South Carolina offers football scholarship to middle schooler

Recruiting at South Carolina knows no bounds.

The Gamecocks are making an early investment into the future of 14-year-old Dominick Blaylock, by offering the eighth-grader a football scholarship, according to Michael Carvell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Blaylock, who's father Mookie was an NBA All-Star in 1994, was given the offer at Saturday's Junior Day at the school. 

The 5-foot-11, 165 pounder plays running back, kick returner and quarterback at Dickerson Middle School in Cobb County.

"It felt pretty great. I was shocked that when I met the coaches, they went straight to the point with the offer. I had no words. I didn't know what to say. All I could say was, ‘Thanks, coach,'" Blaylock said.

His stepfather, John Woods, explained that the Gamecocks issued a firm offer and its the only one that's been made to Blaylock so far, who has been asked to visit Florida, Auburn and Alabama throughout the spring.

"I am happy for Dominick. I know there are more eighth-graders getting offered now. It seems like it’s happening with more eighth-graders every year. Dominick got invited to five Junior Days, so I think other offers are coming," Woods said.