‘I’m just ready to commit.’ In-state star Xzavier McLeod details decision time frame

Xzavier McLeod’s recruitment appears to be nearing an end.

The Camden High School four-star defensive lineman said he could announce his college choice “within the next one to weeks” and would like to get it done before the Bulldogs start the season on Aug. 19 at home against Myrtle Beach.

“I feel like I’m just ready to commit,” McLeod told The State on Monday before practice. “I’m ready to focus on the season and get all that pressure off me.”

“.... I have just been making my rounds, seeing what I have to see before commitment day. It is going to be one to two weeks max.”

McLeod, a senior, plans to trim his down list to four schools a couple of days before his public commitment. On July 2, he had a final six schools of Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, South Carolina and Texas A&M.

McLeod also is working on the details of how he wants to make his announcement.

“Me and my coaches have been discussing. I want to make it as big as possible,” McLeod said. “It is going to be a special day and I want everyone to see where I am going to take my next step in life.”

McLeod took official visits to LSU and Texas A&M last month. He took an unofficial visit to South Carolina on Thursday and was at Georgia over the weekend.

He attended the USC visit with his mother and father. The Gamecocks were the first team to offer him after his freshman season when Will Muschamp was the head coach.

McLeod said they talked with USC coach Shane Beamer, defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey and USC assistant athletic director Chance Miller, who has overseen many of NIL-related changes within the school’s athletic department.

“We just sat down and talked about how it could be if I possibly came to South Carolina,” McLeod said. “We talked about how they are going to use me on the defensive line, how I could be a part of helping change the program around.

“I feel like that is pretty good, that I can come in and make a big impact on the program.”

If USC lands McLeod, it would continue a strong stretch for Beamer and Gamecocks staff with in-state prospects in the Class of 2023. The Gamecocks got added a pair four-star commitments this past weekend — first from Sumter defensive lineman Monteque Rhames on Saturday and then Dorman offensive lineman Markee Anderson on Sunday.

247Sports Composite ranks Anderson as the No. 2 prospect in the South Carolina, and Rhames at No. 5. McLeod is ranked No. 3.

“I know coach Beamer is doing a good job with recruiting and some other things as well,” McLeod said. “That did get my attention a little bit knowing some big-time talent is staying in the state. That will help me toward my commitment, but it won’t push me to commit there. There are a bunch of other factors that will stand out that make me commit to the school I pick.”

Some of the factors McLeod is considering include coaching staff, players and the atmosphere. He plans to enroll early at college.

McLeod has been a three-year starter for Camden. He was brought up to the varsity team as a freshman and has been a big part of the Bulldogs’ defense. Camden has played in two straight Class 3A championship games.

Last season, McLeod had 58 tackles, five sacks and team-high 21 quarterback pressures.