How each South Carolina football transfer did this season

Ahead of this season, head coach Shane Beamer got to work gathering prospects from the transfer portal and landed a total of 11 fresh faces for the Gamecocks. But after an unforgiving season, what impact did the transfer portal have on South Carolina and how influential was it? Let’s take a look.

Mario Anderson

Running back Mario Anderson was arguably South Carolina’s most preeminent pickup from Newberry College. The South Carolina native joined the Gamecocks in January 2023 and his talents shined throughout the season, recording 707 yards with three touchdowns and averaging 58.9 yards per game. Upon his arrival, Anderson assumed a leadership role despite transitioning from Division II football. Anderson also gained a following from fans as “Super Mario” after being one of only two scholarship running backs on South Carolina’s roster. 

Trey Knox

The inevitable injury bug found its way even to South Carolina’s newest players. Trey Knox struggled to reach his fullest potential after battling injuries like a pulled hamstring in the game against Texas A&M. The former Arkansas Razorback recorded 312 yards for two touchdowns. He had a season-high eight receptions against SEC opponent Florida at the tight end position. 

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Josh Simon

Another South Carolina native who returned home to play for the Gamecocks, Josh Simon had his work cut out for him ahead of the season competing for a starting role in a new and strong tight end room. Despite only starting in four games this season, Simon recorded 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns. 

Eddie Lewis

Eddie Lewis did not find himself in a starting position for the Gamecocks this season but was used to fill in the gaps when needed. After Ahmarean Brown’s injury, Lewis filled in on some punt returns and also gained reps at wide receiver. Although playing in eight games, Lewis only recorded stats against Furman, Georgia and Mississippi State and didn’t have any major contributions to the Gamecocks. 

Nick Gargiulo

Atop most transfer watchlists was Nick Gargiulo, who got the starting spot at center due to an injured Vershon Lee. Gargiuo played a major part in the success of South Carolina’s offense this season at a key and often overlooked position. 

Sidney Fugar

After leaving Western Illinois, Sidney Fugar had a reasonable first year after being relied on more than expected when Lee was unavailable because of injury. Fugar had what Beamer called a “solid” performance against SEC opponent Florida and played in 10 games this season. As a versatile player, Fugar has a bright future with room to improve before landing a starting role

Jatius Geer

As a redshirt sophomore transfer, Jatius Geer had a solid start to his time at South Carolina recording 10 total tackles and playing in 9 games. Although his performance was nothing extraordinary, Geer still has room to grow and improve as a player. 

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Jaron Willis

Transferring from a SEC school, Jaron Willis did not see much playing time and only recorded two solo tackles against Jacksonville State. The redshirt freshman still has a bright future ahead of him in garnet and black and could be a reliable resource for the defense in future seasons. 

Drew Tuazama

Another edge who did not play a huge defensive role for the Gamecocks, Drew Tuazama played in only five games recording stats in just one against Georgia. 

Jaxon Hughes

Walk-on Charlotte transfer Jaxon Hughes played in two games but did not record any stats in the 2023 season. 

Nick Elksnis

Tight end Florida transfer Nick Elksnis registered no stats as well despite playing in seven games. 

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