Georgia Football Adds A Defensive Lineman Through The Transfer Portal

Georgia football has a new defensive lineman transfer.

Former South Carolina Gamecock Xzavier McLeod is on his way to Athens. McLeod has four years of eligibility and will seek to help Georgia’s poor defensive line. The Dawgs desperately needed depth in two positions, the offensive and defensive lines, which they have now filled through recruiting and the transfer portal.

McLeod went through the transfer portal in October after appearing in only four games for South Carolina this season. McLeod had been on Kirby Smart’s radar for some time; many recruiting gurus believe Georgia finished second in McLeod recruitment in 2023.

McLeod is from Camden, South Carolina, and was a four-star prospect there. In the 2023 recruiting cycle, he was ranked 22nd among defensive linemen. McLeod selected South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida as his final destinations.

McLeod entered the portal in October after being fired from the South Carolina football program that month. Shane Beamer, South Carolina’s head coach and former tight ends coach at Georgia under Kirby Smart, was unsure why McLeod was fired from the Gamecocks. Beamer did, however, state that his players were held to a standard. McLeod fell short of whatever expectations he had.

Even after McLeod was fired, Kirby Smart insisted on bringing him to Georgia. McLeod, hopefully, has learnt from his mistakes and will become the player that many believe he can be. McLeod may have wanted a fresh start, and Georgia needed a defensive lineman. As a result, it benefits everyone.