Gamecocks add grad transfer kicker
South Carolina has added a commitment from Kent State kicker and grad transfer Shane Hynes.
Hynes, originally from Clarkston, Mich., indicated his decision to join the Gamecocks via Twitter on Friday. He will enroll at USC this summer.
First of all, thank you to Kent State for the last fours years... With that being said, I am ecstatic to announce my commitment to the University of South Carolina as a graduate transfer. Nonetheless, Forever a Flash; but for now, Forever to Thee. #SpursUp pic.twitter.com/vkjdbwTPa2
— Shane Hynes (@Hyner57) December 8, 2017
Field goals have been a sore spot in South Carolina’s 2017 season. Parker White finished the regular season 12-of-22, with Alex Woznick 1-of-3 on the year.
Hynes was 9-of-15 kicking in 2017 with a long of 48 yards. He also handled kickoff duties for the Golden Flashes.
He was 7-of-11 kicking in 2015 and 15-of-22 in 2016.
Hynes trained with South Pointe High kicker and Clemson commitment BT Potter.
Hynes visited USC after the Kent State season ended.
“After visiting I asked myself, ‘Why would anyone choose anywhere but this place?’ ” Hynes said. “It felt like a true family. At the end of the day it’s bigger than the facilities or the traditions and wins. It’s about those who you surround yourself with and at South Carolina I felt that was an elite group of people.”
About Shane Hynes
2017 Junior Season
▪ Made 9 field goals
▪ Made a career-long 48-yard field goal at Louisville
2016 Sophomore Season
▪ Made 15 field goals, including six from 40 or more yards
▪ Named MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking game-winning field goal as time expired against Central Michigan
▪ Went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts against NC A&T, including a 40 and 42-yarder in overtime
▪ Finished 28-of-28 on extra point attempts
▪ Had five kickoffs for touchbacks
▪ Served as secretary on Kent State's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
2015 Redshirt Freshman Season
▪ Named to Academic All-MAC Team
▪ Made all 13 of his extra point attempts
▪ Went 7-for-11 on field goal attempts
▪ Made collegiate debut and first career field goal (43 yards) at Illinois
2014
▪ Redshirted
This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Gamecocks add grad transfer kicker."