DJ Black is coming home - and bringing some serious production with him.
The veteran wide receiver is returning to South Carolina for his final season of college football, reuniting with Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks after a winding, but quietly impressive journey through the college football ranks. This marks a full-circle moment for Black, who originally walked on at South Carolina back in 2022 before taking the long road back to Columbia.
Black’s path hasn’t been conventional, but it’s been productive. After redshirting with the Gamecocks in 2022 - and even competing for the indoor track team that spring - he transferred to Division II Limestone University in search of playing time and opportunity. And he made the most of it.
In 2023, as a redshirt freshman, Black flashed big-play potential with 8 receptions for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns - an average of over 28 yards per catch. Then came the breakout.
In 2024, he erupted for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns, proving he could dominate at the collegiate level. His performance turned heads and opened the door to a jump back to the FBS level.
That led him to UCF, where he held his own in the Knights’ offense this past season. Black started 11 games, hauling in 22 receptions for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they came in a deeper receiver room and against stiffer competition - and they confirmed that Black can contribute at the Power Five level.
Now listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Black brings size, experience, and a versatile skill set to a South Carolina receiving corps that could use a boost. He’s a big-bodied target with a knack for making plays downfield, and his journey - from walk-on to D-II standout to FBS starter - speaks volumes about his work ethic and resilience.
For South Carolina, this is a savvy pickup. Black knows the program, understands what it takes to compete in the SEC, and has already proven he can produce when given the chance. With one year of eligibility remaining, he’ll be looking to make the most of his final chapter - and the Gamecocks just might be the beneficiaries of a homegrown story coming full circle.