Ridge View High School wide receiver Jordon Gidron made waves in South Carolina’s recruiting scene earlier this month by committing to USC and reclassifying to the 2025 class. He intends to sign in December and enroll in January to participate in offseason workouts and spring practice. However, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete is focused on recovering from a knee injury he sustained during a game on September 7. Following surgery three days later, Gidron has been diligently working to return to the field this season.
“It’s doing well,” Gidron said. “I’ve been cleared to practice and have been working hard to get back in shape. It’s still a bit tight, but I aim to be back by the playoffs at the latest. I can sprint full speed and run routes, so I’m feeling good.”
With the recruiting pressure off while he rehabs, Gidron is relieved. He had received scholarship offers from nearly every major program, and the process became overwhelming for him and his family, prompting him to make a firm decision.
“It feels great to have that behind me and focus on chasing my dreams,” he said. “I believe there’s an opportunity for me to play at every receiver position at South Carolina. There’s a good chance I can get on the field early, and the support from Coach (Mike) Furrey really convinced me.”
Choosing the Gamecocks over formidable programs like Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, and others was one major decision, but deciding to skip his senior year of high school was another significant step.
“That was a discussion I had with my family,” Gidron explained. “I feel like I’ve achieved what I wanted to in high school. I’ve been double-teamed often, making it tough to improve, so I think moving on is best for my future.”
By starting college a year earlier, Gidron will also have the chance to benefit financially from the university’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) programs. However, he insists that money wasn’t a motivating factor in his decision.
“No, not really,” he said. “I just wanted to improve sooner and receive new coaching. I felt limited in high school.”
Gidron is eager to work with Furrey, who enjoyed a successful NFL career as a free-agent receiver.
“He mentioned that I’m a good receiver who can help elevate the program,” Gidron said. “We haven’t gone over specific positions yet, but he’s ready to coach me hard with a solid plan.”
Gidron was the first of two talented in-state receivers to commit to the Gamecocks in a two-day span, followed by Malik Clark from Rock Hill High.
“Just adds another weapon for the opposing team to worry about,” Gidron noted. “He’s a fantastic player. The more talented players we have, the better we’ll be. I’m thrilled about him joining the Gamecocks.”
Gidron also hopes to convince another standout, Irmo receiver Donovan Murph, to join him at USC. Murph recently reclassified from 2026 to 2025 just before Gidron’s announcement.
“I’m trying to persuade him to come, too,” he said. “We want to turn the program around. I chat with him sometimes, but he’s still deciding and has a top 10 list.”
Gidron is slated to play in the Under Armour All-American Game on January 3 in Orlando. Although he wasn’t selected for the Shrine Bowl team, he’s considering participation in the Touchstone Energy Bowl on December 21 in Myrtle Beach if he receives a selection when rosters are announced on October 21.
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