Gamecocks’ O-line target Oluwatosin Babalade previews July announcement

Offensive tackle Oluwatosin Babalade of Hyattsville, Maryland named his final five over the weekend of South Carolina, Rutgers, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio State. He also set July 31 for his commitment announcement.

Babalade (6-5, 296) took official visits to all five schools. He also visited USC for the spring game in April. He said his last contact with the Gamecocks’ coaches was just before July 4 when they reached out to wish him a happy holiday.

“I made the decision, but there are some things that I’ve got to really thing about, so it’s like 50-50,” Babalade said. “I’m going to do a pros and cons and see how it is. I kind of told the school, but not really yet.”

Babalade — whose nickname is Tree — added that there were a couple of things about the school he’s chosen that stood out more to him than with the other programs.

“The family part, the fans are crazy,” Babalade said. “I just want to play where I have better competition, and I feel like that might be the place.”

Babalade, who plays high school football for DeMatha Catholic, said one thing he’s sure about is that he’s happy to have the recruiting process behind him.

“I’m finally stress-free,” Babalade said. “It’s a blessing to get all these offers and meet a bunch of new people. The bad part is there’s so much stress. You’re thinking like, augh, you don’t know what to exactly do.”

And with that kind of mindset, don’t expect an elaborate commitment announcement on the 31st.

“I might just do a (social media) post and call it a day,” Babalade said.

Working in USC’s favor with Babalade is Gamecock running back MarShawn Lloyd. He also attended DeMatha Catholic — though he was a few years ahead of “Tree,” the two are friends.

Recruiting news and notes

▪ In an interview with Adam Friedman of Rivals, DE Desmond Umeozulu of Upper Marlboro, Maryland cited the USC coaches as the ones he hears from the most, and that it would make a difference in his decision. He took officials to USC, UNC, Pitt and Ohio State. He said a commitment announcement would be coming “pretty soon.”

▪ QB Dylan Lonergan of Snellville, Georgia announces his decision Tuesday with USC, Alabama and Stanford the finalists. Per his dad, no decision had been reached as of midweek. Also from his dad, some details on the announcement: “Dylan will announce with his team present at the team facility at Brookwood. Time to be confirmed as he’s working around baseball. Will be live on CBS HQ as well.”

▪ USC target WR Jaden Greathouse set July 15 for his commitment announcement.