Transfer portal additions to defense

With over 1,600 players entering the 2022-2023 offseason transfer portal (so far), nearly every team has seen important talent come through the portal, and thanks to the one-time free transfer and virtual free agency that NIL opportunities bring, -era college football programs are filling talent gaps on their rosters with transfer portal players .

South Carolina football’s 2023 transfer portal class isn’t as touted as the 2022 class that brought Spencer Rattler and others to Columbia. However, several of the Gamecocks’ transfer additions are vying for important roles on the field. It’s important to note that the transfer portal is now closed until most teams have completed spring practices, but players can commit and enroll at their new school if they have already entered the portal before it closes on January 18th. Players currently on the portal who have not registered elsewhere may return to their previous team if the team allows them to do so.

On defense, one scholarship player has decided to join the South Carolina football program so far in the process. Jaron Willis, a versatile linebacker/EDGE player who also played safety in high school, will join defensive coordinator Clayton White’s unit this summer. DeAngelo Gibbs, a walk-on, is a former high-profile recruit who could play defensive back or receiver for the Gamecocks. South Carolina could still be in the market for another defensive tackle after spring practice.

Jaron Willis

Transferred from: University of Mississippi
Eligibility remaining: 4 years
Station: LB/EDGE
Expected role at South Carolina: Compete for Rotational LB/EDGE
Placement of the transfer portal: 4 stars (competitors); 3 stars (on3); Not ranked (247, ESPN)
High school recruiting ranking: Consensus 4 stars
To be measured: 6’2″; 225 lbs
Former Player Comp: Corey Atkins

South Carolina football’s DeAngelo Gibbs previously played at Georgia and Tennessee. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

DeAngelo Gibbs

Transferred from: Tennessee/Georgia
Eligibility: 1 year; 2 years with waiver
Station: ATH (WR/DB)
Expected role at South Carolina: Compete for Rotational at WR/DB
Placement of the transfer portal: Consensus unpunished
High school recruiting ranking: 5 stars (ESPN); 4 stars (247, competitors); on3 didn’t exist yet
To be measured: 6’1″; 200 lbs
Former Player Comp: Matthew Thomas