Veteran South Carolina defender leaning toward major decision on future

After receiving the good news that wide receiver Josh Vann will likely return to Columbia for another season on Monday, Gamecock fans got an additional exciting update on Tuesday.

Senior defensive end Jordan Strachan is likely to spend another year at South Carolina in lieu of declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, per Matt Zenitz of On3. Strachan had received Day 2 predictions had he declared for the draft after he had 23 tackles, three sacks and an interception this year. His sack contribution was second on the team.

The Georgia native started his college career at Georgia State as a walk-on, and he played for the Panthers from 2017-2020. While at Georgia State, he played both safety and outside linebacker, and the in-state product earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors and was tied for first in the FBS with 10.5 sacks in 2020.

He transferred to South Carolina this season, and he clearly excelled as an edge rusher on a much-improved South Carolina defense.

Vann forgoes draft declaration

Also reported by Zenitz, Vann will stay in Columbia for another year. He led the team with 43 catches for 679 yards and five touchdowns in 2021.

A Georgia native, Vann was a four-star recruit and the No. 25 receiver in the class of 2018 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He committed to the Gamecocks over offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, UCF and others.

The receiver played a limited role in his first three years with the program before becoming a full-time starter this season. As such, his draft stock could benefit from an extra year of college. 

Vann’s production this year was impressive considering South Carolina went through several different quarterbacks in a 7-6 season.

Help is on the way for Vann and the rest of the receiving corps next season. Former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler has transferred to South Carolina to reunite with South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, his former coach at Oklahoma. Rattler spent three seasons with the Sooners, accumulating 4,595 yards and 40 touchdowns. The No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2019 according to On3 Consensus, he should step in as the starter right away. 

With more stability at quarterback, perhaps Vann can boost his NFL draft stock with a solid final season. He should be Rattler’s top target, and to reach 1,000 yards isn’t out of the question.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.