USC is the team to beat right now for DB Pharoh Cooper (5-11 181) of Havelock, NC. “They are my number one choice,” Cooper said of the Gamecocks. “I like their coaching staff and the whole complex. And it’s SEC football.”

Cooper visited USC for a junior day last month. The Gamecocks like him as a corner. While USC is his clear favorite, he said NC State is second on his list. Those two have offered along with East Carolina. North Carolina and Alabama also are showing interest.

Cooper has also visited East Carolina, NC State, Alabama and North Carolina. He might be back to USC for a camp and a commitment then is not out of the question. “I’m still thinking it through,” he said. “If I go up there and it feels right, I may commit.” He does not have any other visits planned.

Last season Cooper had 40 tackles and 6 interceptions returning 3 for touchdowns. He also had 1300 yards receiving with 13 touchdowns and 400 yards rushing with 5 touchdowns. He also returned 6 punts for touchdowns and 1 kickoff for a score.