South Carolina’s linebacker room looks set at the top, but the real preseason question is who steps in if the Gamecocks need a fourth man.
Fred Johnson, Justin Okoronkwo and Shawn Murphy formed the core of the rotation a year ago, and there’s a strong chance that same trio stays in place under defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Clayton White. Johnson logged 565 snaps last season, Okoronkwo 599 and Murphy 430, while Jaron Willis was next with 74 before transferring in search of more playing time.
That leaves the LB4 job as the spot worth watching when camp opens. White said one player has moved to the front of that race.
"It's probably Jamian Risher right now on his way as the fourth guy with Donovan and AJ knocking on the door," White said. " Donovan Darden is a possibility, we also have AJ Holloway. Our two freshmen have also done a really good job."
Risher’s rise has been a steady one. He barely saw the field on defense last season, appearing in blowout wins over Coastal Carolina and S.C.
State and making two tackles in each game. He also didn’t play on special teams.
But the former walk-on has been in the program since the summer of 2023, when he earned his spot through an on-campus tryout.
The Varnville native and redshirt senior got into six games in 2023 on special teams, then added three more appearances on defense in 2024.
"He's a veteran, he's a guy who's been around," White said, when asked what makes Risher stand out. "He understands our system, understands our defense and what we want as a program. It's always great to have an old vet."
How much that matters once the season starts is still up in the air. Risher still has to keep ahead of younger challengers if he wants to stay in the mix, and even then, the role may not guarantee a heavy workload.
South Carolina opens preseason camp on August 7, with the first practice scheduled for 9:25 a.m. The first three periods will be open to the media.
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On defense, Gabe Brownlow-Dindy, Gerald Kilgore, Shawn Murphy and Peyton Williams have drawn notice as emerging voices, while Brady Hunt and Maurice Brown have stood out on offense. The staff believes more leaders will surface as the season goes on, which matters for a team trying to build more than just one clear centerpiece in the locker room. [Read more 🡒]
South Carolina Has Linebacker Stars But One Camp Concern Lingers
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The bigger issue is what comes after that top trio, and that is where camp will carry real weight. The staff is giving younger players a long look to see who can grow into useful depth and offer the kind of versatility a defense needs over the course of a season, with AJ Holloway, Jamian Risher Jr. and Donovan Darden all in the mix to make their case. [Read more 🡒]