South Carolina continued its shopping spree in the transfer portal by picking up a commitment from former Georgia Tech edge pass rusher Kyle Kennard on Friday morning.

The 6-5, 238-pounder from Atlanta led the Yellow Jackets with 6 sacks this season. He also had 53 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and an interception. Kennard, a 3-star prospect in high school, will have one year of eligibility.

The Gamecocks, 5-7 this season, have added 8 players from the portal, including Arkansas RB Rocket Sanders, Pitt DL Deandre Jules and Vanderbilt WR Jayden McGowan.

Kennard reportedly visited Florida State before committing to the Gamecocks. Jules visited Florida.

The Gamecocks defensive line has received a boost of talent. Their high school recruiting class includes 5-star edge Dylan Stewart.

In 2023, the Gamecock defense gave up almost 396 yards per game, including more than 149 rushing yards per game and only had 21 sacks.

The Gamecocks face a tough 2024 schedule with back-to-back road games Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 at Alabama and Oklahoma, respectively, and finish the season at Clemson.

The offense will break in a new QB due to Spencer Rattler entering the NFL Draft. Luke Doty was the backup and will be a senior in 2024.