This is a large species, about 18 mm or more long--measured by photographing adjacent to scale. I think it is Canthon vigilans, according to the key in Scarab Beetles of South Carolina, p. 13. (1) This is based on size and the comparatively large eyes, about half as wide as long. Canthon pilularis (=C. laevis of Dillon (2), etc.) is very similar, slightly smaller and with smaller eyes.

Attracted to light. Captured, chilled, and posed for this photo.

Detail of head, and especially, eye, is important in identification. See linked image below.