Mike Tyler, a senior tight end at Hammond, has a busy few weeks ahead. On Friday, he and the Skyhawks will compete for another South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) championship against Porter-Gaud. After the state title game, Tyler must make a final decision about where he will sign to play college football.
Tyler, who has been committed to LSU since August 17, is being heavily pursued by the hometown South Carolina Gamecocks. He has attended four USC games this season, including the dramatic win over Missouri on Saturday.
“I loved it over there. The atmosphere is always awesome,” Tyler said before Hammond’s practice on Monday. “I like how they use the tight ends, and they catch a lot of passes. I could see myself being a part of that in the future … and I could really add to the tight end room.”
When asked whether he will stay with LSU or sign with South Carolina, Tyler replied, “I don’t know yet.” Although South Carolina was not initially considered a top contender when Tyler committed to LSU, the Gamecocks have continued to recruit him, putting themselves in the mix.
Tyler isn’t the only local recruit USC is trying to flip. They are also working on Irmo quarterback AJ Brand, who is committed to Virginia Tech, and Lancaster offensive lineman Kevin Peay, who announced Monday that he will stick with Georgia Tech.
Tyler told *The State* that he plans to announce his final decision on Signing Day, December 4, and won’t enroll in college until June. South Carolina currently does not have a tight end committed for this class after Preston Douglas decommitted and flipped to North Carolina State on October 31.
The Gamecocks’ top tight end, Josh Simon, will be out of eligibility, and others who have played at the position this season include transfer Brady Hunt and freshman Michael Smith.
Tyler said, “I’ve got to see how it goes. I’ve been talking to my family a lot. Culture is like a family over there. They bond with each other really well. It’s a big decision, and it’s going to be hard. It’s close to home. The communication has definitely been there. Right now, I’m an LSU Tiger.”
LSU tight ends coach Slade Nagle visited Tyler in Columbia a few weeks ago. Tyler took an official visit to Baton Rouge for the Ole Miss game and may return this weekend for LSU’s game against Vanderbilt.
“Their message was, look at the stats and how they get tight ends into the league,” Tyler said. “And I can really be a big part of their offense when I get down there. Coach Nagle has been a big part of my recruitment for LSU.”
Tyler, ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 12 overall player in South Carolina for the Class of 2025 by 247Sports Composite, has had an impressive season with 35 catches for 568 yards and five touchdowns. His Skyhawks will aim for their eighth state championship on Friday night.
“I want to get four state championships under my belt here at Hammond,” Tyler said. “I’ve loved it here. It’s been a great journey, and I’m just ready for this Friday.”
