Sterling Lucas shares what his message to Tyreek Johnson has been

Tyreek Johnson has one season left with the Gamecocks. South Carolina defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas has one message left for Johnson.

“You got everything it takes to be a great player,” Sterling said. “He’s one of the most physical dudes on the team, man. If you talk to Luke Day and our strength coaches, pound-for-pound, [Johnson] might be one of the strongest guys on the team. Now just get the opportunity to go out there. He’s healthy. Go out there, execute and go out there to dominate.”

Johnson’s journey at South Carolina has been a bumpy one. The 6-foot-3 EDGE missed his first three seasons due to a torn ACL and subsequent subluxed knee cap. When Johnson finally recovered, he was clearly behind.

Consequently, Johnson appeared in just two games in 2021, recording a single tackle. Nonetheless, Johnson would not be deterred. He battled back and appeared in 12 contests in 2022.

Johnson showed glimpses of greatness. Specifically, he boasted a breakout game against Florida, collecting a tackle for loss and his first career fumble recovery. Now, with another healthy offseason at his back, Johnson is ready for his best campaign yet.

Tyreek Johnson uses new strategy this offseason

Johnson’s diet has been a significant difference in his preparation for the upcoming season.

“I would say the biggest thing is they try to do different things. They’re trying to learn us as individuals. Every athlete and person’s body is different. They try to learn what works for us and each individual on the team,” Johnson said.

“They’re bringing in different vitamins. We’re taking different vitamins than we did last year. He’s putting a big emphasis on learning how to take control of our nutrition and teach us. So we can be prepared in the long run.”

Shane Beamer discusses Week 1 matchup

South Carolina will need to be fully energized for its Week 1 matchup against Notre Dame, which will be covered by “College Gameday.” For head coach Shane Beamer, the situation is a reminder of how far the Gamecocks have come.

“It’s a great statement about where we’ve come,” Beamer said. “I was telling somebody earlier today that two years ago at this time was about the same time a national media member made the statement that the ceiling for the 2021 team was two wins.

“To go from that where we were picked sixth or seventh in the SEC East my first season to now you have College GameDay coming — two really good teams in the season opener — it makes a really great statement about the progress we’ve made and some of the things we’ve accomplished.”