Under-the-radar Gamecocks who could have a bigger role when South Carolina takes on Illinois in the Citrus Bowl

In just over a week, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer will lead his team out of the tunnel for one last time in 2024. The Gamecocks will match up with the Illinois Fighting Illini in Orlando in the Citrus Bowl.

Beamer and his players have repeatedly talked about the importance of earning a 10th win this season. South Carolina has only reached double-digit victories four other times in program history.

However, bowl games present unique opportunities in modern football. Thanks to the transfer portal and opt-outs, the personnel for the game will look a little different. The Gamecocks will be without All-American pass rusher Kyle Kennard who has already begun preparing for the NFL Draft. Running back Rocket Sanders has not officially made the same call but, similarly, has declared for the draft. 13 scholarship players also have left the team via the transfer portal.

Bowl games always give teams a chance to try out some new personnel looks. Those personnel changes only increase the likelihood that the Gamecocks will play some new faces.

As things stand today, USC is about a 10-point favorite in the game. If things get out of hand (a possibility as South Carolina won six contests by at least 21 points, and Illinois lost both of its games against top-15 opponents by multiple scores), the opportunity to play some younger or less-experienced players will be even greater.

So, which Gamecocks could use the Citrus Bowl to springboard themselves into a bigger role in 2025?

[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]

EDGE Desmond Umeozulu

EDGE won’t look the same in the bowl without No. 5. Because of Kyle Kennard’s opt-out, the Gamecocks will need some players to step up opposite of Dylan Stewart. Junior Bryan Thomas has been a heavy part of the rotation recently and will be again next season. But a more under-the-radar player could emerge, as well.

Sophomore Desmond Umeozulu, a former 4-star recruit, could be next. This week, veteran defensive back Nick Emmanwori hyped up the young EDGE player, saying he was “excited” to see what he could do next season.

Umeozulu has played an off-and-on role the past two seasons in Columbia. If he wants to impress defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas, he will have a great chance to do so against an Illinois team tied for 99th nationally in sacks allowed this season.

Also look out for: JT Geer

Running back Jawarn Howell

With Sanders potentially not playing in the bowl, Oscar Adaway will get some extra touches. However, beyond Adaway, the “next man up” could be a player who redshirted in 2024.

Jawarn Howell, who will be a redshirt sophomore next fall, could be in for some carries against Illinois. Playing in a bowl game does not count against a player’s redshirt, so Howell would have no restrictions. He has shown flashes of really good play at South Carolina and was elite at the FCS level last year.

With his biggest stage as a Gamecock before him, Jawarn Howell can put some good things on tape as he auditions for one of the top running back roles for next year.

Also look out for: Matthew Fuller

Linebacker Fred “JayR” Johnson

To be clear, South Carolina’s three senior linebackers (Demetrius Knight, Debo Williams, and Bam Martin-Scott) will play in this game and will play most of the snaps. However, all three will be out of eligibility after the game, leaving behind a vacant linebacker rotation. The player next up on the depth chart all year has been a true freshman.

Former 4-star linebacker Fred “JayR” Johnson has drawn rave reviews from his coaches and teammates. Being behind the veterans has kept him off the field a bit, but it’s also allowed him to learn. This week, the defensive leaders spoke to the media and all hyped up Johnson for his work ethic, natural ability, and willingness to learn.

If the Gamecocks get ahead in this one, look for defensive coordinator Clayton White to get his NFL-bound players out of the game to keep them healthy ahead of next April’s draft. If that happens, fans can expect a lot of snaps for Johnson.

Also look out for: Jaron Willis

Safety Peyton Williams

Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith have been starters in the Gamecock secondary for three years. There’s a good chance that changes this offseason. Though he has left the door open for a return, Emmanwori is projected as a top-100 NFL Draft pick. If he does go pro, that leaves a spot in the defensive backfield available. One player who could factor into that empty spot is another class of 2022 product.

Safety Peyton Williams has been part of the rotation when he’s been healthy. Unfortunately, he has battled various ailments over the years. Right now, though, he appears to be healthy and has been pretty good in limited action.

Depending on how defensive backs coach Torrian Gray utilizes Jalon Kilgore next season (will he play nickel or will he play safety?), Williams could be a favorite to start at safety next to Smith. The Citrus Bowl could be a nice showcase for him if the game situation allows it.

Also look out for: David Bucey

Tight end Michael Smith

South Carolina got a lot of value out of their tight ends this season. Josh Simon was great and should have garnered more All-SEC attention. Brady Hunt played his role well and also caught one of the key passes of the year against Missouri. Former walk-on Maurice Brown saw some usage, as well. But one other tight end played a fair amount in the USC offense.

True freshman Michael Smith got a lot of snaps this year. His touchdown catch against Missouri (his only score in 2024) came at a massive moment. So with Hunt’s injury status up in the air for this game, Smith could be in line for even more playing time.

Simon will be in the NFL next season, too, so if Carolina gets ahead, the senior playmaker could see his day end early. Already an expected starter in 2025, Smith could give fans a sneak peek against Illinois.

Also look out for: Maurice Brown

Defensive Tackle Monkell Goodwine

Like linebacker, South Carolina’s defensive tackle position was loaded with veterans. Seniors Boogie Huntley, Tonka Hemingway, and DeAndre Jules will be out of eligibility after the bowl. Redshirt junior TJ Sanders hasn’t made any announcements but could be headed off to the NFL. But the next man in the rotation most of this season was a new transfer portal addition.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Monkell Goodwine saw some action in 2024. He played in every game, even while battling through some injuries. Next year, he could be a starter in garnet and black.

Goodwine will partner with senior Nick Barrett (who redshirted this year) as the veteran leaders in defensive tackles coach Travian Robertson’s position room heading into the offseason. A strong showing against Illinois could give him a leg up.

Also look out for: Nick Barrett

Offensive Lineman Tree Babalade

One of the most famous backup offensive linemen in recent Gamecock history is Tree Babalade. Babalade started most of the 2023 campaign and earned some Freshman All-SEC honors. However, he battled some injuries and a more competitive depth chart this year and redshirted, despite starting one game.

South Carolina is losing its three interior starters from this year’s offensive line. Guards Torricelli Simpkins and Kamaar Bell and center Vershon Lee played every game this year. Babalade, who has played tackle with the Gamecocks, could also be a factor this offseason at one of the guard spots. Thanks to his redshirt status being unaffected by the bowl game, it should surprise no one if Big Tree gets in the game some against Illinois.

Also look out for: Markee Anderson

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!