Another key member of Gamecocks defense announces return for 2022 football season
South Carolina football will keep another key piece of its defense for the 2022 season.
Edge lineman Jordan Strachan, who joined Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks in 2021 as a transfer from Georgia State, announced via Twitter on Tuesday morning that he’ll be returning to Columbia for a second season in the SEC and sixth season of college football.
Strachan spent much of the season just behind Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare on the depth chart, earning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl start after Enagbare opted out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL draft.
Strachan finished 2021 second on the team with 6.0 tackles for loss, including 3.0 sacks, an interception and five quarterback hits. He totaled 23 total tackles.
“This year has been one helluva journey,” Strachan said in the tweet. “The experiences and relationships I’ve been able to have has been life changing. Coming to South Carolina and playing in the SEC has been a much needed process in my growth as a player.
“Thank you Carolina for giving a skinny kid from south Georgia the opportunity to pursue his dreams. When I came to Carolina I said I wanted to challenge myself and see what I could do in the SEC. I think I’ve just scratched the surface and I got some unfinished business here.”
Strachan’s return bolsters the veteran presence along USC’s defensive line. He’s likely to anchor the line with Jordan Burch on the opposite end, as well as Zacch Pickens, who announced his return Monday, along the interior.
Veteran defensive back R.J. Roderick and linebacker Brad Johnson also announced their intention to stay in Columbia this week.
This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 11:23 AM.
