From true freshmen to seventh-year senior, all USC edge rushers expected to step up
The Gamecocks lost a lot of production on defense with the transfers of Jordan Burch and Gilber Edmond.
Burch, now at Oregon, recorded 60 tackles (32 solo and 7.5 for loss) , 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections last season. Edmond, now at Florida State, recorded 39 tackles (nine for loss) with two sacks and nine quarterback hurries.
But four scholarship edge rushers returned to South Carolina this season, including the so-nicknamed “elder statesman” Tyreek Johnson, plus two young additions. The room is about half underclassmen and half redshirt or “super” seniors. Everyone is expected to step up and get quality playing time this year, defensive ends and outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas said.
Bryan Thomas Jr. had a great spring after playing in 10 games as a freshman last season, Lucas said. He called those reps in 2022 “invaluable.” The sophomore capitalized on that momentum and built a case for himself as a candidate for defensive MVP of the spring.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him,” Lucas said while speaking at the annual Birdies With Beamer event last month.
Having super senior Jordan Strachan back this year is also a boost. Lucas said he expects Strachan to be 100% when the season starts after he tore his ACL last year. When Strachan returned to football after his first ACL tear at Georgia State in 2020, he led the FBS with 10.5 sacks. Lucas told Strachan he expects the same of his 2023 comeback as well.
Terrell Dawkins, who was limited to three games last year because of a knee injury, is also healthy, Lucas said.
South Carolina added freshman Desmond Umeozulu and transfer Jatius Geer in the spring. Lucas gushed over Umeozulu’s work ethic since arriving on campus. The 6-foot-6 edge out of Upper Marlboro, Maryland has put on about 20 pounds (weighing in at 246) and taken ownership of the playbook. Geer brings depth to the position.
Tyreek Johnson and the advantages of ‘prehabbing’
With multiple players coming back from injuries, staying healthy will be a key for South Carolina’s defense this season.
Lucas said he feels comfortable giving the proverbial microphone to Johnson, now in his sixth year at USC, during team meetings so he can deliver advice to his position mates.
Johnson overcame an ACL tear and a subluxed kneecap during his first few seasons with the Gamecocks. He uses his platform as a leader to educate his teammates about “prehabbing” to avoid injury, Lucas said.
Scholarship players at edge
Jordan Strachan (S-Sr.)
Terrell Dawkins (R-Sr.)
Tyreek Johnson (R-Sr.)
Bryan Thomas (So.)
Jatius Geer (R-So.)
Desmond Umeozulu (Fr.)
