Kobby Sakyi-Prah

Introduction: Standing at an imposing 6-foot-3 and weighing 255 pounds by his senior year, Sakyi-Prah brought a blend of size, speed, and tenacity to the Hornets’ defensive front off the edge. Competing in Georgia’s ever competitive 6A classification a league renowned for pumping out high end collegiate talent. The 2023 junior campaign was his breakout and his first season as a full-time starter. Amassing 35 tackles, nine for loss, and three sacks across nine games as he emerged as a linchpin on a defense that held opponents to 19.5 points per game. His senior year solidified his reputation as a disruptive force. Across 11 games, he tallied 33 tackles, eight for loss, five sacks, and a blocked punt, an all around impact that earned him Region 6-AAAAAA First Team honors. The best game of his career came that season in a 42-14 thrashing of Etowah, where he posted six tackles, three for loss, and two sacks, dominating the line of scrimmage and living in the backfield all night long. His skill set and stats improved from one season to the next, a positive sign for his development. Beyond football, Sakyi-Prah’s athletic profile was enriched by his participation in track and field at Roswell, where he competed in shot put. Ultimately finishing high school career on the gridiron as a 3 star and no.48 ranked player in the state of Georgia, according to 247 sports.

Recruiting: It didn’t take long into his standout junior season for the Gamecocks to become interested in Sakyi-Prah. Sterling Lucas, who knows a thing or two about evaluating talent at the edge position, quickly fell in love with his early season tape. The Gamecocks saw how he could fit very similarly into there scheme never and were constantly in his ear. Then extending a formal scholarship offer on January 16th, 2024. Beamer joined Lucas in the chase, hosting Sakyi-Prah for his official visit on June 7-9, 2024. That weekend was a game-changer Beamer orchestrated every detail from the stadium tours, to the facility showcases, and personal sit-downs with the defensive staff. “Coach Beamer took over the whole official visit. You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing him,” Sakyi-Prah said with a smile. During these meetings Lucas detailed to him how they were going to use him off the edge and help him develop into a force off the line of scrimmage. The Gamecocks certainly made an impression as he canceled the rest of his visits (sorry Mississippi State and Indiana). The decision came swiftly to say the least post visit as the next day on June 10th he made it official and committed to the garnet and black. He had a slew of other offers (25+) from schools such as Arkansas, Mississippi State, and the fake USC but never wavered in his decision. Why South Carolina? “It feels like a family environment they’re very interactive,” he told On3’s Wiltfong, echoing another interview from later that same season. “It’s such a good location, perfect for a college town.” An early enrollee already on campus already for the start of spring ball the future is bright for this tenacious young man.

Strength and Skills: Arrives at South Carolina with a physique tailor-made for the defensive line and a frame that combines length, mass, and athletic potential. His long arms and wide shoulders extend his reach, allowing him to engage blockers at a distance and disrupt passing lanes with a commanding presence. This physicality is underpinned by a lower-body explosiveness which translates into a powerful initial burst off the snap. South Carolina’s staff envisions adding 15-20 pounds to his frame, enhancing his ability to anchor against SEC offensive linemen while preserving the quickness a key to his skillset. Employing a seamless blend of speed to bend the edge and a bull rush to overpower interior linemen. On3’s Steve Wiltfong analysis, praised his “quick hands and twitchiness,” traits that stood out during his Shrine Bowl appearance in 2024. His lateral quickness closing on outside runs ensures containment, making him a reliable edge-setter poised to bolster South Carolina’s run-stopping efforts. Lastly his exceptional play recognition sets him apart, as evidenced by his knack for swiftly deciphering offensive alignments and signals. A talent demonstrated when he perfectly timed the snap to block a punt against Alpharetta. Poised to refine these skills under Sterling Lucas’s guidance and potentially emerging as a factor on South Carolina’s defensive line shortly down the road.