South Carolina Football: Which true freshmen can make an impact in 2023?

South Carolina Football true freshmen who could contribute in 2023:
Linebacker Grayson “Pup” Howard

“Pup” Howard was an extra-early enrollee to the South Carolina football program. An early December high school graduate, he was able to go through most of the Gamecocks’ bowl practice leading up to last year’s Gator Bowl. Pup is a big linebacker (6’4″ and 242 pounds), but he is athletic enough to still play the position.

With Brad Johnson and Sherrod Greene now in the NFL, the Gamecocks are in need of new faces to step up at linebacker. Debo Williams and Stone Blanton appear to be the frontrunners for the two starting role as of now, but neither player has a stranglehold on a job.

Several other experienced linebackers have some crossover ability as EDGE players, and with the Gamecocks’ need at that position, that opens up even more of an opportunity for Pup Howard to see the field early and often.

Because of Howard’s size, however, there is a chance he could grow into an EDGE himself. Because the Gamecocks’ lack of proven depth at that position, even if a position change happens, Pup could still have a chance to get on the field. Currently, there is no plan to move the former 4-star linebacker from his natural position, so fans should expect to see him factor into the linebacker situation this fall.

You can watch some of his high school film here.