South Carolina RB Lovasea Carroll says his playing career has come to an end.

Carroll announced on Twitter Friday that he is retiring, citing a recent medical diagnosis. After thanking the University of Georgia for signing him out of high school and the Gamecocks for taking him as a transfer, he reflected on how hard it is to step away from football:

“I used to believe that losing a game, or having to miss a few weeks of practice, was the biggest setback I would experience,” Carroll wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.

“The pain of losing a game will never compare to that of having to walk away from football. While it pains me to have to come to terms with my recent medical diagnosis, I am going to have to say goodbye to the game that has been by my side for as long as I can remember. My life will forever be changed by the loss of this sport, the A.M. workouts and months of conditioning, and the feeling of stepping on the field every Saturday. I know that the memories I have made, the people I have met, and the lessons I have learned will never leave me, and I am confident that football will always be a part of me. Thank you, Gamecock Nation.”

Out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Carroll was a 4-star recruit, rated the No. 8 running back on the 247Sports Composite. At UGA, he moved to defensive back. He played in 4 games for the Bulldogs during the 2021 season.

After his freshman season, Carroll transferred to South Carolina. He moved back to running back with the Gamecocks.  This season, Carroll played in 5 games but did not record any offensive statistics.

Impact of Carroll stepping away

A healthy Caroll would have likely been in line for some carries this season. Entering spring practice, the Gamecocks are now down to 2 scholarship running backs in returning junior Juju McDowell, a former Freshman All-SEC selection in 2021, and Mario Anderson, a transfer from Newberry, a Division II program.

The transfer portal has slowed down as only graduate transfers can currently enter. The next undergrad window begins in May. Expect Shane Beamer’s staff to be active in the portal after spring practice to add some depth to the running back room.