David Segarra, one of the top running back prospects in the 2027 recruiting class, is set to make an official visit to South Carolina this June - and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing for Gamecock fans. The visit is scheduled for the weekend of June 19, which just so happens to be a marquee weekend for South Carolina’s recruiting efforts, with several top-tier offensive line targets also making the trip to Columbia.
Joining Segarra on campus that weekend will be Maxwell Hiller (Coatesville, Pa.), Junior Saunders (Woodberry Forest, Va.), and Brady Hull (Somerset, Ky.) - all high-priority offensive linemen for the Gamecocks in the 2027 cycle. In total, seven prospects from the class have announced plans to visit that weekend, signaling a major recruiting push from Shane Beamer’s staff.
Before that, Segarra is expected to be in Columbia this Saturday for Junior Day, giving the Gamecocks an early chance to make a strong impression before the official visit window opens.
Let’s talk about why this matters. Segarra isn’t just another name on the board - he’s a top-five running back in the country, according to 247Sports, and sits at No. 2 overall in the state of South Carolina, regardless of position. Nationally, he’s ranked No. 109 overall, and his offer list reads like a who’s who of college football powerhouses: Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Michigan, and Tennessee have all extended offers.
In a December interview, Segarra laid out his recruiting timeline and what he’s looking for in a program. He plans to take his official visits, narrow his list of schools in January, and make a commitment before the start of his senior season. That means the clock is ticking for programs hoping to land him, and June could be a pivotal month in his recruitment.
As for what will guide his decision? Segarra’s focus is refreshingly grounded.
He’s looking for a coach with a proven track record of developing running backs, a strong support system within the football facility, and a meaningful academic experience. He also values proximity - or at least accessibility - for his family to attend games.
“The first thing for me is a coach who can develop running backs,” Segarra said. “The people in the facilities is a big thing for me.
The education - is my degree going to mean anything when I graduate? Do they have a history of people graduating in their program?
The final thing is I want people in my family to be able to come see me play. I don’t want to be too, too far away.
Or if I am far away, I want a definite way that they can come watch my games.”
That’s a thoughtful approach from a player who’s already proven he can produce at a high level. Through 27 career high school games, Segarra has racked up 2,834 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
He’s also a threat in the passing game, with 50 receptions for 546 yards and eight more scores. That kind of dual-threat production makes him a fit for just about any offensive scheme - and a priority for any staff looking to build around a versatile, high-upside back.
South Carolina will get its chance to roll out the red carpet - twice - in the coming months. And with Segarra’s decision timeline moving quickly, those visits could go a long way in determining where one of the nation’s top backs ends up.