Grading Shane Beamer, South Carolina football in 2023 transfer portal by position so far

COLUMBIA — The transfer portal is officially closed to new players until May, and South Carolina football has eight new additions to its 2023 roster so far.

Coach Shane Beamer hasn't had the same level of success in the portal that he did in 2022, bringing the No. 9 transfer class that included starting quarterback Spencer Rattler and top wide receiver Antwane Wells. The 2023 transfer class ranks No. 26 in the 247Sports Composite.

South Carolina also lost 14 players to the portal compared to 19 departures last offseason. While the team hasn't gained as much as it lost this year, the Gamecocks also have the program's highest-ranked recruiting class since 2012.

Here's where the South Carolina roster stands so far entering the 2023 season:

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Quarterback: A

South Carolina didn't lose anyone in its quarterback room and added Class of 2023 early enrollee and four-star LaNorris Sellers.

Spencer Rattler's decision to return was a game-changer and gives the Gamecocks offense an elite ceiling. Luke Doty remains a competent backup behind him, and keeping young third-stringers Tanner Bailey and Colten Gauthier around bodes well for the long term.

Wide receiver: A

South Carolina lost Corey Rucker (Arkansas State) and added Memphis transfer Eddie Lewis.

Rucker transferred to the Gamecocks from Arkansas State in 2022 with high expectations, but he struggled with a foot injury all season and only appeared in two games before it became season ending.

With star receiver Antwane Wells and starters Ahmarean Brown and Xavier Legette all returning, Lewis should easily fill Rucker's intended role providing depth .

Running back: C

South Carolina lost No. 1 rusher Marshawn Lloyd (Southern Cal) and reserve Rashad Amos (Miami, Ohio). The Gamecocks added Newberry transfer Mario Anderson.

Losing Lloyd was a massive blow, and there's no clear replacement. Top 2023 returner Juju McDowell has top-tier speed but lacks the size and physicality to break tackles. Anderson, a Division II All-American, is an intriguing prospect, but he'll likely take some time to adjust to the level of SEC play.

Tight end: B

South Carolina lost both starting tight ends, Jaheim Bell (Florida State) and Austin Stogner (Oklahoma). The team added Arkansas transfer Trey Knox, Florida transfer Nick Elksnis and Western Kentucky transfer Joshua Simon. Two 2023 tight ends have also enrolled early.

None of South Carolina's tight ends were particularly efficient in 2022, and while the empty room looked concerning for a few weeks, the new additions shouldn't be a downgrade. Knox, who followed former TE coach Dowell Loggains to his new role as the Gamecocks' offensive coordinator, could become an upgrade over Bell considering his comfort level with Loggains' style.

Offensive line: C-

South Carolina lost backup offensive tackle Jordan Davis (South Alabama) and added Yale transfer Nick Gargiulo and Western Illinois transfer Sidney Fugar. Four-star lineman Markee Anderson also joined the roster as an early enrollee.

The portal isn't what hurt the Gamecocks' line, graduation is: They lost three of their five starting linemen as well as backup center Hank Manos and backup right tackle Tyshawn Wannamaker.

Neither transfer addition seems like an upgrade: 2023 is Gargiulo's last year of eligibility, so he is a short-term solution. Fugar only has one year as an FCS starter, so playing in the SEC trenches will come with a learning curve.

Defensive line: C

South Carolina lost starting edge rushers Jordan Burch (Oregon) and Gilber Edmond (Florida State) and reserve Hot Rod Fitten. The team added Ole Miss transfer Jaron Willis, and three 2023 defensive lineman enrolled early.

Zacch Pickens, who declared for the NFL Draft, is the only major loss on the interior defensive line, but edge rusher remains concerningly thin. Jordan Strachan is expected to be back in 2023 after a season-ending ACL injury, but no one else on the roster, including Willis, has experience playing significant snaps at edge.

Linebacker: B-

South Carolina lost former walk-on Darryle Ware (Texas A&M- Commerce) and did not add any linebackers from the portal, though four-star linebacker Grayson Howard joined the roster as an early enrollee.

Both of the Gamecocks' starting linebackers are out of eligibility, but the lack of transfers isn't a concern thanks to the existing roster depth. Debo Williams, Stone Blanton and Bam Martin-Scott all played significant snaps this season and will contend for starting roles.

Mohamed Kaba, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 2, will also be back after he won the 2022 starting job over sixth-year senior Sherrod Greene in preseason.

Defensive back: B+

South Carolina lost starting safety R.J. Roderick and reserves Joey Hunter (Akron) and Tyrese Ross. The team did not add any defensive backs from the portal, but three DBs in the 2023 class have enrolled early.

The Gamecocks' biggest secondary losses are Cam Smith, Darius Rush and Devonni Reed, who all declared for the NFL Draft. However, the unit has three key returners in senior corner Marcellus Dial and freshmen Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith.

Injuries plagued the team's defensive backs all season, so multiple reserves earned significant playing experience. David Spaulding returns after starting in four games, and O'Donnell Fortune earned two starts.