5 Returning Players Poised to Make Major Strides in Spring Practice

As South Carolina gears up for spring practice next month, the spotlight is on several returning players from the 2024 roster who are poised to take their game to the next level ahead of the 2025 season.

In 2024, the Gamecocks lost several key players who used their final year of eligibility, leaving a void across all three phases of the game. However, head coach Shane Beamer and his staff prioritized retaining talent, and with spring practice on the horizon, the focus is now on the returning players who must step up and fill those big shoes.

Offensively, the Gamecocks will be without lead back Raheim Sanders, who’s expected to be drafted into the NFL after an impressive 2024 season. While the wide receiver corps also saw key departures, several players return to continue developing under the guidance of wide receivers coach Mike Furrey. On defense, the team will need to replace multiple defensive linemen and a trio of linebackers.

Let’s take a look at five returning players who could make significant strides this spring.

Nyck Harbor

Wide receiver Nyck Harbor impressed during his first two years at South Carolina and is now in position to make a major leap. In 2024, Harbor caught 26 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns. This ranked second on the team in receiving yards, only behind tight end Joshua Simon but was first among the wide receivers. His freshman season was solid, with 12 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown, but it was his second year that showed his true potential, especially in the back half of the season. Over the final five games, Harbor posted 272 yards and two touchdowns on 15 receptions.

With a focus solely on football this spring, Harbor has the opportunity to build on the momentum he gained late in the 2024 season. ESPN’s Matt Miller noted Harbor’s exceptional upside, comparing him to DK Metcalf and highlighting his rare combination of size and skill.

“Harbor’s potential is off the charts; he is built like Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf and has rare skills for a 6-5, 235-pound player,” Miller said. “He has been more upside than production thus far, but he has a chance to significantly improve upon his 2024 production (26 catches, 376 yards, 3 touchdowns) and shoot up draft boards.”

Jawarn Howell

Running back Jawarn Howell, in his first year with the Gamecocks after transferring from South Carolina State, made an immediate impact, rushing for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Despite the departure of Raheim Sanders and Djay Braswell, Howell now finds himself in a competitive race for the starting role in 2025, alongside teammates Rahsul Faison, Oscar Adaway III, and Matthew Fuller.

Howell’s breakout moments included scoring a touchdown against Akron, Wofford, and Illinois. According to Beamer, Howell has shown significant potential, particularly in the bowl game.

“We lose Rocket, but we have really high expectations for Jawarn Howell at the running back position,” Beamer said after the season.

Spring practice offers Howell the chance to demonstrate he’s ready for a bigger role in 2025.

Vicari Swain

With the departure of O’Donnell Fortune, cornerback Vicari Swain is primed for a more prominent role in the secondary. In 2024, Swain was in competition with Judge Collier for the starting spot opposite Fortune, but Collier ultimately earned the job. Nevertheless, Swain contributed significantly, recording 13 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.

Now, with Fortune gone, Swain has an opportunity to claim one of the starting cornerback positions. The competition will be tough, but a strong showing this spring could secure his spot in Clayton White’s defense. Swain has already built his confidence under cornerbacks coach Jimmy Gray, and he’s ready to fight for a starting role.

“My confidence has gotten a lot better,” Swain said. “Coach Gray has been harping on me at practice. When I first came in, I was more on the receiver side than the DB side, but listening to Coach Gray has definitely built my confidence.”

Monkell Goodwine

Defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine transferred from Alabama in 2024 and showed flashes of potential, finishing the season with 15 tackles and one tackle for loss over 13 games. Working behind established players like T.J. Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Alex Huntley, Goodwine now finds himself in a position to compete for a starting role.

Defensive line coach Travian Robertson has spoken highly of Goodwine’s potential, noting that he has “a bright future.”

“He’s twitchy. He brings some stuff to the pass rush room, and he will attack you,” Robertson said before the 2024 season. “Once he gets [his technique] done, I think he has a bright future.”

Now, with more opportunities in spring practice, Goodwine has the chance to prove he’s ready for a more prominent role in the Gamecocks’ defensive line.

Fred Johnson

Linebacker Fred Johnson made the most of his opportunities in 2024, playing in all 13 games, mostly on special teams, and recording six tackles. With the departure of Demetrius Knight Jr., Debo Williams, and Bam Martin-Scott, Johnson could be in line to earn a starting spot in 2025. He impressed teammates and coaches alike with his work ethic and his play during limited defensive snaps.

Pro Football Focus recorded that Johnson played 82 snaps across multiple games, showing he’s ready for more. Shane Beamer has voiced his high expectations for the young linebacker, and Johnson’s potential is undeniable.

“He’s not the most outspoken, but he has guys like me, Debo and Bam in the room that really rally the guys and bring people along,” said Demetrius Knight Jr. “As he transitions into that leadership role, I believe he can go through the ceiling with potential and his leadership.”

As spring practice unfolds, these players will look to solidify their place in the Gamecocks’ future plans. Keep an eye on them as they battle for starting roles and work to take their games to new heights in 2025.