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Blackville-Hilda star athlete Jaquel Holman announced his commitment to play football for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, June 8.
Jaquel is the 2023 Region 4-A Player of the Year and was named to several All-Region and All-State teams. In addition to his football success, Jaquel was the 2024 single A State Champion in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and the 4x100-meter relay.
Jaquel announced his commitment on social media saying, “I want to thank all the colleges and coaches that recruited me. The decision was not easy, as all the programs that offered me are great. After a lot of thought and talks with my parents, I am happy to announce my commitment to the University of South Carolina! #Go Cocks”.
When asked about what he likes about the Gamecocks, Jaquel said, “I love the environment and I also love the amazing coaching staff.”
Jaquel made an unofficial visit last fall, but he plans on taking an official visit during this coming season to have the full recruiting experience. South Carolina is recruiting Holman as an athlete so “they can play me wherever they need me,” said Holman. Answers like that say a lot about Jaquel and help explain why this young man is, and will continue to be, successful.
When asked about any advice he might give younger athletes that hope to play collegiate athletics, he said, “My advice to the youth is to never stop working. I say that because my recruitment started later than usual. I never gave up. Now look what happened. Always believe in God. He will make a way. I have no doubt about that.”
Blackville-Hilda head football coach Kevin Jones was asked about the commitment and said, “We are really happy for Jaquel and his opportunity to play at South Carolina. He was obviously heavily recruited and even after his commitment, several schools continue to pursue him. However, USC had been on him the longest and most consistent. Other SEC and ACC schools have thrown their hats in the ring for his services since the spring. The interesting aspect of his recruitment is that the schools have differing opinions on which side of the ball he will play on at the next level. Several like him at running back and others like him on defense. South Carolina initially liked him for defense but after seeing him recently at a 7-on-7 at their facility, they have started to seriously look at him for offense. Jaquel and his family have handled the process really well. They have asked great questions of the schools and really know what they consider important for his future.”
Holman isn’t the only Hawk getting attention. “We are very lucky to have so many kids getting looks for the next level. We are working hard to help all the young men find the best place for them to continue their education and playing careers,” said Coach Jones.
Coach Jones and the Hawks will have one last season with Holman, who was the 2023 Region 4-A Player of the Year and was named to several All-State teams. The Hawks have Holman and several other highly-skilled athletes returning to a Blackville-Hilda team that had a great season and playoff run last year. Jaquel rushed for more than 1,600 yards on 153 carries, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. He scored 26 touchdowns for Blackville-Hilda and contributed 76 tackles playing defense. This could be another very special season for the Hawks.
Before committing to South Carolina, Holman had offers from Pittsburgh, Old Dominion, Liberty, Gardner-Webb, and The Citadel. He has also had interest from several other ACC and SEC schools, but Jaquel chose to play at the school he watched and cheered for as he grew up. The same school he visited last year and the same school he went to football camp is where he will play.
Jaquel Holman will be a Gamecock in 2025. Go Gamecocks!
