The South Carolina football team lost a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball last season to the NFL draft, but there was not a bigger positional concentration than the linebacker room.
Demetrius Knight Jr. was a second-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, Bam Martin-Scott just made the Carolina Panthers roster as an undrafted free agent, and Debo Williams played in training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. All three linebackers started for the 2024 Gamecocks and played critical roles for the success of the defense, leaving a glaring hole with their departure.
Going into the 2025-26 season opener against Virginia Tech, it was important that someone stepped up in the middle of the field, and sophomore linebacker Fred "JayR" Johnson did just that, in award-winning fashion.
Johnson, in his first career start at linebacker for the Gamecocks, won SEC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance on Sunday. Johnson tallied 10 total tackles, six solo tackles and an interception, showcasing himself all over the field.
The tackling display was on show midway through the first quarter, when the South Carolina defense had the Hokies in a 3rd & 24 situation. Redshirt sophomore running back Jeremiah Coney rushed left to the outside, and Johnson met Coney at the line of scrimmage, giving him a booming tackle that riled up the South Carolina bench and fans. Johnson's teammates and head coach Shane Beamer couldn't help but notice the effort out of Johnson.
"You knew he was amped up and that's what some of the players said when he was flying sideline to sideline," Beamer said. "One of the guys on the side was like, 'Man, he's on a freaking mission today.'"
Johnson's biggest play of the game came in the fourth quarter when he intercepted a throw from redshirt senior Kyron Drones at the goal line to prevent a touchdown. Johnson called it a "plaster play," where he stayed close to the intended receiver throughout the play while Drones scrambled out of the pocket and threw under pressure.
"He rolled out, so I basically just found the closest receiver, tight end," Johnson said. "I stuck to him, and he threw the ball to me, and I caught it."
Johnson did not realize he was just inside the end zone on the play, and ran the ball out to the two yard line, where the South Carolina offense would give up a safety.
Beamer credited Johnson for the play but said he has to make sure he stays in the end zone after coming up with the turnover. Beamer also said Johnson's offensive background as a high school player is probably why he tried to take the ball out.
"I think he just kind of got caught up in the moment, and hindsight being 20/20, go down as well," Beamer said. "But it's hard to fault him in some of those situations ... he was a heck of an offensive player in high school, so I guess he just envisioned running that thing back 102 yards for a touchdown."
Johnson was the center point of a defense that put some questions to bed. After losing many key players, the defense didn't allow the Hokies to score a touchdown, despite allowing 336 total yards of offense.
Johnson was one of several new faces on the defensive end that brought valuable contributions. NC State transfer junior defensive back Brandon Cisse starred in the secondary for the Gamecocks, finishing with four tackles and two pass break-ups. Alabama transfer sophomore linebacker Justin Okoronkwo also tallied four tackles and a tackle-for-loss.
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Vicari Swain played a critical role for the secondary, despite his punt return stealing the show. Swain said this defense is different than last year's group.
"We got a lot of weapons on defense as well," Swain said. "We replaced a lot of good shoes. I'd say this year we're probably more talented than we were last year."
With all the new weapons, Johnson looks to be the focal point at linebacker, playing in the middle of the field and orchestrating the defense. Johnson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the ability to shine on national television.
"It felt good. I just pray a lot," Johnson said. "I envision myself doing a lot of plays, making a lot of plays, so it feels good to have a game like this."
What's next?
Check out Johnson and the rest of the new-look South Carolina defense when the Gamecocks take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.