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True freshman Brandon McIlwain might be the favorite to win South Carolina’s starting quarterback position this summer in Year 1 of the Will Muschamp era. While the Gamecocks are certainly high on his football skills, they might also have a rising star on the way when it comes to the baseball field.
On Tuesday evening, McIlwain recorded his first hit and RBI against The Citadel, helping No. 10 South Carolina improve to 39-13 on the season with an impressive 16-4 win.
Brandon McIlwain (@Mc11wain) with his first career hit and RBI with a single to left in the 8th. USC leads 16-4. pic.twitter.com/BWwr5QGjnH
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) May 18, 2016
McIlwain was the No. 16 baseball prospect in the nation before he enrolled early with the Gamecocks this past winter. An outfielder with exceptional speed, MaxPreps says that he recorded a .433 batting average with 25 RBI and five home runs during the 2014-15 season and finished with a .914 fielding percentage.
Chad Holbrook says Brandon McIlwain can still help USC down the road this season- came close to starting him tonight. Impressive in BP.
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) May 18, 2016
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Chad Holbrook on Brandon McIlwain "If he had consistent at bats I think he'd be one of our better hitters."
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) May 18, 2016
It’s to be determined whether McIlwain has an immediate impact on the gridiron, but his resume suggests that he will. He was dubbed the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback from the 2016 recruiting class (247Sports) after an incredible high school career, and put that on full display during South Carolina’s recent spring game.
McIlwain seems to have a bright future in Columbia.
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
