South Carolina Football: Which true freshmen can make an impact in 2023?
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football true freshmen who could contribute early:
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Desmond Umeozulu
Desmond Umeozulu was the highest-rated prospect in the class of 2023 prior to 5-star Nyck Harbor’s commitment on Signing Day. The 6’6″ EDGE player likely will be thrust into action early in the 2023 season.
The Gamecocks lost two of their top three players at the defensive end spot from a season ago to the transfer portal (Jordan Burch and Gilber Edmond), and depth pass rusher Rodricus “Hot Rod” Fitten also left in the portal. Projected starter Jordan Strachan is rehabbing from a torn ACL, too.
Desmond U is a very talented player that has been put into a defensive end/outside linebacker group that doesn’t have a lot of bodies. That surely will mean the Washington DC native will be asked to get after some quarterbacks this fall. Based on his talent and high school tape, South Carolina football fans should expect Dez Umeozulu to make an impact when he sees the field.
You can watch some of his high school film linked above.