STRecruiting: South Carolina is looking to add another defensive lineman to the 2027 class, and the Gamecocks like Georgia native Kennan Burtch

South Carolina is sitting on 17 commitments for the 2027 class at this point, but only one is an interior defensive lineman. Gamecocks’ defensive line coach Travian Robertson is still shopping, and last week he added Kennan Burtch (6-3 280) of Carnesville, GA, to his most-wanted board.

Burtch visited USC with his mother for the Towson game. That was his first-ever visit to see the program in action. Robertson reviewed some of his senior tape and invited him to visit, and he left Columbia with an offer.

“They hit me up out of nowhere,” Burtch said of his initial contact from Robertson. “It was surprising because I wasn’t expecting to pick up an offer from there. They invited me out for a game day visit, and one of the staff said we want you to stay after the game to talk to the coach. But then the game got delayed because of the weather. My parents ended up leaving because they were getting tired as well. We left, and then I was still in touch with them a couple of days later, and they ended up giving me the offer.”

Even though it was a truncated visit, Burtch enjoyed himself and saw a lot to like around the program.

“It was wonderful. Even with the weather, it was wonderful. I love the atmosphere and the people,” Burtch said. “I’ll definitely be back next home game.”

Burtch is early in developing his relationship with Robertson, but the two have hit it off in his eyes.

“He just said that he loved me. He didn’t even say what he loved; he said he loved me,” Burtch said. “I have good size and good get-off. I mean, that’s probably really about it. I use my hands.”

Before the USC visit, Burtch visited Tennessee. He has also been to Georgia multiple times for a game, practice, and camp. Those two have also offered. Some of his other offers are Rutgers, Kansas, West Virginia, and Coastal Carolina.

Burtch did not name a top three but said the Gamecocks were definitely in his top three. He has also set a commitment date for October 31st, which is his senior night, and he plans to make his announcement on the field.