South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway will skip his final season with the Gamecocks and enter the NFL draft.
Markway, third on the Gamecocks with 349 yards receiving this season, had the option to return for a sixth season due to injury. But one day after South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley announced his intention to transfer to Utah, Markway announced his decision on Twitter.
"Growing up, whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always a NFL football player," he wrote. "Through years of sacrifices and hard work, I have been blessed with an opportunity to pursue this dream."
Markway began his South Carolina career when Steve Spurrier was at the helm and leaves under Will Muschamp. The tight end thanked both in his message. Markway, in what was his college finale, caught three passes for 39 yards in a 38-3 loss to Clemson Nov. 30.
Markway's decision further shakes up the South Carolina offense as it heads into recruiting season. On Tuesday, former Colorado State coach Mike Bobo was announced as new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. After a 4-8 finish, the Gamecocks demoted former offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon and fired quarterbacks coach Dan Werner.