Cornerback Rico McWilliams has left the program. McWilliams, a senior, was listed as a starter on the team’s preseason depth chart but has run primarily with the second team this fall.

McWilliams has played in 33 games over his first three years with the Gamecocks and has 18 starts to his credit. With the injury to Skai Moore, he had the most starts among any player on the roster.

The Hampton, Ga. started 10 games and played in all 12 a year ago. He was credited with 32 tackles, had a pair of pass breakups and recovered a fumble.

Last week, McWilliams missed several days of practice to be with family members in Baton Rouge, La. affected by flooding. He returned to practice on Friday, but left the team for good on Saturday.

With McWilliams’ departure, that leaves Chris Lammons and Rashad Fenton as the near sure-fire starters at cornerback for the season-opener on Thursday against Vanderbilt. Junior Jamarcus King is currently the third cornerback.

Head coach Will Muschamp said last week that Steven Montac would be the fifth cornerback, so he’s now bumped up to fourth.