South Carolina freshman DL Xzavier McLeod no longer with program

South Carolina defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod is no longer with the program, a spokesperson confirmed to GamecockCentral.

McLeod was a true freshman this season, and playing in four games. He notched one tackle and one interception.

The news was first reported by TheBigSpur.

He was the No. 196 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

McLeod played his high school football at Camden (S.C.) High and was the No. 3 prospect from the state of South Carolina in the 2023 class. Four of the top five players from South Carolina in the class committed to the Gamecocks. But the top recruit from the Palmetto State, five-star offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, committed to Georgia.

Xzavier McLeod’s departure latest downturn for South Carolina in 2023

South Carolina has had a season to forget so far in 2023. The Gamecocks have lost three straight games as they currently sit at 2-5 overall and 1-4 in SEC play heading into this weekend’s game versus Texas A&M.

Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher is expecting South Carolina to be thirsty for a win heading into their matchup this weekend.

“They’re hungry and talented. I mean, they’re hungry and talented and hopefully we’re hungry and talented. Hopefully we’re hungrier than what we are. We’re both very – I think we’re talented and I think they’re talented,” Fisher said. “So that’s why we need to play well.”

The Gamecocks were hoping to build on its success last year, which included season-ending victories over Clemson and Tennessee and a high-quality recruiting class.

The mood around the program isn’t where it was heading into the year but Beamer told the media this week that there’s still a lot to play for even if they aren’t where they’d want to be.

“We had high expectations going into the season,” Beamer said this week. “A lot of the goals that we had in the beginning of the season aren’t attainable. A lot of the goals that these seniors had in the beginning of the season are still very much attainable. I get it. We are judged on the record. Let’s not get caught up in we are 2-5 and lose sight of the things that we have to be grateful for around here and we get to play a game and coach a game that we love.”