When Will Muschamp was hired to replace Steve Spurrier at South Carolina in early December he wasted little time putting together a strong recruiting staff led by defensive coordinator and Travaris Robinson and wide receiver coach/co-offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon.

Heading into the final days before National Signing Day, the Gamecocks are approaching a top 25 class with 24 commitments. Here are some key questions and answers about South Carolina’s 2016 recruiting efforts.

What were Muschamp’s biggest accomplishments with this class?

Muschamp faced a lot of questions and critics as his hiring was met with a lot of skepticism. His first big recruiting job was to keep quarterback Brandon McIlwain in the fold. He did that and then improved the offensive skill recruiting he built around his quarterback. Four-star wide receiver Bryan Edwards has all the looks of a future No. 1 receiver and three-star tight end Evan Hinson could be a major force after a year or two of development. In the final weekend before signing day three-star wide receiver Kiel Pollard was added to the class.

What needs do the Gamecocks have as signing day nears?

Defensive tackle is still a position Muschamp wants to add to. Three-star defensive tackle Kobe Smith is enrolled, but South Carolina hosted four-star defensive tackles Stephon Taylor and Karamo Dioubate this past week. Getting a commitment from one of the two would be huge. If the Gamecocks miss on both, they could continue to look for a late filler.

What’s the next step for Muschamp to take recruiting to the next level?

This job has gotten even more difficult in the past couple years thanks to Clemson’s ascent and recent appearance in the national championship game. South Carolina will have to fight the Tigers for every top prospect in the state while continuing to search for difference makers in Georgia and Florida. The competition in these three states is as fierce as it gets. Muschamp may also need to focus on another state — a few years ago South Carolina did very well in New Jersey behind the recruiting efforts of G.A. Mangus. I wouldn’t be surprised if South Carolina targeted the Virginia/Washington D.C. area to expand its recruiting base.