Without question, the top player in the 2016 class for South Carolina is four-star verbal commit Brandon McIlwain, a possible program-changing quarterback for the Gamecocks who will impact Steve Spurrier’s future in Columbia.

McIlwain’s on-field talent is obvious as the recently-crowned Elite 11 Semifinals MVP, but his influence on other potential signees is invaluable to the influx of talent the Gamecocks are hoping to bring in on National Signing Day.

Much like former ambassadors Stephon Gilmore and Marcus Lattimore, McIlwain’s stature in the spotlight is welcoming to others, the type of headliner who can actively recruit others — at team camps and on the national circuit — to join forces as future Gamecocks.

Over the last month, McIlwain’s become an extension of South Carolina’s coaching staff and played a major role in the Gamecocks landing four commits following the HBC’s media tirade:

Ranked near the bottom of the SEC with five commits entering July, the Gamecocks have received a league-leading eight verbals over the last 20 days to leap 30 spots in 247Sports’ national recruiting rankings.

Since committing on New Year’s Eve, McIlwain’s active social media presence has given South Carolina positive pub and exposure, much-needed with so many ‘enemies’ according to the Head Ball Coach.

McIlwain’s chatter doesn’t end with players on offense. He recently tweeted at four-star linebacker Vosean Joseph, a 2016 Gators commit, after the Florida native gave him a shout out.

On Saturday, Joseph posted a photo of his official offer letter from the Gamecocks.

When he signs, McIlwain will be the highest-rated quarterback Spurrier has welcomed to the Garnet & Black. Considering the Gamecocks’ current situation at the position, he’ll be an immediate impact candidate under center and perhaps the spark needed to compete for an SEC Championship.

In college football, it takes one superstar to reverse fortune and McIlwain has the ability.

And he’s expected to bring others with him.