Freshman defensive tackle Josh Belk intends to transfer from Clemson, Clemson247 has learned.

Belk arrived on campus as an early enrollee in January.

Clemson247 was told that the majority of the team found out about Belk's decision on Tuesday.

South Carolina appears to be the most likely destination but that's unsettled. Belk hails from Richburg (S.C.) Lewisville, less than an hour from Columbia, S.C.

Belk, who grew up a South Carolina fan, committed to Clemson over runner-up South Carolina in January 2017. At the time, he cited his relationship with Clemson defensive tackles coach Todd Bates as well as the culture at Clemson as reasoning for his decision. Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott also helped recruit Belk to Clemson. The Crystal Ball was 100 percent in favor of South Carolina at the time of his Clemson pledge.

He was ranked as five-star prospect by 247Sports and as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 25 overall player. He was ranked as the No. 2 player in South Carolina behind Clemson freshman wide receiver Deion Kendrick. He was also one of the more impressive prospects to compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl back in January.

Other schools that offered during the recruiting process included Florida, Auburn, Florida State, Louisville, LSU, Miami, N.C. State, UNC, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Entering the fall, Belk was behind rising junior Dexter Lawrence and rising redshirt sophomore Nyles Pinckney on the depth chart. He was one of five defensive linemen and two defensive tackles to sign with Clemson in 2018. Former five-star ends Xavier Thomas and KJ Henry also enrolled in January, and did former three-star tackle Darnell Jefferies. Four-star end Justin Mascoll arrives in June.

Here's the reasoning from 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons for why Belk earned five-star status: "He isn't challenged on the high school level given the competition that his high school plays but Belk showed the ability to be dominant against elite players at the Army Bowl. There's rare natural strength here. He's barrel-chested and showcases effortless power as a disrupter in the run-game. He can control blockers or just blow up blocking schemes as a push-the-pocket guy. He can be very effective as a two-gap defender. There isn't a lot of pass-rush finesse or polish to speak of but Belk has the raw tools to develop that side of his game. In addition to the raw strength, he's got suddenness and explosive athleticism that gives him all kinds of ceiling."

The Tigers received their first commitment from a defensive tackle in the 2019 class on Monday from three-star Tayquon Johnson of Williamsport (Md.) High. He chose Clemson over offers from Penn State, Georgia, and Alabama.

4:00 p.m. UPDATE: Belk took to Twitter to announce the following: "I will be transferring from Clemson University. I appreciate the Clemson staff, fans and Coaching staff. Thanks to Coach Swinney for the opportunity. Nothing bad to say about the University and my time there. Just feel that it’s the best decision for my family and I."

4:40 p.m. UPDATE: Clemson released an official statement regarding Belk's transfer.

It's written below.

"Freshman defensive lineman Josh Belk will transfer from the Clemson football program. The native of Fort Lawn, S.C. entered Clemson in January 2018 as an early enrollee and participated in spring practice and the spring game.

'Josh is a good young man from a great family,' said Swinney. 'Sometimes circumstances change, as is the case with Josh. We are disappointed he is leaving, but I enjoyed being around him the past few months. He did everything that was asked of him and had an excellent semester academically. I wish him all the best in the years to come.'"