Debo Williams on South Carolina defense: 'Everything's going to come together this year'

Debo Williams is returning to South Carolina for a fourth year with a purpose. Last week, the South Carolina linebacker revealed his expectations for the Gamecocks’ defense in the 2024 campaign.

“Everything’s gonna come together this year, man. We were pretty young last year,” Williams said. “A lot of guys were seeing if I was coming back, because it was either I was gonna go to the NFL or I was coming back to South Carolina. That was my whole thought process. But, we literally had a group chat —me and a lot of the guys on the defense — just regarding whether we’re gonna come back or not.

“That’s the brotherhood that I think that’s really just gonna push us through the roof this season. I could have went to the NFL. A lot of players could have transferred out if they wanted to, especially with NIL stuff now, but we decided to come back as a group and that’s why I know we’re gonna dominate this season.”

Williams had a standout 2023 season for the Gamecocks, starting in all 12 of their games. He tallied a team-high 113 tackles with 9.0 tackles for loss and one sack. His 113 tackles were the most by a Gamecock since Jonathan Martin recorded 122 in the 2002 season.

Despite Williams’ excellent performances, South Carolina’s defense sputtered. The team allowed 395.7 total yards per game, ranking No. 87 in the country. Williams is confident the Gamecocks’ defense will be revamped this season and it’s easy to understand why.

South Carolina has seven defensive starters returning next season. Its secondary will be a particularly experienced group, highlighted by returners Nick Emmanwori, DQ Smith and Jalon Kilgore. On the defensive line, the Gamecocks will welcome 2024 five-star prospect Dylan Stewart.

No matter how South Carolina’s season goes, Debo Williams knows it will go fast. He won’t take it for granted.

“It’s going by too fast,” Williams said. “I’m just really trying to take everything in and appreciate everything and just being the best leader I can be. Because, finally, I was able to come into myself and be the leader I know I can be last season but now I’m trying to perfect that and be even better, keep growing, and keep bonding with my team so we can come together and win.”

South Carolina will kick off its 2024 campaign with a matchup against Old Dominion on Aug. 31.