Gamecock Digest

South Carolina Gamecocks Linebacker Plans to Enter the Transfer Portal

Transfer portal season has begun with the window set to open in January. South Carolina's roster is already seeing movement as Jaron Willis announces plans to enter the transfer portal.
Alex Joyce|
Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Jaron Willis (14) during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Jaron Willis (14) during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images | Butch Dill-Imagn Images

The college football transfer portal window will officially open at the beginning of January, however several players across the nation are already making their plans to enter the portal known. South Carolina's roster is no stranger to this as linebacker Jaron Willis announces his decision to enter the portal.

A former four-star linebacker in the 2022 class, Willis originally signed with Ole Miss. During his true freshman season, saw action in only one game, before redshirting. Willis would then find his way to South Carolina the very next offseason and he would go on to spend the next three seasons with the garnet and black. He would go on to appear in 20 games across three seasons with the Gamecocks, recording 9 total tackles with two fumble recoveries.

Big Portal Class Incoming?

South Carolina will certainly look to the portal to solve several needs. Head coach Shane Beamer did address portal news in recent weeks saying “It’s not like we need to go sign 40 portal guys and flip this roster." But the team does plan on addressing some needs in the portal.

Those needs stretch from offensive line, defensive line, tight end, and linebacker. This doesn't include quarterback just yet as LaNorris Seller has yet to make a decision on his future, though it may come sooner rather than later. With Andrew Harris being the lone linebacker in the 2-26 high school recruiting class, that may be a posiiton where the Gamecocks could add some depth.

This is the third player to enter the portal since South Carolina 's football season ended on Nov 29. Willis joins offensive lineman Nick Sharpe and defensive lineman Zavion Hardy as those now destined to leave Columbia this offseason. With conference championship games now in the rearview, non College Football Playoff teams will begin seeing players make their decision to return to their program or hop in the portal that opens on Jan 2. Stay tuned for live updates surrounding transfer portal news right here on South Carolina Gamecocks on SI.

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Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.

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