South Carolina’s firing of Will Muschamp led to a number of opt-outs in Columbia, including key defensive players Israel Mukuamu and Jaycee Hornm, who both decided to forego their remaining eligibility to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Safety R.J. Roderick and defensive lineman Makius Scott also opted out at South Carolina following Muschamp’s firing.

Another Gamecock that could have his name called this spring is guard Sadarius Hutcherson, who has not missed a start since 2018. While the possibility of him opting out exists, the redshirt senior from Tennessee is staying put to see things out.

“For me as a senior, I know what adversity is like,” Hutcherson said following the Gamecocks’ 17-10 loss to Missouri on Saturday. “My guys (need) a leader, and they look up to me and a few more other players, and it just wouldn’t be right for me to leave. At the end of the day, I’m finishing out. I was raised that way. My mom and dad always raised me to finish anything that I started, and that’s what I’m going to do. … I’m not going to trade these guys for anything in the world.”

Two games remain on the Gamecocks’ schedule: Saturday against Georgia and Dec. 5 at Kentucky. While some may disagree with Hutcherson’s choice, at least he’s a man of conviction.