While Shane Beamer continues to make moves to build his first coaching staff at South Carolina, the Gamecocks depth looks to be tested early during the new coach’s tenure in Columbia.

South Carolina has received good news with the return of seniors Jabari Ellis on the defensive line and Nick Muse at tight end, but far more Gamecocks have made the decision to leave the program this offseason than return for another season in 2021.

Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu started the trend by opting out following the firing of Will Muschamp at South Carolina and have since been joined by defensive backs Shilo Sanders, Jammie Robinson and John Dixon, in addition to quarterback Ryan Hilinski and running back Deshaun Fenwick.

RJ Roderick’s status is also up in the air at this time.

Now comes the news that senior defensive lineman Keir Thomas has made the decision to leave the program. Thomas will not leave for the NFL, he’s entered the transfer portal and plans to finish out his college career elsewhere.

During his time in Columbia, Thomas has racked up 142 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks for the Gamecock defense.

Here is the message Thomas posted on Tuesday to announce the news: