After the 2023 season, it was evident that the South Carolina coaching staff aimed to add experienced talent to their roster. The Gamecocks brought in veteran players to improve their depth, following a series of injuries last year, with hopes that these additions would emerge as key contributors on the field. This group of transfers was regarded as an impressive incoming class.
South Carolina needed to bolster both their offensive and defensive lines to stay competitive in the nation’s toughest conference, while also adding offensive playmakers. Here are a few players who have stood out so far:
Kyle Kennard
On September 14, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina, South Carolina Gamecocks edge rusher Kyle Kennard (5) celebrated a key fourth-down stop against the LSU Tigers during the third quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. (Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
Kennard is arguably the top transfer player in the country right now, making an immediate impact since arriving on campus in the winter. The Georgia Tech transfer is currently tied for first in the nation with 5.5 sacks, ranks third in tackles for loss (8.5), and is tied for eighth in forced fumbles (2). Together with standout true freshman Dylan Stewart, they form one of the nation’s most intimidating pass-rushing tandems. Kennard’s impressive performance could significantly boost his draft stock this offseason.
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders
Raheim Sanders / Fisher Brewer
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders has certainly lived up to his nickname. The Arkansas transfer arrived in Columbia after a disappointing 2023 season, which was hampered by a shoulder injury. South Carolina recruited him with the hope that he could return to his 2022 form, when he was one of the top running backs in the SEC. Through four games this season, Sanders has rushed for 286 yards and scored 4 touchdowns, averaging 71.5 yards per game. His presence has eased the pressure on the Gamecocks’ young starting quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, and he’s beginning to resemble the back who caused nightmares for defensive coordinators just a few years ago. Sanders will be a crucial part of South Carolina’s offense moving forward.
Robby Ashford
Brought in to compete with LaNorris Sellers, Robby Ashford was named South Carolina’s backup quarterback at the start of the season. Ashford got his first significant playing time in the LSU game after Sellers went down with an injury. He performed well enough to give the Gamecocks a chance to push the game into overtime, though they narrowly fell short. The following week against Akron, Ashford was named the starting QB and delivered the best performance of his college career: completing 15 of 21 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a career-high 133 yards and another touchdown. Ashford’s strong play over the last two weeks gives South Carolina confidence in having two quarterbacks capable of performing at a high level.
Torricelli Simpkins III and Kamaar Bell
Last season, South Carolina’s offensive line was decimated by injuries, which contributed to late-season losses, even with key players like Spencer Rattler and Xavier Legette. To prevent a repeat in 2024, Coach Beamer and his staff prioritized adding depth to the offensive line, bringing in Torricelli Simpkins III and Kamaar Bell. Both players have been instrumental in solidifying the guard positions, strengthening the interior line, and creating opportunities for the Gamecocks’ offense to move the ball. As any coach will attest, games are won and lost in the trenches, and South Carolina will rely on players like Bell and Simpkins III to make an impact as the season unfolds.
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