Shane Beamer, South Carolina land UAB defensive line transfer Drew Tuazama

South Carolina has secured a late addition to its roster via the transfer portal.

Former UAB defensive lineman Drew Tuazama committed to the Gamecocks Saturday night.

Tuazama, who was a preseason third-team All-AAC selection, led UAB with five sacks last year.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Tuazama spent 2019 and 2020 at Syracuse and then joined UAB last year after a season at East Mississippi Community College. Along with players like safety Jaylen Key, who transferred to Alabama this offseason, Tuazama helped the Blazers rank first in Conference USA last year in scoring defense, passing defense and defensive efficiency.

“He’s a guy with elite length that can help contain the edge that has enough power to make up for his change-of-direction (deficiencies) to help in both the run and the pass game,” a Power Five personnel staffer told On3 of Tuazama.

In UAB’s final two games last season — a 37-27 win over Louisiana Tech in its regular season finale and a 24-20 victory over Miami (Ohio) in the Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl — Tuazama posted seven total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an additional quarterback hurry and a pass breakup. He also had sacks against Rice, Charlotte and 2022 Conference USA champion UTSA. He finished the year with 33 total tackles.

“Not super athletic but just a good and strong football player,” the aforementioned Power Five personnel staffer said.

Mississippi State and Colorado were among the other Power Five schools to extend scholarship offers to Tuazama after he entered August 11. Nevertheless, he’s now headed to Columbia to play for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.

As a graduate transfer, Tuazama expected to be immediately eligible. He’ll also have two years of eligibility remaining.

“He’s definitely a Power Five player,” an FBS offensive coach familiar with Tuazama told On3. “He can rush the passer with speed and power. He can also help stop the run. I think he has a chance to be a Sunday guy.”

South Carolina is entering its third year with Beamer as its head coach. The Gamecocks finished last season 8-5 after a 7-6 mark in 2021.

South Carolina opens this season against star QB Drake Maye and No. 21 North Carolina Sept. 2.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.