Three positions of need for South Carolina as transfer portal opens up
Transaction season is here.
The new NCAA window for undergraduate transfer portal entrants opened Monday, and South Carolina is expected to be heavily involved once again.
The Gamecocks have signed 20 transfers in two years under head coach Shane Beamer — including nine during the 2021 cycle. Last year’s haul also slotted in at No. 9 nationally in 247Sports’ transfer class team rankings.
With another round of transfer roulette coming this week, here’s a look at South Carolina’s positions of need heading into what should be a busy month.
Wide receiver
South Carolina’s receiving corps netted the most consistent playmaker of the 2022 season in ex-James Madison wideout Antwane “Juice” Wells. Don’t be surprised if the Gamecocks go portal-hunting again for a go-to pass-catcher.
Beamer and his staff have recruited well since arriving in Columbia, but the Gamecocks are deathly thin at receiver.
Wells could come back for another season, or he could opt to go pro. Josh Vann and Jalen Brooks are out of eligibility. Slot receiver Dakereon Joyner could be a transfer candidate if he decides he wants another run at quarterback somewhere. The Gamecocks have also seen six of the 12 receivers they’ve signed since 2019 transfer out.
All this means there’s playing time up for grabs.
South Carolina is expected to be in the mix for prolific Charlotte receivers Grant DuBose and Elijah Spencer. Who else gets targeted remains to be seen.
It’s not altogether clear whether quarterback Spencer Rattler will return in 2023. If he does, he could stand to have another experienced option or two to throw to.
Offensive line
South Carolina’s line has ebbed and flowed wildly in Beamer’s two years at the helm. Still, the Gamecocks need experienced bodies.
Center Eric Douglas, tackle Dylan Wonnum and guard Jovaughn Gwyn should all move on. The Gamecocks already saw Jazston Turnetine leave USC to play this year at Florida State. Backups Wyatt Campbell and Hank Manos both walked on Senior Day and could conceivably leave after this fall.
In short, South Carolina could have to replace as many as five or six players along its line.
Recruiting offensive linemen out of the portal is innately tricky. There are fewer of them than defensive backs and offensive skill position players. Thus, those that warrant attention are recruited by most every major program in the country.
The Gamecocks are already bringing in junior college lineman Isaiah Jatta in their 2023 class. It’s expected they may try to add another JUCO player or two along the line. South Carolina also extended an offer to Rhode Island transfer lineman Ajani Cornelius last week.
USC has recruited well along the offensive line the last two years. But given the intricacies of the position — and the size needed to play at the SEC level — it takes time for players to develop.
South Carolina might have an incredibly young line on its hands in 2023 if it can’t find success there in the portal.
Cornerback/safety
South Carolina’s deepest position on the defense is likely going to take a hit this offseason.
Cornerback Cam Smith has already announced he’s heading to the NFL Draft, while senior safety R.J. Roderick left the team with the intent to transfer last month.
Combine those departures with the presumed losses of Darius Rush, Devonni Reed and, potentially, Tyrese Ross, and South Carolina could use some experienced bodies in the back end of its secondary.
Where the Gamecocks are thin at receiver, Beamer’s staff has been remarkably productive in landing defensive back talent. DQ Smith and Nick Emmanwori evolved into starters early in 2022 as freshmen. South Carolina also landed nine players over its last two recruiting classes who are classified as defensive backs.
Still, the Gamecocks could use an older voice in the room next fall.
This story was originally published December 5, 2022 at 8:15 AM.
