South Carolina recently lost star linebacker Andrew Jones, just days after he committed to SEC rival Ole Miss. Many Gamecock fans felt that Jones used South Carolina as leverage to secure a better deal with the Rebels. Ultimately, the Southwestern Atlantic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year decided to take his talents to Ole Miss.
Jones’ departure was a blow to South Carolina, especially as the team faces a shortage of linebackers for the upcoming season. The status of Demetrius Knight Jr., Bam Martin-Scott, and Debo Williams is uncertain, as it’s still unclear whether they’ll remain with the Gamecocks or leave.
However, South Carolina received some positive news when head coach Shane Beamer secured former four-star linebacker Shawn Murphy from the transfer portal.
Shawn Murphy
Murphy joins the Gamecocks after spending one season at Florida State, following two years at Alabama under Nick Saban. After Saban’s retirement, Murphy left Alabama and joined what was thought to be a strong Florida State program, but their season didn’t go as expected.
At Florida State, Murphy recorded 13 tackles, including six solo tackles. With two years of eligibility remaining due to a redshirt season, he is expected to fit well into Clayton White’s defensive system. A former four-star recruit from Virginia, Murphy brings three years of experience in Power Five conferences and will be a valuable mentor to South Carolina’s younger linebackers.
Murphy is the latest addition to South Carolina’s transfer class, joining Nick Sharpe, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Dingle, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.
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