Gamecocks offer transfer portal OL from Houston
There may be greater transfer portal needs than offensive line for South Carolina but head coach Shane Beamer says the Gamecocks will never turn down great players if they’re available.
South Carolina reportedly offered one of the best available on Thursday when University of Houston graduate transfer offensive guard Cam’Ron Johnson claimed an offer from the Gamecocks.
While the next open transfer portal window is technically not until May 1, Johnson is able to enter it now since he is a graduate. And coaches have taken notice.
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Since announcing he had entered the portal less than 24 hours ago, Johnson claims offers from Cal, Maryland, Arkansas, and now the Gamecocks.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder was a two-year starter for Houston and took home All-AAC honors last year and appeared set to anchor the Cougars line in his final season.
Johnson allowed just one sack and 13 pressures last season in his 905 snaps, according to PFF.
The Pearland, Texas native told On3’s CanesSport.com that “it was a personal decision” to leave Houston.
He went on to say that he was looking for a program where he could take the next step as a program.
“Just sitting down with my family and seeing how I can improve myself, I feel like I’ve kind of reached my ceiling at Houston,” Johnson said. “For me to take that next step and improve myself, this is what I needed to do.”
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He added that he will consider “the guys in the program, I want to be around guys hungry, that want to win, that love football. That’s what I want to be around.”
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Since he redshirted in 2019 and then had a COVID year in 2020, the former three-star prospect should have two years of eligibility left.
While South Carolina does return several starters and reserves who have played on its offensive line, the Gamecocks are also replacing three starters in Jovaughn Gwyn, Eric Douglas and Dylan Wonnum.
Carolina already added one portal addition on the offensive line in center Nick Garguilo from Yale.
The Gamecocks are also expected to hit the portal hard during the next window in search of another player at running back and EDGE.
South Carolina kicks off its spring practice next Tuesday with its spring game set for April 15.
