South Carolina Football: Gamecock defensive back hits the transfer portal

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer predicted recently that his Gamecocks would have a few transfer portal defections during the spring portal window, but he added that the players he expected to leave the program were "not surprises."

Since Beamer made that announcement, offensive lineman Sidney Fugar was reported as a transfer portal casualty, joining fellow offensive lineman Jaxon Hughes and wide receiver Kelton Henderson as spring transfers from the South Carolina football program.

On Friday, another name announced his plans to enter the portal as defensive back Keenan Nelson, Jr. posted on Twitter/X that he was entering the transfer portal. He left a nice message for Gamecock fans, the coaching staff, and his family, but he will transfer with three years of eligibility remaining.

Nelson was a 4-star prospect in the class of 2022, and during his time with the Gamecocks, he spent time at corner, nickel, and safety. However, he did not spend consistent time on the field as he was a backup most of the time. When starters were unavailable, he started three games in his career at nickel and one game at safety.

For the 2024 version of the South Carolina football team, Nelson was poised to be a backup at safety, the same role he finished the 2023 season playing.

With his exit from Columbia, there are a number of players who could find their way into the position battle. 4-star freshman Kelvin Hunter, fellow freshman David Bucey, sophomore Peyton Williams, and transfer sophomore Gerald Kilgore will compete for a spot in the two-deep. Former walk-on senior King-Demenian Ford and transfer walk-on Buddy Mack are names to watch, as well. Veteran David Spaulding has moved to playing more corner, but his experience at safety could cause defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to move him back to the position if needed.