South Carolina’s newest newcomer is learning football the hard way - by doing just about everything at once.
Giwa has gone from rugby to American football, and the transition has meant more than just picking up a new playbook. He’s also adjusting to a new country, a different culture and the day-to-day rhythm that comes with being far from home. For now, he says the support around him has made the climb feel manageable.
“I’m trying to get my foot in the door. I’m not feeling overwhelmed,” Giwa said.
“I’m feeling grateful every time I come into the building. I have a lot of support around me.
They’ve been really patient and encouraging. They’ve made it feel like all I have left to do is work hard.”
The path that brought him here started with a mentor who pushed him to think beyond rugby and consider other sports where he might find success. That led him to American football, and eventually to Brandon Collier, the former UMass football player who helps create opportunities in Europe for athletes who could potentially play college football in the U.S. Collier brings players to camps where college coaches can evaluate them, and South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer liked what he saw.
“Brandon brought Neff and a group of guys on campus this past March for a spring practice,” Beamer said. “I saw Neff.
We all loved him. He came back and visited again and decided he wanted to come here.
He’s such a great young man. He sits in meetings with a notebook and writes down everything.
I’m excited to see his continued growth in our program.”
The praise has been consistent inside the program. Offensive line coach Randy Clements pointed to both the tools and the mindset Giwa has brought with him.
“He’s smart. He works hard.
He’s talented,” said offensive line coach Randy Clements. “He’s serious about coming over here and wanting to succeed.
Some guys have the ability and have all the tools, and if you put them in the right situation there’s no reason they can’t flourish.”
The learning curve has included plenty of off-field adjustments, too. Giwa said the weather was one of the first things that stood out.
“The weather is one thing,” Giwa said. “It’s a lot more humid here.
It’s very hot. In Ireland, even when it gets hot, it’s not humid.
It was a bit of shock at first. I’ve settled into it.
“(Fifth-year senior wide receiver) D.J. Black has helped me settle in here and also with life outside of football.
J.O. (junior linebacker Justin Okoronkwo from Germany) has been a big help as well with life stuff - things that you don’t think about. I’m very grateful for that.”
Beamer has already said Giwa’s size and athleticism could put him in position to help on special teams early in his career, with the hope that more follows as he keeps learning the game. Giwa is also looking ahead to the chance to see Williams-Brice Stadium in person.
“I’ve heard a lot of things about it,” Giwa said. “I’ve seen clips of pregame and the tailgates and the stadium.
I see clips online of Williams-Brice and Sandstorm. I’ve heard how our fans are so loyal.
I’ve gone to some team events such as Pigskin Poets, and you can see it and feel it. There’s still a lot to experience.”
Football hasn’t completely taken over his identity just yet. His teammates have shown interest in his rugby background, and he’s started sharing a few basics.
“Sometimes the guys want to know more about my sport, so sometimes I’ll teach them how to throw a rugby ball or something like that just for fun,” Giwa said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m pushing myself every day to be better.”
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