UNC Football Recruiting: Donell Stanley visiting South Carolina Gamecocks

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The South Carolina Gamecocks are hosting a key 2014 in-state visitor on an unofficial visit this weekend in four-star Latta offensive tackle Donell Staley. Currently focusing on the North Carolina Tar Heels, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Clemson Tigers, Stanley is one of the Gamecocks’ top targets in the 2014 class and there is plenty of mutual interest.

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In fact, South Carolina is viewed by many to be the predicted landing spot for Stanley, who is a high-end four-star prospect and arguably one of the best 50 recruits in the country. Stanley could also be one of the best five tackles in the game and is versatile enough to play at either tackle or guard at a sizeable 6’4″, 327 pounds. Regarded by many as the best recruit in South Carolina, it’s easy to see why the Tigers and the Gamecocks value Stanley so highly and are looking to secure a commitment from him.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are in a tough battle for Donell Stanley, as they are going up against the best program in the nation in Alabama as well as two huge in-state schools. One of them is an SEC school, while the other is the best program in the ACC. However, UNC certainly has a fair shot and will host Stanley later this month.

The elite tackle prospect has also received offers from East Carolina, LSU, Notre Dame, Florida, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and N.C. State. Back in September, Stanley named South Carolina the leaders in his recruitment, and he has visited the Gamecocks five times since September. His lead recruiter from South Carolina, Shawn Elliott has visited Stanley at least twice during that time span. He also took an unofficial trip to Alabama in late November.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.