South Carolina freshman transfer Josh Belk has been granted immediate eligibility via a waiver from the NCAA, it was announced today.

“Obviously, we are very happy to get the news from the NCAA that Josh is eligible to play this season,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “Our compliance department did a great job of making a strong case for Josh and the NCAA did the right thing in granting the waiver. I’m appreciative for everyone involved in making this happen.”

Belk, who originally signed with Clemson last December and enrolled at the school in January, transferred out of that program after just one semester.

Listed at 6-foot-3, 359 pounds by USC, Belk impressed the Gamecocks coaches with his pure strength out of high school evidenced by his ability to bench press 225 pounds 30-plus times.

“I think he can be a good one, I really do,” defensive line coach Lance Thompson said. “He’s got size. He’s got quickness. I think he’s got a little nasty about him, and he’s coachable.”

While Belk will have to continue to trim weight in order to play a lot of snaps, Muschamp was confident that he can help the team this year, when asked about Belk a couple of weeks ago.

"It's a long season, so we're working toward that," Muschamp said. "I think you look at the job our nutrition staff did with Javon Kinlaw. It's a process, and you've got to buy into that, and Josh has certainly welcomed the things that we're trying to do."

Belk, who was ranked a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, announced a commitment to South Carolina in June.

A former U.S. Army All-American, the Lewisville High standout was ranked the No. 21 defensive tackle and No. 5 prospect in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com.

*** Celebrate 20 years of Gamecock Central! Buy one month get 20 weeks FREE! ***