South Carolina returning defensive back Peyton Williams following Garnet Trust deal
Gamecock defensive back Peyton Williams has inked a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Garnet Trust, indicating a return to the South Carolina football program for the 2025 season.
Williams’ news came via a Garnet Trust announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
The 6’0″, 200-pound safety has battled some injuries during his three years in Columbia but has been part of the secondary conversation when healthy. This fall, he tallied 15 total tackles and two pass breakups in a reserve role.
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Recently, South Carolina director of player personnel and recruiting Darren Uscher told GamecockCentral that player retention is a huge focus for USC. Recent Garnet Trust deals back up that claim.
During the 2024 season, Williams was behind veterans Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith on the depth chart. Though, with Emmanwori potentially off to the NFL, Williams could be in for a larger role next season.
2025 will be Williams’ redshirt junior season with the Gamecocks. However, because he missed 2023 with an injury, he could apply to have three more years (including 2025) of eligibility.
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Peyton Williams Bio on Gamecocksonline
* 2022 Community Service Award
Third-year defensive back… works at the safety position… challenging for a spot in the two-deep and could also factor on special teams.
2023 (Redshirt Freshman)
Second year defensive back who was battling back from an ankle injury that he suffered late during spring drills… worked with the scout team… did not see any game action.
2022 (Freshman)
Graduated at semester and enrolled at South Carolina in January… went through spring drills working at the safety position… saw action in three games, appearing in the South Carolina State, Tennessee and Notre Dame contests… recorded three tackles and a pass breakup… two of his three stops came against the Volunteers, while his other tackle came in the win over the Bulldogs… redshirted… named one of three recipients of the Community Service Award as selected by the coaching staff.
HIGH SCHOOL
Graduated from Rockwall-Heath (Texas) High School in December 2021… played both corner and safety… coached by Mike Spradlin… helped the Hawks to an 11-2 record and reach the third round of the state playoffs in 2021… credited with 67 tackles including 4.0 tackles for loss… logged 10 passes defended with one interception… also competed in track and field in the high hurdles and triple jump… is ranked the 64th-best player in Texas, the 38th-best safety in the country and No. 449 overall… rated the 70th-best player in the state and the 56th-best cornerback in the country by Rivals… rated No. 234 on the ESPN300 list.
PERSONAL
Peyton James Williams was born April 10, 2004… is a criminology and criminal justice major.
