Irmo (S.C.) four-star wide receiver Donovan Murph, who has visited South Carolina over 10 times, developed a strong connection with the Gamecocks during his recruitment, ultimately naming them his “top school.”
Head coach Shane Beamer and the South Carolina staff prioritized the 6-foot-1.5, 190-pound wideout, making a lasting impression. Their dedication paid off when Murph announced his commitment to the Gamecocks during the Under Armour All-America Game.
“I knew it was home because coach Beamer never stopped recruiting me,” Murph told On3. “He always showed me love and everything he said was right. Then, when Darren Uscher came from Oregon, that solidified it.”
By choosing the Gamecocks, Murph will have the opportunity to play close to home, with Irmo located just 20 minutes from South Carolina’s campus. For the No. 7 player in the state, the chance to represent the Palmetto State carries great significance.
“It means a lot,” said Murph, the No. 291 overall prospect and No. 44 wide receiver in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “I know there are a lot of people watching me and there are a lot of people in the city counting on me. My cousin, Alshon Jeffery, he was able to bring a legacy to South Carolina with Jadeveon Clowney and other players.
“He talked to me a lot about my recruitment as well. He told me that when he was making his decision, he felt the same way as me. Alshon wanted to go make a difference and change the culture. That definitely inspired me in my choice. I know that I am able to make the whole city proud, so I’m excited for that day to come and for the whole Columbia area to be proud of me.”
Murph believes South Carolina is a ‘championship-caliber program’
Jeffery recorded 3,042 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in three years at South Carolina before spending nearly 10 years in the NFL and making the 2014 Pro Bowl. In the coming months, Murph will be the next member of his extended family to suit up for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina concluded the 2024 regular season with an impressive 9-3 record, highlighted by victories over Clemson—who earned a spot in the College Football Playoff—Missouri, and Texas A&M. This strong performance has Murph eager to join the SEC program.
“I’m going to a staff with a Heisman candidate at quarterback,” Murph said. “They had a bunch of wins over ranked teams and they probably should have been in the Playoff this year. Being able to join a Playoff-caliber team and add my talent to it, it’s a blessing that they think I can add to their program.”
Murph has full confidence in Beamer’s leadership at South Carolina. Since taking over in Columbia, Beamer has guided the Gamecocks to three consecutive winning seasons, reinforcing Murph’s excitement about the program’s direction.
“I think he’s building a championship-caliber team,” Murph said. “I watch the way they practice and those guys love practicing. They love playing for coach Beamer. That’s the feeling I get from them. All the guys love being there. They love the environment.”
