QB Brandon McIlwain to Transfer from South Carolina Gamecocks

Quarterback Brandon McIlwain announced Wednesday he will transfer from the University of South Carolina.

The rising sophomore posted a statement on Twitter:

McIlwain appeared in eight games as a freshman for the Gamecocks in 2016, throwing for 600 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Expectations were relatively high for McIlwain when he arrived on campus. He was the No. 12 quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class, per Scout.

However, The State's Josh Kendall explained in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel's Edgar Thompson that the South Carolina coaching staff was growing increasingly enamored with another freshman, Jake Bentley:

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[Perry] Orth and McIlwain each started three of the first six games, but the coaching staff wasn't happy with either of them and turned to Bentley during the bye week before the UMass game, which was the seventh game of the year. So far, he's been all they could have hoped for and more. He has six touchdowns, no interceptions and no fumbles, and he has completed 73 percent of his passes. He looks like the real deal.

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Bentley finished as the Gamecocks' leading passer with 1,420 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

Since Bentley has the inside track on the starting job in 2017 and for the foreseeable future, it makes sense for McIlwain to transfer. He'd benefit from having a fresh start at a new school.

McIlwain is also an outfielder for South Carolina's baseball team. He went 1-for-10 with an RBI in eight games for the Gamecocks in 2016 and has made one appearance during the 2017 campaign.

The State's David Cloninger wondered whether McIlwain may focus more on his baseball career after transferring:

While Bentley has even less resistance to lead the South Carolina offense next season, McIlwain's departure depletes the Gamecocks' quarterback depth. Campus Insiders' Dave Miller noted the team currently has only two scholarship QBs on the roster, with 2017 recruit Jay Urich soon to join the fray.

McIlwain's presence would've given South Carolina insurance in case Bentley regressed or went down injured. Instead, the team could be in trouble should either of those scenarios come to fruition.