In a major development for their recruiting efforts, South Carolina’s baseball coach Paul and his staff have successfully landed a commitment from a talented infielder.
The player, Gavin Byrd, is a class of 2026 prospect hailing from Lakeland, Florida. He has primarily played shortstop, second base, and third base throughout his high school career.
Byrd, a right-handed hitter and thrower, will officially join the Gamecocks after completing two more years of high school.
As a player, Byrd showcases impressive athleticism and a smooth glove, making him well-suited for middle infield positions at the collegiate level. His physical build also suggests potential for added size and strength, which could enhance his power-hitting capabilities at first or third base.
Over the past couple of years, Byrd’s arm strength has seen notable improvement. Additionally, his speed on the bases is developing, giving him the ability to steal bases and take extra ones while the ball is in play.
On offense, Byrd possesses the tools to become a significant contributor in college. His batting technique features a clean swing and quick hands, allowing him to make contact even on less-than-perfect swings.
His combination of size and agility positions him well for future power potential as he matures.
Byrd is now part of a growing 2026 recruiting class for South Carolina, which includes six commitments overall. He is the third commitment from outside the state.
Alongside Byrd, the class features pitchers Aaron Dierks and Walker Cox, as well as infielders Jackson Robinson and Parker McGee, and outfielder Cameron Jackson.
Overall, Byrd’s commitment is a significant boost to the Gamecocks’ recruiting efforts and adds depth to their infield for the future.
The coaching staff will be excited to see how Byrd continues to develop in the coming years as he prepares for the collegiate level.