Another former South Carolina football starting lineman leaving the program

On Friday, Gamecock offensive lineman Trai Jones was reported as having left the South Carolina football program. Shane Beamer, at his Friday media availability, acknowledged that Jones was away from the team but added that he was "working through some things" regarding his football career. He did not go as far as to say Jones definitely would not return.

If Jones is, indeed, gone, the part-time starter was not the only Carolina offensive lineman who has left the team, however.

According to a report from GamecockCentral's Mike Uva, Tyshawn Wannamaker will not be part of the South Carolina football program moving forward. Wannamaker left the team last winter, as well, but returned after a short time. This time, however, the South Carolina native is not on the official roster on Gamecocksonline.com.

Like Jones, Wannamaker was an in-state signee from the Gamecocks' 2020 recruiting class. He had made 15 starts in his USC career, all of them at right tackle, though he had played some snaps at guard, as well.

Wannamaker's career was very up-and-down in terms of on-field success. He was a Freshman All-SEC contributor as a redshirt freshman in 2021, and he had some good moments in 2022, as well. However, he struggled in 2023 (along with most of the team's offensive linemen), and it appears as if he will not be returning for his final year of eligibility.

With Jones and Wannamaker's announced departures, the Gamecocks have now lost five offensive linemen who could have returned in 2024. Former starter at left tackle Jaylen Nichols and reserves JonDarius Morgan and Grayson Mains have all entered the transfer portal (Morgan and Mains have committed to UAB and Temple, respectively).

To offset the roster attrition, the Gamecocks have brought in Torricelli Simpkins (North Carolina Central), Aaryn Parks (Oklahoma), and Kamaar Bell (Florida Atlantic). Simpkins and Bell have primarily played on the interior of the offensive line and have significant starting experience. Parks was a reserve tackle at Oklahoma.