South Carolina Football: Big transfer portal target Tank Booker makes destination public
By Kevin Miller
Less than a week ago, Anthony “Tank” Booker, a 320-pound defensive tackle in the transfer portal announced his top-5 destinations. The Maryland transfer was deciding between South Carolina, Ohio State, Purdue, Arkansas, and Texas A&M. He visited the South Carolina football program shortly before his top-5 announcement.
As a player, Booker has not put up gaudy numbers, but he is a solid space eater inside who makes things easier for those around him, especially in the run game. South Carolina was not initially in the market for defensive tackles, as they had bigger needs at tight end, running back, defensive end/EDGE, linebacker, and corner.
The tight end need was filled in a big way during the early transfer portal window with three transfers enrolling in January. Along with the tight ends, one running back, one linebacker, one safety, one receiver, and two offensive linemen were added through the portal, but the Gamecocks still have a need at running back and defensive end/EDGE, and they are somewhat looking at linebacker and corner. However, as is true with all football programs, if a good player is interested in playing for the Gamecocks, Head Coach Shane Beamer will also be interested in them.
On Wednesday, Tank Booker made his choice known to the college football world.
Via his Instagram account, Booker announced his commitment to the University of Arkansas. He has two more years of eligibility for the Razorbacks.
Booker instantly provides some girth to a defensive front that struggled against the run a season ago. He is also more athletic than most players his size, having played a true defensive end spot in high school. It is unclear if Booker will start for the Hogs or play a rotational role, but he provides immediate help on the defensive line.
For South Carolina, when the transfer portal officially reopens on Saturday, look for the Gamecocks to still be involved in the transfer world, especially in search of a running back and a defensive end/EDGE.