Redshirt sophomore defensive back Vicari Swain plays critical role in special teams play

The special teams unit has been a high-performing group for South Carolina football this season, contributing with its ability to score. Redshirt sophomore defensive back Vicari Swain has been a catalyst for the success of the group, proving to be more than just a defensive back. 

Swain has made his impact on this season’s special teams with three punt-return touchdowns, which ties the school record. Along with that, he ranks fourth in the country in punt return average, at 18.6 yards per return.

On Oct. 20, the 18-man midseason watch list for the Jet Award, which honors the most outstanding returner in college football, was published. Swain was named on this list as he continues to make his impact on special teams, with four games left in the Gamecocks' season. 

Swain continues to make school history; he currently ranks sixth on South Carolina's single-season punt-return yardage list with 298 yards and still has four regular-season games left. 

This season marks Swain's third season with the Gamecocks, as he redshirted his freshman year. In the 2024-25 season, Swain appeared in all 13 games, logging 13 tackles, 11 solo, along with a sack and forced fumble. 

Though starting at defensive back, this is Swain's first year catching a punt in the backfield.

“If you know Vicari, he does not really change too much. He’s happy-go-lucky, has a good time and enjoys life, which is what you want,”  special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said.

Swain previewed his talent in the season opener against Virginia Tech. In the game, he had his first punt-return touchdown for 80 yards, which helped the Gamecocks extend the lead to get their first win of the season. 

“I’m going to give it my best every single time I am out there and make the most of my ability,” Swain said. “Just go out there and execute every time.”

In his next game the following week against SC State, he followed up with two punt-return touchdowns for 107 yards.  

In the Sept. 6 postgame conference, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs spoke about how Swain helped spark the offense.

“The offense needed a little spark. He is like that with the ball in his hands,” Jacobs said. “He lifted us up. He gave us energy to go out there and put points on the board.”

Swain said he feels his impact on the offense and embraces his responsibility.

“I don’t take it lightly, and it was a great moment for us,” Swain said. “It created a spark, so we all played off each other's energy, so my energy picked up the offense, and they finished the game well.”

In South Carolina’s postgame conference on Oct. 18, head coach Shane Beamer revealed that Swain broke his finger during practice on Oct. 15. He had surgery that night and was back to play in Saturday’s game.

Beamer said Swain's ability to field punts and play with a level of physicality at defensive back says a lot about what kind of guy he is and how he rallies for his teammates.

“In my mind, I’m thinking there's no way he’s going to be able to catch punts, much less play,” Beamer said. “He got done with the surgery, texted me he was done, he was good and he’s playing Saturday.”

Through his third season with the Gamecocks, Swain has 20 total tackles, 16 solo and four assisted, along with two forced fumbles. His game-high was against Missouri, where he had 10 tackles to finish the game.  

In last Saturday's game against No. 4 Alabama, Swain helped play a key role in the defense. He had two tackles, a sack, tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble. 

“He did a great job there and hopefully continues to keep doing what he's doing,” DeCamillis said. “He has definitely given us a boost for sure.”  

What's next? 

Swain and the South Carolina Gamecocks will continue their season, on the road to Oxford, Mississippi, to play the No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 1. Kickoff time is at 7:00 p.m., and it will be broadcast on ESPN.