The South Carolina football program may be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. While each of the three starting signal callers from last year’s roster saw highs at times, none was overwhelmingly successful. It was evident that the Gamecocks had their work cut out for them when they had to turn to a former graduate assistant to lead the offense in the season opener.
Now, the coaching staff could be focusing on how to make improvements to that position room. The current recruiting class does boast a highly rated passer in Braden Davis, but he may not be the immediate answer for a unit that ranked 109th in the nation in scoring.
As for depth, sophomore Luke Doty and freshman Colten Gauthier should be back. Transfer Jason Brown could also return after starting the team’s final four contests. Zeb Noland has exhausted his eligibility.
With all of that being said, it may be wise for Shane Beamer and Co. to look for a proven playmaker at the game’s most important position.
There were previous rumors linking Oklahoma transfer Spencer Rattler to the Gamecocks due to his relationship with coach Beamer. That may be a long shot, though, as the former Heisman candidate could look to return home to the West Coast.
While Rattler might not land in Columbia, another name is now being tied to the South Carolina football program. And he could wind up being a package deal alongside his younger brother.
Can South Carolina football land SEC transfer?
Quarterback Max Johnson opted to enter the transfer portal after the LSU’s hiring of Brian Kelly. His next destination is not yet known.
LSU, Thank you for allowing me to pursue my academic and athletic career here. I have made strong relationships that will last a lifetime with coaches, staff and especially my teammates! With careful and prayerful consideration, I am entering the transfer portal.
— Max Johnson (@MaxJohnson14) December 8, 2021
Johnson boasts a career 35-to-7 touchdown to interception ratio. Last season in his first year as the Tigers’ starter, the lefty threw for 2,814 yards and 27 scores. While LSU was a bit of a disappointment in 2021, Johnson was a player that thrived.
He notched 300-yard performances against UCLA, Auburn, and Texas A&M. He also threw a touchdown in all but two games. Compared that to a South Carolina quarterback room that averaged 197 passing yards an outing.
There’s not a huge relationship that stands out, here, though it is worth noting that his high school head coach was Zeb Noland’s dad. The Gamecocks did offer the Georgia native in the recruiting process, but he ultimately chose LSU. His connection to the Southeast and South Carolina’s lack of production in the quarterback room could help lure the passer to Columbia.
Both Athlon Sports and Sporting News list the Gamecocks as a contender. Here’s what each had to say about the possibility of Johnson joining the roster.
Athlon:
"Injuries and ineffectiveness forced the Gamecocks to use three different starters at quarterback this year. Luke Doty and Jason Brown are back next season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see coach Shane Beamer be active in the portal once again."
Sporting News:
"The Gamecocks are a program on the rise in their first season with Shane Beamer. They reached their first bowl game since 2018 after two straight losing seasons. To take that next step, they’ll need to find a quarterback.None was particularly exceptional, leaving room for Max Johnson to step in and fill the role should he transfer there. Beamer found success with the QBs in a pro-style offense and could benefit from having a more dynamic passer under center."
South Carolina football looking for playmakers
Adding Johnson would provide an immediate upgrade for the Gamecocks at quarterback, but he may not be the only addition should he decide to come to South Carolina.
Jake, his younger brother, is the top-rated tight end prospect in the class of 2022. He decommitted from LSU after the coaching change and is rumored to be headed to the same school as his sibling.
Essentially, the Gamecocks would land two highly rated prospects to join next year’s roster. They’ll be fighting it out with a number of top programs in the coming weeks. Florida State seems to be garnering the most attention as their father, former NFL QB Brad Johnson, attended school in Tallahassee. Will they follow in his footsteps or choose their own path?
This is a recruitment that will be exciting to follow.