South Carolina football: ranking the transfers joining the roster
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football added eight transfers and a trio of JUCO players over the offseason.
Shane Beamer and the new South Carolina football staff had their work cut out for them over the offseason as they dealt with a shortened recruiting timeline and the replacement of a number of former players. In all, the Gamecocks saw a dozen players either opt out for the NFL Draft or enter the transfer portal following the firing of Will Muschamp.
Beamer and Co. had the tall task of replacing that lost talent with players from the portal or junior college ranks due to the fact that most high school seniors had signed with their respective schools in the early signing period.
Overall, most fans have to be pleased with the job that Beamer did on the trail, as he landed talented prospects at positions of need, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Additions include the nation’s reigning sack leader, a record-setting ACC wideout, and one of the country’s top JUCO linebackers.
With that being said, the Gamecocks saw a number of newcomers ranked in 247 Sports’ recent release of the top transfers for the 2021 season. Let’s take a look, first, at what the Gamecocks lost, and also, what the roster gained.
THE LOSSES
There were a total of seven former Gamecocks that ranked as top 10 transfers at their respective positions. A majority of these players come from the defense, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary.
Below are those seven players moving on from the program.
- QB Ryan Hilinski (#3 pocket passer)
- RB Deshaun Fenwich (#1 all purpose back)
- DB John Dixon
- DB Jammie Robinson
- DE Joseph Anderson
- DT Makius Scott
- DT Keir Thomas
Now, to the additions.