South Carolina Football: Gamecock defender hits the transfer portal

This offseason, South Carolina football added a veteran passer rusher through the transfer portal (Kyle Kennard), welcomed back a former gamecock (Gilber Edmond), signed a 5-star freshman with superstar potential (Dylan Stewart), and brought in two young linebackers who could help get after the quarterback in rabbits packages (Fred "JayR" Johnson and Wendell Gregory).

Versatile defensive linemen Tonka Hemingway and TJ Sanders (who both play tackle and end in certain situations) and pass rushers Bryan Thomas, Jr., Elijah Davis, and Desmond Umeozulu are returning, as well.

Because of the crowded situation at the defensive end spot, it only made sense for the Gamecocks to have a couple of defections from the EDGE room.

The first came in the early transfer portal window as Donovan Westmoreland left the South Carolina football program to search for more playing time at Kennesaw State. Then, linebacker Grayson "Pup" Howard, a player many thought would grow into an EDGE, made the move to play for the SEC rival Florida Gators.

On Thursday, another name was revealed as having decided to leave for a new situation. According to a report from Chris Hummer of 247Sports, graduate senior Terrell Dawkins is entering the transfer portal.

Dawkins had a great freshman season at NC State but transferred to Carolina after a poor sophomore campaign was made worse by injuries. Since arriving in Columbia, Dawkins hasn't been healthy much, and he tallied just a pair of tackles over his two years in garnet and black.

Dawkins has up to two more years of eligibility if he chooses to take them both. Because he is a graduate student, he was able to hit the portal at any time. The 2nd transfer portal window (for non-graduate students) will open up again on May 1st.