Gamecock makes it to the top list of athletic tight end candidates

South Carolina football currently boasts a national top-five recruiting class for the 2026 cycle, as it is one of only four programs with at least three commitments in this class. Four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth and four-star linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. are both top-100 prospects in America, and offensive lineman Anthony Baxter is the type of player poised to surpass his modest rating.

In the last month, several other 26-year-olds have had good things to say about South Carolina's football program. Recently, an interesting tight end prospect from Pennsylvania State named the Gamecocks one of his favorite schools.

Athletic pass-catcher Carter Bashir listed the South Carolina Gamecocks, Miami Hurricanes, Syracuse Orange, Virginia Tech Hokies, Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils and Charlotte 49ers as his top seven schools at this point in his recruitment. Bashir's list consists of all seven Division I schools that have offered him so far.

As a player, Bashir is a powerful athlete who is a weapon on jump balls, especially in the red zone. He is a good jumper, but more than that, Bashir is adept at positioning his body to “box” defensive defenders.

Bashir is primarily used as a tight end and is a willing blocker. He's far from a street performer at the point of attack, but his willingness to perform solidly as a blocker will greatly aid his development in that part of his game.

With experience as an inline tight end, a wide receiver, a slot tight end and even an H-back, Bashir was used throughout his offense at Neumann Goretti High School. The Gamecocks move their tight ends around a lot, so versatility would be a good fit in Columbia.

Bashir also played some defensive end in high school, but is rated as a tight end by major recruiting services.

You can watch part of his film here.