Donovan Darden, a three-star outside linebacker/defensive end from Havelock High School, has committed to play football at the University of South Carolina in 2025.
Darden made the announcement on social media on Monday afternoon, July 15. He’s listed as the No. 30 player in North Carolina in the NC Football News composite rankings, which take into account rankings by national recruiting services 247Sports, Rivals, On3 and ESPN.
247Sports had him ranked highest at No. 21 in its list of top North Carolina prep prospects from the Class of 2025.
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Darden (6-4, 225) visited the Gamecocks in June after also taking visits to NC State and Illinois. He listed more than a dozen offers from FBS teams, including the Wolfpack, Charlotte and East Carolina as well as Illinois, Boston College, James Madison, Marshall, Michigan State, Missouri, Old Dominion, Pitt and West Virginia.
Darden had 46 tackles as a junior at Havelock, including 31 solo hits, according to MaxPreps statistics. He recorded nine tackles-for-loss and picked off two passes. Havelock finished 13-1, winning three games in the 3A playoffs before losing to Northern Nash.
Darden also played quarterback for Havelock a year ago. He rushed for 143 yards and two TDs, and completed 16-of-26 passes for 140 yards and a score.
Darden is the second Havelock player from the Class of 2025 to announce a college commitment this summer. Wide receiver Johnny Williams pledged for East Carolina in early June.
Read more about Darden’s commitment from Gamecock Central: HERE
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