South Carolina caps off LB class with Havelock standout

Havelock (N.C.) High School was kind to South Carolina during the Steve Spurrier era and the Gamecocks have once again tapped into the talent-rich Eastern North Carolina territory with its newest addition to the 2025 class.

Rams three-star linebacker Donovan Darden announced a pledge to the Gamecocks today, reigniting the pipeline that saw South Carolina land future NFLers Pharoh Cooper and Corey Robinson over a decade ago.

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The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Darden emerged as a priority target for the Gamecocks in April when he landed an offer while in Columbia for the spring game.

Darden, who was recruited by defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Clayton White, chose South Carolina over offers from N.C. State, Pitt, Illinois, West Virginia, and Missouri. N.C. State was considered Carolina’s biggest competition.

Darden has not yet been ranked by On3 but is considered a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals. 247Sports ranks him the No. 43 linebacker in the country.

He had 46 tackles including 9 TFLs and a sack as a junior, according to MaxPreps.

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Darden is the 19th public commitment in the Gamecocks class of 2025.

He is also the fifth linebacker pledge, joining Snellville (Ga.) South Gwinnett three-star Jaiden Braker, Blackville (S.C.) Blackville-Hilda three-star Jaquel Holman, Buford (Ga.) three-star AJ Holloway, and Henderson (N.C.) Vance County three-star Taeshawn Alston in the class.

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