Versatile Gamecock commitment J’Zavien Currence enjoying big senior season
J’Zavien Currence is always up for a challenge. That’s what he’s facing during his senior season at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill.
The South Carolina football commitment isn’t spending much time on the sidelines this year. He’s serving double duty as the top-ranked Stallions’ quarterback and lead defensive back. Currence is no stranger to playing on both sides, but he’s usually been at receiver and defensive back.
But South Pointe coach Bobby Collins made the decision to move Currence to quarterback in the second half of the team’s opener against Hough High (North Carolina).
The move has paid off as the Stallions haven’t lost since and were 4-1 going into their most recent matchup against Camden.
Currence has had some big moments, but none bigger than against Northwestern on Sept. 12. Against the Trojans, he had an interception and then threw the game-winning touchdown pass in a wild 27-23 victory over the in-town rivals.
The following week in the region opener against A.C. Flora, he accounted for 335 yards and two touchdowns and also picked off a pass in the 35-12 win.
“He is the best player in the state, best player in the country,” South Pointe coach Bobby Collins said after the A.C. Flora game. “Pulling down interceptions, throwing touchdowns. He is the first guy in the weight room, first guy in the meeting room.
“... He is a hungry, hard-working kid. When your best player is also a great human being, you have a chance to be successful.”
Most recruiting services have Currence as ranked as No. 1 or 2 among the state’s top prospects for 2026. On Sunday, he was picked for the NC-SC Shrine Bowl all-star game, which features the top prospects in the two states.
But beyond honors, Currence is focused on trying to lead South Pointe a state championship for the first time since 2021. He didn’t hesitate when asked to be moved to quarterback in place of Cam McMillon, who has since transferred to Keenan.
Currence played at quarterback for a few games last season when McMillon was injured.
“It is a challenge. I enjoy all challenges. I just want to win a state championship,” Currence told The State after the A.C. Flora game. “And if playing quarterback is the case for me to win a state championship, I stepped into the role. I am still getting used to it, but I am having fun with my guys.”
As for not coming out of games for rest on most weeks, he is fine with it.
“I am never going to complain about it,” Currence said. “I am just having fun with my guys during my last year.”
Through five games, Currence accounted for 1,177 yards and eight total touchdowns. On defense, he had 28 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.
It’s on defense that you can expect to be playing next season for the Gamecocks, although the 6-foot-3 Currence said this summer that he would be open to the idea of playing some on offense. During a 7-on-7 camp this summer, he showed off his receiver skills in addition to his ones at safety.
“I am a natural route runner,” Currence said. “Before I played defensive back, I was always a good receiver. It comes natural to me. I’ve got a good jump ball so I bring a lot to the table.”
How USC Football Commits are Faring
A look at how some of the South Carolina football commits are doing this year
Landon Duckworth, QB, Jackson (Ala.): Duckworth is 60-of-98 passing for 970 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns.
Anthony Baxter, OL, South Pointe (SC): Baxter was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Keenan Britt, LB, Oxford (Ala.): Britt has 40 tackles and a sack.
Noah Clark, OL/DL, Jordan (NC): Clark has 19 tackles, two caused fumbles on defense and 17 pancake blocks on offense. He was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl
Zyon Guiles, OL, Carvers Bay (SC): Guiles was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Aiden Harris, DL, Weddington (NC): Harris has 37 tackles (10 for loss), four sacks and 15 quarterback pressures.
Andrew Harris, LB: Weddington (NC): Harris has 41.5 tackles (14.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures.
Jamel Howse TE, Newberry (SC): Howse has 20 catches for 302 yards and three touchdowns. He was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Kejiaun Johnson, DB, Woodlawn (Ala.): Johnson has 21 tackles on defense and also caught a TD pass on offense.
Triston Lewis, QB/DB, Greenwood (SC): Lewis is 79-of-145 passing for 1,165 yards, nine touchdowns and has rushed for 415 yards and six touchdowns. He was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Sequel Patterson, WR/DB, Indian Land (SC): Pattersons has caught 27 passes for 352 yards, four touchdowns and ran for a TD and threw a TD pass. He also has six tackles, an interception and was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Caden Ramsey, TE/S, Cross (SC): Ramsey has 24 catches for 385 yards, four touchdowns and also ran for three TDs. On defense, he has 26 tackles and four interceptions. He was selected to the NC-SC Shrine Bowl.
Amari Thomas, RB, Blountstown (Fla.): Thomas has rushed for 945 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games so far this season.
This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
