A weak South Carolina secondary got weaker Wednesday, as it was reported that starting cornerback Rico McWilliams is taking a "leave of absence" from the program.
The news was first reported by The State, and Will Muschamp is keeping most of the details away from the public. Muschamp would not get into the details of the situation, saying only that the senior had to tend to a personal matter and that he will be away for an indefinite period of time.
McWilliams started 10 games in 2015 and was listed as a starter on the preseason depth chart, but Chris Lammons and Rashad Fenton seem to have surpassed him during fall camp.
A former three-star recruit, McWilliams has appeared in 33 games, starting 18 for the Gamecocks. Even if he wasn't slated to be the starter, his absence is a major blow to a position group that can't absorb many.