While several Gamecocks will get another season to wear garnet and black, one senior who had a challenging career with an injury said goodbye to his five-year South Carolina football career.
Senior linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams played his final game as a Gamecock in Charlotte against the Cavaliers. Allen-Williams missed the last four games for South Carolina, but was able to play against Virginia in the 2018 Belk Bowl.
"It's hard when you going against a team like that," Allen-Williams said. "They were a very talented team, but it's not an excuse though."
During his five-year career, Allen-Williams notched a total of 171 tackles and 6.5 sacks from 2014-2018.
"I've been with this program since I've been here, so it's just all about overcoming adversity," Allen-Williams said. "I told the guys in there: Don't keep our heads down. Let this fuel you for next season."
Even though Allen-Williams is leaving South Carolina, he knows that the Gamecock program will be able to rebuild and develop what is needed to execute on both sides of the ball.
"We have a lot of talented guys returning, so I feel like the potential is going to be there, it is just going to be leadership and I feel like some of those guys in the locker room need to step up," Allen-Williams said. "They are going to step up."
South Carolina had six true freshmen on the field playing against Virginia, but that was not an excuse to be complacent. In future seasons, the Gamecocks will have several players to turn to despite Allen-Williams' absence on the defensive side of the ball.
Allen-Williams will look to prepare for the NFL draft and what is to come for his future, but will never forget where he started as a Gamecock and how he overcame his injury setback.
"I'm emotional, but I try not to show it," Allen-Williams said. "I love Gamecock Nation. You know, the best fans. We got one of the best coaching staffs in the country. I just appreciate everything, the school, the people in the community have given me, helping me. Whatever's next, I'm going to make sure that I attack it with Gamecock pride."