South Carolina football fans have seen five receivers from the current roster reported as players who would be hitting the transfer portal when it opens next week. Juice Wells, Landon Samson, O’Mega Blake, Kylic Horton, and Zavier Short all plan to leave the Gamecock program.
This means that South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer and his staff will be after several players in the transfer portal to fill some of those roster spots. The Gamecocks have given out a few offers to wideouts who are already in the portal as grad transfers (graduate students can enter the portal at any time), but they, undoubtedly, will target even more.
One potential underclassman target is a player with whom fans in the Palmetto State are familiar. South Carolina native and current Vanderbilt Commodore Jayden McGowan announced on Twitter/X that he would be transferring.
It’s in God’s hands🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Hz5euAzKpj
— Jayden McGowan (@jay3mg) December 1, 2023
McGowan spent two seasons in Nashville, and while he did not post outstanding numbers, he had flashes for the ‘Dores that showed he could be a big factor in a more competitive offense. Even with all of Vanderbilt’s struggles, McGowan put up just under 1000 yards of total offense. He also reached 21.6 miles per hour during a kickoff return touchdown this season.
McGowan is a virtual guarantee to get contacted by the Gamecocks when he officially makes his way to the transfer portal. He would be a great fit for the Carolina receiver unit, as well, as his game would allow him to fit into a similar role as graduating senior Ahmarean Brown.
At just 5’8″, McGowan isn’t going to play much on the outside of an offensive formation, but as a slot receiver and pre-snap motion man, he can be a big-play threat. He has three plays of 50+ yards in his career (1 kickoff return for a touchdown and 2 receptions).
McGowan will have two more years of eligibility.