JUST IN: Major Setback As South Carolina Loses Another Top-Notch Linebacker To The Transfer Portal Just 48 Hours After Getting His…
South Carolina’s football program has experienced a significant setback with the departure of linebacker Stone Blanton, who announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on December 23, 2023. Blanton, a sophomore starter, recorded 52 tackles this season and made a pivotal 88-yard interception return for a touchdown against Jacksonville State, securing a 38-28 victory on November 4.
This loss is compounded by the recent departure of linebacker Andrew Jones, a standout from Grambling State. Jones initially committed to South Carolina but flipped to Ole Miss after a visit, as reported on December 20, 2024. Jones earned SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, amassing 122 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and three sacks this past season.
These consecutive departures underscore a challenging period for South Carolina’s defense, particularly at the linebacker position. The team has seen a total of 19 players enter the transfer portal this cycle, including six starters. While the Gamecocks have signed eight players from the portal, none are linebackers. However, they have bolstered their roster with incoming freshmen Wendell Gregory and Fred Johnson at the position.
Blanton’s exit opens opportunities for players like Grayson “Pup” Howard, who appeared in 11 games as a true freshman, and Mo Kaba, expected to return after an ACL injury. The coaching staff faces the challenge of restructuring the linebacker corps to maintain defensive stability in the upcoming season.
