Gamecock Digest

Three Defensive Players Poised for a Breakout Year

As the new season approaches, these three defensive standouts are ready to elevate their game and make a significant impact on the field.

Fisher Brewer

Oct 21, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks mascot Sir Big Sir VII prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks mascot Sir Big Sir VII prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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With the new football season on the horizon, excitement is brewing about the potential stars on the defensive side of the ball. Every year, a few players rise above expectations and become game-changers, leaving their mark on the field. This season, three defensive talents are primed for breakout performances. Let's take a closer look at these players and explore why they're ready to elevate their game.

DT TJ Sanders:

TJ Sanders is projected as a first-round pick in a few mock drafts, so some might not understand this pick. However, TJ has been a rotation guy with a few other projected draft picks in his position. A lot of his stock has come off a very small sample size of film and numbers, but this year is where we think he truly breaks out and becomes more of a household name.

CB Judge Collier:

Judge had a great freshman campaign as more of a rotation player for the team. We think Judge builds on that success from last year and takes a bigger step with a bigger role this year.

CB Vicari Swain:

The redshirt freshman was ranked as the 3rd best ATH in his class. He played in four games last year, but this year, we expect to see him on the field a lot and for him to be a playmaker for the Gamecocks in that secondary, along with Judge Collier, Nick Emmanwori, and DQ Smith.

As the season unfolds, keep an eye on these defensive standouts. Their growth and performance could be the key to their team's success, and they are poised to leave a lasting impact on the field. With their potential, dedication, and talent, this could be the year they break through and become the defensive stars we've been waiting for.

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Fisher Brewer
FISHER BREWER

Fisher has been covering the Gamecocks for 5 years as a freelancer under the name of USCTalk, a popular page in the Carolina community that led to his first reporting job for Rivals.com. He left to go back to being a freelancer and then, a year later, joined the Sports Illustrated family in January 2023.

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