As one of the highest-rated members of South Carolina’s 2011 recruiting class, Sheldon Royster was expected to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball for at least the next couple of years.
Instead, the safety will leave Columbia without ever playing a down for the Gamecocks.
According to Scout.com, Royster has decided to leave USC and will be transferring to Rutgers. Royster, who was listed as the No. 2 free safety entering summer camp, was granted a release from his scholarship over the weekend.
Because of NCAA transfer rules, the New Jersey native will be forced to sit out the 2012 season but will have three seasons of eligibility beginning in 2013.
It should be noted that Rutgers has not confirmed the addition, although the Gamecocks did confirm earlier this week that Royster would be leaving the program.
Royster was one of six four-star members of USC’s 32-player 2011 recruiting class, rated as the No. 12 safety in the country. He redshirted as a true freshman last season.
(Photo credit: USC athletics)