Mon Jun 30 20:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Highly-rated 2026 defensive tackle prospect PJ Dean will announce his college decision today, choosing between South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio State. Dean, originally an offensive line target, shifted his focus to defense and has built a strong relationship with the South Carolina coaching staff, particularly Coach Beamer and Coach Travian Robertson. Beamer has emphasized Dean’s priority status, regardless of position. Dean is a highly-regarded prospect nationally, ranked among the top defensive tackles in his class. South Carolina appears to be gaining positive momentum in his recruitment, with some experts predicting he will choose the Gamecocks. The article also briefly mentions other 2026 and 2027 recruiting targets for South Carolina.

**News Article:**

**Gamecocks Await Decision from Coveted DT PJ Dean**

**COLUMBIA, SC -** Four-star defensive tackle PJ Dean, a highly sought-after prospect from the class of 2026, is set to announce his college commitment today at 3:30 PM. The Clemmons, North Carolina native will choose between finalists South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio State, all of whom he officially visited earlier this month.

Dean’s recruitment took an interesting turn when he transitioned from being recruited as an offensive lineman to a defensive lineman. The South Carolina coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Beamer and defensive line coach Travian Robertson, quickly adapted and made Dean a priority target on the defensive side of the ball.

Dean has spoken highly of the relationships he’s built with the Gamecocks’ coaching staff. “The relationship and how comfortable everybody is. It’s really just a home, like really warm feeling,” Dean said following his South Carolina visit.

Beamer has personally emphasized Dean’s importance to the program, regardless of position. “Every time I see Coach Beamer, it’s just—it’s always—he’s just telling me how much of a priority I am no matter what side of the ball I play,” Dean explained.

According to On3, Dean is ranked as the No. 45 overall prospect and the No. 4 defensive tackle in the 2026 class. The On3 Industry Ranking places him as the No. 78 overall prospect and No. 5 defensive tackle.

Recruiting analysts have noted a recent surge in predictions favoring South Carolina, suggesting the Gamecocks have positioned themselves well to land the talented defensive lineman. The addition of Dean would be a significant boost to South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be a strong one.

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