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Gamecocks keeping hometown receiver Antonio Williams a top priority

South Carolina continues its pursuit of in-state receiving prospect Antonio Williams.

“Every day,” Williams said Friday night on how often he hears from Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff has made the Dutch Fork High School receiver a priority since Shane Beamer took over in December. USC is thin at receiver and needs playmakers at the position.

Williams is a four-star prospect and is ranked 22th overall nationally at the position by 247Sports Composite

USC is one of his Williams’ final six schools he is considering. He took his official visit to South Carolina for the Kentucky game last month.

“They showed me how much they want me,” Williams said last month of the visit.

Williams’ other top schools are Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Notre Dame and Florida State.

He had planned to go to Ole Miss for an official visit this weekend but canceled the trip. With Ole Miss having a 2:30 p.m. kick time against LSU on Saturday, his mother said that it made it hard to get there on time. The family will try to reschedule a visit when there’s a night game, possibly against Texas A&M on Nov. 13 if it’s a late kick.

Williams plans to visit Auburn for the Alabama game on Nov. 27. Former South Carolina assistant coach and current Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was at Friday night’s Dutch Fork game against Lexington.

“I scheduled the official to Auburn for later. If I make a decision before then, I will still take that visit,” Williams said.

When asked if he might announce his commitment next month, Williams replied, “Maybe.”

Texas is the latest school to show interest and offered him this past week. Williams’ mother didn’t rule out a possible visit there.

“That is a huge honor. Texas is a great program. I am very blessed to receive it. It is still the six (schools) but Texas offered and that means something,” Williams said.

Clemson is still showing interest and Williams said he hears receivers coach Tyler Grisham quite a bit. Williams took an unofficial visit to Clemson over the summer and was in Charlotte for the Tigers and Georgia game.

Williams also went to several Clemson games as a kid when the family lived in the Upstate.

The first day of the early signing period is for Dec. 15. Williams won’t enroll midyear no matter what college he picks because of his class schedule at Dutch Fork. He said he plans to play on the basketball team once his football season is complete.

Williams is having a career-best season for Dutch Fork, which is looking for its sixth straight Class 5A championship. On Friday, he had 10 catches for 169 yards and has 48 receptions for 993 yards and 11 touchdowns this year in eight games.

Williams finished the regular season with 1,653 all-purpose yards. Dutch Fork is off until it begins the playoffs on Nov. 5.

The senior had a busy week this past week. He was picked for Touchstone Energy All-Star game, received his Under Armour All-American Game jersey and took part in senior night festivities Friday as he is entering the final few months of his high school football career.

“It was senior night but I know it wasn’t the last time me, playing here. We got playoffs. Had a great night,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to playing against some better competition in the playoffs. Stands will be packed and fans screaming. Hopefully, we can make some big plays and go all the way.”