Samari “Smoke” Matthews, a four-star cornerback from Cornelius, North Carolina, has been building a relationship with South Carolina’s football program since his freshman year. That bond was reaffirmed during his official visit to Columbia from June 20–22, 2025. This wasn’t just another trip — it was a culminating moment in a years‑long engagement that left Samari with a profound sense of belonging.
He shared, “South Carolina is definitely a top dawg. I get the family feel every time I visit, and I’ve been a priority for them since I was a freshman”. Add to that his comment in April: “It feels like my second family” — and his emotional ties jump off the page. It wasn’t only what he saw, but how he felt every time he stepped onto campus.
When Samari returned to campus in June 2025, the Gamecocks made it clear — College of Charleston-style charm wasn’t just for the brochures. From consistent small gestures — meals with staff, guided campus tours by current players, and one-on-one conversations with coaches — the visit was curated to feel personal.
On Rivals, he noted: “They make every visit feel like home even in the smallest ways” . That sentiment was echoed across multiple media outlets, reinforcing the narrative that Columbia isn’t a mere formality stop, but a genuine home away from home.
Particularly striking for Matthews were the game-day visits. He’s attended packed arenas — whether during the rivalry games or energetic non-conference matchups. One report pointed to big-game environments — LSU, Ole Miss, Missouri — as showcasing the intensity and loyalty of Gamecock NationThese weren’t fleeting impressions; they were deep vibrational reminders of what life as a Gamecock would feel like every Saturday.
What stands out in Samari’s testimony is the consistency. It wasn’t occasional outreach — it was daily, weekly, monthly. From freshman year forward, South Carolina’s staff stayed patient, steady, and present. Shane Beamer (head coach) and Torrian Gray (defensive backs coach) were described as pillars in his recruitment, forging bonds not just on the field, but off.
From On3: “They have been in contact with me probably the most. I have a great relationship with the whole staff, but especially Coach Gray and Coach Beamer”. This wasn’t heat in spring; this was warming — continuous, genuine relationship-cultivation.
Samari’s not just seeing coaching during your practice — he’s seeing mentorship. In a Rivals community thread, he said about Coach Beamer: “He’s very cool and easy to talk with… I see him trying to build something special in South Carolina” That frankness extends to Torrian Gray, who has led defensive back sessions and built trust with Matthews.
One of Samari’s clear imprints: South Carolina develops NFL talent.
From Rivals: “Being able to be coached … especially placing in the SEC. He’s work has been proven he can develop DB’s … I believe he would be a great leader for me on and off the field. That lineage — SEC coaching, NFL pathways — was critical. When Samari spoke of “things like having a relationship with my coaches on and off the field” he pointed to a long-term, transformational vision, beyond the gridiron.
While press details often focus on feelings and relationships, elite recruits like Samari also scrutinize weight rooms, film rooms, training facilities, and recovery centers. South Carolina delivered on all fronts:
- Their weight room integrates cutting-edge equipment,
- recovery areas (including pools, hydrotherapy, cryo),
- credentialed strength coaches,
- and position-specific drills led by veteran DB staff.
This infrastructure helped reinforce what Samari often spoke about: a program that lives football, a program that builds athletes and men.
Recruiting’s not just about athleticism — for Samari, “somewhere that feels like home, somewhere I feel that can help me reach my goals on and off the field”. In Columbia, he toured academic centers, met tutors, career services, and saw firsthand how student-athlete success is holistically supported. It’s one thing to fight on the field — it’s another to graduate, start a career, and give back.
By showing Matthews resources aimed at life after football — everything from degree planning to NFL prep — South Carolina signaled respect for the whole individual.
One of the most powerful parts of Samari’s visits was interaction with current Gamecocks — especially fellow DB targets Donovan Murph and J’Zavien Currence.
From SI recruiting: “Yea my guys, Donovan Murph and J’Zavien Currence”. In high-stakes recruiting, peer influence matters. Samari saw teammates mentors living the Gamecock life — practicing in Garnet and Black, on classes, sharing facility camaraderie. That peer-level validation carried weight many coaches can’t buy.
Matthews’ recruitment included prestigious schools: Clemson, Florida State, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia. Many of these programs offered flashy visits, NIL packages, and high-visibility events.
Yet his words made it clear: “Out of all the schools … they have been in contact with me probably the most” That slow-and-steady connection has meaning. From February February to April, May, June — Samari felt seen, not chased.
He described the Gamecock community and fanbase as “some if not the best fans I’ve seen” . That spiritual vibe — passionate crowds and authentic support — gave South Carolina a cultural advantage. It wasn’t hype built on NIL projections; it was Gut Check – Game Check.
“Family feel” and “second family” were recurring words in his quotes . This wasn’t a cliché — it was felt. Meals with coaches, dorm-style hangouts with players, off-campus community outreach — it all wove together a fabric of inclusion. It was not just about football. It was about relationships.
Heading into August 2025, Samari is expected to announce. June’s official visit elevated South Carolina to a serious contender. According to SI’s Arvon Bacon, Samari plans to finalize his decision by early August.
Samari is a North Carolina kid, and say-so matters. He voiced a personal mission: “I always took it disrespectful when they say [NC] is only a hoop state … we really have ballers” South Carolina’s total package — a welcoming place, strong developmental staff, SEC limelight — checks many boxes, making his decision not easily swayed by proximity.
Although South Carolina hosted him in June, he has visits to Clemson, Florida State, and Texas on the horizon. But South Carolina isn’t waiting — they continue touch points: calls, messages, text support, social media engagement — at a level he said no other school matched
Samari Matthews’ June 20–22 visit to Columbia wasn’t just a formality; it was a realization. His long-standing relationship with the staff, the warmth of campus, the high-quality facilities, individual attention, game day energy, peer community — everything reinforced his sense: This is where I belong.
At the intersection of emotional connection and professional readiness, South Carolina stands strong. They didn’t need to buy him with money or blind him with flash. Instead, they stood by, building trust and demonstrating what it means to develop elite players — and elite people.
As the summer decision nears, expect Matthews’ choice to reflect more than just promise. It will reflect authenticity: a program that has felt like home for years — a family where he’s not just a player, but a person.
Let me know if you’d like me to tighten, focus on a specific area, or drop in more quotes and media excerpts!
