South Carolina Football: Gamecocks make top list for former 5-star wide receiver

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer shared with the media earlier this week that the Gamecocks would like to take some players in the transfer portal during the spring portal window (the transfer portal opened earlier this week).

Beamer specifically mentioned that the Gamecock roster is below its desired scholarship totals at wide receiver and on the offensive line, and when asked about the cornerback spot (likely because of former 5-star Cormani McClain's portal entry), he indicated that he would "always" be in the market for good coverage players.

At wide receiver, a former 5-star prospect who is now in the transfer portal has indicated that he has some interest in joining the South Carolina football program.

According to a report from social media "graphics guy" JGP Visuals, UCLA Bruins transfer receiver Kyle Ford has whittled his transfer portal recruiting down to just six schools, and Carolina is among them. The South Carolina Gamecocks are joined by the Michigan Wolverines, Florida Gators, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Southern Cal Trojans.

Ford played the 2023 season with UCLA but spent the previous four years with Southern Cal. He redshirted in 2019, and he did not play in the Covid-affected 2020 season, so he will have one more year of eligibility as a graduate transfer this fall.

From a physical standpoint, Ford is exactly what the Gamecocks need. He is listed at 6'2" or 6'3" depending on which outlet one checks, and he is 215 pounds. Carolina only has one scholarship receiver with much size (Nyck Harbor), so adding another big-bodied receiver would be a big deal for the 2024 version of the South Carolina football team.

Ford considered the Gamecocks out of high school as he thought about joining quarterback Ryan Hilinski in making the move from California to the Palmetto State. In the end, he elected to stay out west.

During his three years as an active player, Ford has logged just under 900 yards and 5 touchdowns. He likely is not a WR1, but Ford proved himself to be a dependable player who knew how to use his body to make contested catches at both Southern Cal and UCLA.

Beamer and company have USC in the mix for some other receivers in the portal, as well.