South Carolina adds Clemson catcher transfer

On3 imageby:Collyn Taylor06/15/22

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South Carolina picked up another piece out of the transfer portal Wednesday morning.

Clemson transfer and catcher Jonathan French officially committed to the Gamecocks a few days after visiting campus.

French slashed .217/.333/.428 this season for the Tigers in 44 games with 164 plate appearances. He drove in 22 runs and struck out 48 times to 20 walks.

The catcher comes in to play a much-needed position for South Carolina after the departure of Colin Burgess. French has 282 plate appearances during his collegiate career and spent last summer in the Cape Cod League with Falmouth. He has two years of eligibility left.

PerfectGame rated French the No. 56 overall player in the 2019 class and No. 4 catcher. He was drafted in the 30th round out of high school by the Cleveland Indians before opting to enroll at Clemson.

French will almost certainly compete for the starting job this season and is the second Clemson transfer South Carolina picked up this offseason. The Gamecocks have a few players who can catch but all of them are young. Cole Messina was a top 500 prospect out of high school as a catcher. Talmadge LeCroy can also catch, and switch-hitting Zander Buchan is enrolling with the 2022 recruiting class.

South Carolina is coming off a 27-28 season, the first losing season since 1996, and will continue to be incredibly active in the transfer portal this offseason.

The Gamecocks also added outfielder Dylan Brewer out of the transfer portal. They’ve also picked up a commitment from infielder Chris Veach and Cal pitcher Nick Proctor as well.

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