South Carolina continues to emphasize athleticism on defense
One of the major storylines for the 2024 version of the South Carolina football team was its much-improved defense. The Gamecocks showed some life at the end of the 2023 campaign but were an underachieving bunch on that side of the ball for most of the year. Defensive coordinator Clayton White’s unit flipped the switch during the offseason and much of the credit goes to the coaching staff highlighting the athleticism of the players.
On multiple occasions this season, White, head coach Shane Beamer, or other coaches lauded their team defensive speed and instincts. Having comfortable, aggressive, well-prepared players who are high-level athletes is a key to modern defensive success. The Gamecocks had that this fall.
[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]
Several players on defense—especially names like Nick Emmanwori, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight, TJ Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and O’Donnell Fortune—were plus-athletes at their positions but will be big losses this offseason. However, the Gamecocks haven’t stopped focusing on putting elite athletes on the field.
Returners like Dylan Stewart, Fred “JayR” Johnson, Vicari Swain, and Jalon Kilgore are big and fast, respective to their positions. There is hope, too, that a recent NCAA ruling on former junior college players will yield another year for linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, a player who certainly fits that same mold.
In the recruiting class of 2025, USC signed several prospects with impressive physical upside. Most of those guys won’t play major roles this fall, but they still have bright futures in the program. Every defensive player in the class either has a college-ready build, a major athletic upside, or both.
Top 10
- 1
Quinn Ewers
Directly answers portal rumors
- 2
'We want Ohio State'
Marcus Freeman reacts to Love comment
- 3
Kyren Lacy
Negligent homicide: LSU WR wanted
- 4Hot
Carson Beck
Georgia QB signs with Miami
- 5
Colt McCoy
Defending Quinn Ewers
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
[Get USC Gamecocks app notifications]
The transfer portal has only helped with the Gamecocks’ pursuits of athleticism.
South Carolina’s latest commitment, former Alabama linebacker Justin Okoronkwo, might be the freakiest athlete of them all. The former gymnast and soccer player from Germany has ridiculous potential. Others like fellow linebacker Shawn Murphy, EDGE Jaylen Brown, DB Myles Norwood, and DT Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy are better athletes than a lot of players across the country at their respective positions.
[Get our free newsletter! Don’t rely on search engines and social media for your Gamecock info.]
While time will tell if the 2025 defense can come close to matching the unit Kennard and Emmanwori called “historical” in 2024, the blueprint is there. A unit that has exceptional size and speed will always have a chance to do something special.
South Carolina has its eyes on a special season next fall. If they are going to get there, it will be in large part because of a playmaking defense like 2024.
For now, though, fans have to wait 233 more days until the start of the 2025 football season. The Gamecocks will open next year against the Virginia Tech Hokies in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff.
