Columbia Gamecocks Football Welcomes Transfer Lineman Rodney Newsom Jr.

Columbia Welcomes New Transfer Lineman

Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Gamecocks football team has officially added Rodney Newsom Jr. to their roster as part of the 2025 transfer class. Newsom, a former offensive lineman for Western Kentucky, visited Columbia over the weekend and is now the second offensive lineman to join the team this month.

A Positive Visit

The visit, which took place on Christmas Eve weekend, proved to be a successful one for both the player and the program. “The visit was amazing, I enjoyed every moment of it,” Newsom said in an interview following his trip. His enthusiasm reflects the positive atmosphere in Columbia, which hopes to make significant improvements in its offensive line for the upcoming season.

Career Overview

Newsom, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 295 pounds, comes with an impressive background. He began his football career at Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee before moving on to Memphis as part of the 2020 recruiting class. After two seasons at Memphis, he spent time at Itawamba Community College before joining Western Kentucky ahead of the 2024 season.

Impressive Performance

During his tenure at Western Kentucky, Newsom played a total of 580 snaps this past season, primarily at right guard with a handful of snaps at center. His performance was solid, yielding a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 72.5 for the 2024 season. These numbers indicate a player who has valuable experience and skill, likely poised to contribute significantly to the Gamecocks’ offensive strategy.

Competition for Newsom

Despite interest from schools like Arkansas and Mississippi State, South Carolina was the only team to host Newsom for a visit this December. This exclusivity and the warm reception during his visit seem to have played a crucial role in his decision.

Moving Forward

Newsom arrives at South Carolina with two seasons of eligibility remaining, giving the coaching staff essential options for building the team strategically over the next couple of years. His addition could greatly enhance the Gamecocks’ strength and depth on the offensive line, a position critical for the team’s success in the demanding Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As the transfer portal continues to shape college football rosters, Newsom’s arrival signifies South Carolina’s commitment to revitalizing their offensive play. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he integrates with the team’s strategies moving forward in the upcoming seasons.

Stay tuned for further updates and developments regarding South Carolina’s 2025 transfer class as they look to build a competitive team ready for the challenges ahead.

Author: HERE Lexington