defense, Darden made 46 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss, one sack, and two interceptions.

Havelock finished the 2023 season with a 13-1 overall record and won the Big Carolina 3A/4A. The Rams fell to Northern Nash at home in the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 3A East playoffs.

Source: highschoolot.com