Lex Cyrus

Introduction: Few high school athletes possess the game breaking speed and raw athleticism that Lex Cyrus brings to the field. A Pennsylvania native and South Carolina signee, Cyrus is the type of player who makes you sit up in your seat every time he touches the ball. Standing at 5’10” and 175 pounds, Cyrus is a four-star recruit and the No. 36 ranked wide receiver in the 2025 class, according to 247 Sports. During his high school career at Susquehanna Township, Cyrus cemented himself as one of Pennsylvania’s top prospects. As a junior, he hauled in 67 catches for over 1,100 yards, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing secondaries with ease. He followed that up with a stellar senior season, recording 59 receptions for 898 yards and 9 touchdowns, while also leading his team to an 8-3 record. On the track, Cyrus was equally impressive, winning a state championship in the 100-meter dash during his junior year with a time of 10.41 seconds, a testament to his elite speed. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that he achieved it in the colder northern climate, where fast track times are harder to come by. To put it in perspective, Nyck Harbor, arguably the fastest player in college football, ran a 10.29-second 100-meter dash, just a fraction of a second faster than Cyrus. He isn’t just a track star playing football, he’s a football player with track speed, and that distinction makes all the difference.

Recruitment: It was the Gamecocks and the Nittany Lions who emerged as the frontrunners in a recruiting battle that came down to the wire. The Gamecocks entered the chat in January 2024 when they extended an offer to Cyrus, joining a growing list of programs vying for his commitment. Furrey was the main reason Cyrus ended up in City of Dreams. His NFL pedigree and track record of developing talent resonated with Cyrus, who saw an opportunity to grow under a coach who had “been there and done that” at the highest level. The Gamecocks got Cyrus on campus for an unofficial visit in the spring, and the trip left a lasting impression. The family atmosphere, the coaching staff’s vision for his development, and the opportunity to forge his own path outside of Pennsylvania all struck a chord with him. When Cyrus returned to Columbia for an official visit in early June—just a week after visiting Penn State—the Gamecocks made their move. The visit was a game-changer, solidifying South Carolina’s standing as a top contender. Whispers began to circulate that the Gamecocks might just be the favorites to land his services. On July 11, 2024, Cyrus committed to South Carolina, choosing to leave his home state and join a program that felt like family. “When I visited, it felt like home to me, even though it’s the farthest school,” Cyrus said. But Penn State wasn’t ready to let go without a fight. Head coach James Franklin and his staff put on the full-court press, hosting Cyrus for another visit during the season and even bringing him and several teammates to Happy Valley for a game making them featured guests. Franklin even huddled up the group on the field before the game to talk to them about getting their teammate to flip. Despite the Nittany Lions’ relentless efforts, Cyrus remained firm in his commitment to the Gamecocks. Beating out a program like Penn State for a player of Cyrus’s caliber is a testament to the Gamecocks’ growing appeal under Shane Beamer.

Strength and skills: Let’s start with the obvious: Lex Cyrus is fast. Defenders simply can’t keep up with him in open space, and if a safety takes a bad angle, he’s gone. What sets him apart from other speedsters, though, is his acceleration. As one analyst noted, “There are a lot of guys who are really fast, but not as many who can get to that speed as quickly as Lex Cyrus.” This burst allows him to create separation with ease, leaving defenders grasping at air and looking foolish in the process.Cyrus isn’t just a one-trick pony. His high school tape is a showcase of his versatility and ability to make plays in a variety of ways. At Susquehanna Township, he lined up everywhere outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield. He truly shines with the ball in his hands. Cyrus is electric after the catch, with the vision and agility to turn short passes into big gains. Built almost like a running back with a thick lower half, he has a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. His ability to bounce off tackles and maintain his balance is impressive for a player of his size. Cyrus also has a natural feel for tracking the ball in the air, whether it’s a deep bomb or a back-shoulder throw. His ability to gear down or speed up to make the catch is exceptional, showcasing his elite body control and focus. Additionally, he’s a dynamic special teams weapon. His speed, vision, and ability to navigate through traffic make him a dangerous returner. Whether it’s punt returns or kick returns, he has the potential to flip the field and provide an immediate spark.In a league where speed kills, Cyrus has the potential to be a lethal weapon for the Gamecocks.