Arguably no coach in college football made a bigger splash in the transfer portal this off-season than Carolina head coach Shane Beamer.
Today, we rank the Gamecocks pickups in the transfer portal and analyze how they could help South Carolina football this fall.
8. Dante Miller (RB)
At eight in my rankings, Dante Miller comes in. Running back from Columbia University, Miller rushed for 814 yards, 4 touchdowns, and averaged 81.4 YPG on the ground last season.
Miller will add some needed depth at the running back position to do the threat of injury at the position. However, our RB room is already top-heavy with the return of Lloyd and Juju.
7. Christian Beal–Smith (RB)
At number seven we have another back coming from Wake Forest. Another solid depth player who will likely see a little action.
In 2021, Beal–Smith had 131 rushing attempts for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns. The reason why I have him higher is that I believe Christian will make a difference on special teams.
He has a big frame with some good speed for his size. I can see him being a good player on kick-off.
6. Devonni Reed (FS)
Reed is an elite playmaker on the defensive side of the ball coming from Central Michigan.
In the 2021 season, he racked up 44 solo tackles and 29 assisted tackles.
Moreover, he had 4 tackles for loss. Furthermore, Reed has been solid throughout his career at Central Michigan, starting all the way back in 2018 when he started as a freshman.
5. Austin Stogner (TE)
Arguably the second-biggest name on this list, Stogner is an absolute weapon for Spencer to throw to. However, he is unproven.
In three years at OU, Stogner had 47 catches for 654 yards and 8 touchdowns.
IF he can stay on the field, he will be a great asset for the new TE coach, but he has to prove it first.
4. Antwane Wells Jr. (WR)
Antwane ranks 3rd all-time at JMU in career receiving touchdowns with 21 touchdowns. He also ranks 9th all-time at JMU in career receiving yards with 1,853 and 9th all-time at JMU in career receptions with 116).
Moreover, he holds the JMU Single-Season Records in 2021 for receiving yards (1,250), receiving touchdowns (15), and receptions (83).
Antwane will be the best WR for the SC Gamecocks next year, and it will not even be close. Watch out for him to have an outrageous year.
3. Terrell Dawkins (IDL)
Okay, listen. Terrell Dawkins is arguably the best pickup by Beamer throughout this portal process other than Spencer Rattler.
While injured during the 2021 season, Dawkins is still going to be a force on our defensive line for years to come. Currently a redshirt freshman, he will have at least 2-3 years with the Gamecocks.
He is a big man who moves like a DB and is a vocal leader. He earned the number 0 for being a leader for NC State last year.
In his 2020 year, he had 36 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. He will be a problem, I promise.
2. Lovesea Carroll (RB , WR)
I wrote an in-depth article about Lovesea earlier, make sure to check it out for a more thorough dive into his potential. But for the sake of this article, Lovesea will be one of the best players on the SC offense this coming year.
He can do anything and everything the coach demands of him and will do it at an elite level. While at UGA, he played DB but he is an elite RB coming out of IMG Academy.
Young, explosive, versatile, and hard-working, South Carolina has a unique weapon in its arsenal for years to come.
1.Spencer Rattler (QB)
Duh.