By Garrett Mitchell, Contributing Writer
Former Woodruff defensive back Marcellas Dial has made his commitment to the University of South Carolina.
Dial, who graduated from Woodruff High School in 2019, played one year for Georgia Military Junior College where he shined in the defensive backfield and caught the eye of Muschamp and the Gamecocks.
A three-year starter for the Wolverines, Dial played primarily at the defensive back position and occasionally on offense as a wide receiver. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, he looks to provide an athletic and physical presence to the Gamecocks’ defense.
“I see myself fitting in great with the defense at South Carolina,” said Dial. “They are hard workers and that’s what I like to do the most. “I’m a long, strong, fast, and athletic corner and can play any position in the secondary. I can make plays from anywhere on the field.”
Woodruff head football coach Bradley Adams, who coached Dial in his first year at the Wolverines’ helm, knows South Carolina is getting a talented football player.
“When we started coaching at Woodruff two years ago, we noticed his length, speed, hip turning ability, cover skills, and his thick lower half of his body,” Adams said of Dial. “He passed the eye test very quickly for being labeled as a possible elite athlete. One of his greatest attributes is his ability to take coaching. He takes coaching extremely well and listens to what his coaches ask him to do. He did that with us at Woodruff and he has continued to do it at Georgia Military. We are looking forward to continuing to watch him grow and reach his dreams.”
During his senior season with the Wolverines in 2018, Dial helped lead Woodruff to an 8-3 record, anchoring a stout defense with multiple interceptions and pass breakups. He will now look to help revamp a Gamecocks secondary that looks to emerge as one of the elite units in the SEC.
“It was just me wanting to play at home for a school I watched and rooted for every Saturday,” Dial added. “Playing for South Carolina has been my dream every single I started playing youth football.”
Adams adds that he is proud of Dial’s accomplishments and expects big things from his former player.
“Our football program and our school are very proud of the success of Marcellas,” he said. “He is not only a talented athlete, he is a person with a very strong work ethic, determined, and willing to take advice from others to help him grow.”
Photo Caption: Marcellas Dial during his time on the Wolverine field, wearing #6.
Author: Tracy Sanders
