Sleeper players for Gamecock football this season

There are many players to be intrigued by on the 2024 Gamecock football roster. While players like LaNorris Sellers, Rocket Sanders, Dylan Stewart, and others have been the talk of the offseason, there are others who may be flying under the radar a bit.

Who are some of the South Carolina players not drawing as much attention that we believe could make an impact this season?

DT Monkell Goodwine

A former top 100 prospect out of high school, Goodwine barely played at Alabama. But several folks in Tuscaloosa vouched for his talent level as a transfer, and the Gamecocks had a quick turnaround time to get him on campus and get him committed.

With the guys that South Carolina has returning, plus another high-level transfer in DeAndre Jules, expectations may have been lower in year one in Columbia. Sources say the staff has been very pleased with Goodwine, though. Could he play more this season than originally thought?

OL Torricelli Simpkins III

We still recall hearing about Simpkins right after he entered the transfer portal from a source familiar with high school football in Charlotte. The opinion was that he was a potential NFL guy in the future.

Perhaps coming from an FCS program – North Carolina Central – has deterred suspicion for some of the possibility of Simpkins III being a high-level player for the Gamecocks. But he’s taken some first team reps throughout the year and has proven that he belongs.

OL Kamaar Bell

Bell was an SEC recruit out of high school, signing with Auburn. He transferred to FAU, where he spent the past three seasons. The Georgia product has accumulated a wealth of experience in college, having started 29 games and played in a total of 33. He’s seen first team reps back in the spring and this preseason, so fans need to know his name.

[On3 App: Get South Carolina push notifications from GamecockCentral]

WR Tyshawn Russell

There were some flashes last season from this wideout who’s gotten bigger from last year and can still run. The competition is heavy at the receiver position, as the Gamecocks may have double-digit guys vying to get into the playing rotation. Russell’s not a new name, but still one that should be on the radar.

RB DJ Braswell

He’s one of the fastest players on the team and showed some promise both in practice and in games last season. Remember his big block against Kentucky? A near-touchdown catch against Vanderbilt? Here’s to thinking that Braswell shouldn’t be forgotten as an option at running back despite three transfers, and that he could also factor in on special teams.

LB Bangally Kamara

South Carolina is returning several players from last season’s roster at this position, plus two transfers and two talented freshmen. It seems that Demetrius Knight is being talked about plenty, and he’s earned it. Kamara has quietly been someone that’s captured the attention of his fellow players as well as the staff, too.

EDGE Bryan Thomas Jr.

He started six games last season, and has added some weight this offseason while maintaining his speed. Thomas Jr. may still be undersized overall, but he has some pass-rush juice and is a reliable player. There’s more depth from the Gamecocks here, but Thomas Jr. should be included in the conversation.

WR Luke Doty

This looks to be the preseason that Doty will finally be fully focused on wide receiver. Again, lots of competition in this room including five transfers. But you know what you’re getting with Doty and there’s going to be a high trust level from the staff.

WR Payton Mangrum

A former walk-on, Mangrum earned a scholarship and probably should not be forgotten in terms of being a possible rotation guy this season. He may not have the elite physical traits, but he’s a smart player with experience. We’ll see where it lands, but he at least should be in the discussion at this point.

TE Connor Cox

Although USC has a couple upperclassmen in Josh Simon and Brady Hunt who figure to get the most run at tight end, Cox put together a nice year one in Columbia in 2023. He’ll be a factor on special teams and could see snaps as a position player, too.

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!

The post Sleeper players for Gamecock football this season appeared first on On3.