ESPN names South Carolina football playmaker as one of the country's biggest sleepers

One of the best under-the-radar players on the 2023 South Carolina football team was tight end Josh Simon. He was behind Trey Knox for most of the year (though, he was listed as a co-starter in sets with two tight ends), but he still made an impact.

Last season, Simon finished the year with the 4th-most receiving yards on the team and 3rd-most catches as he reeled in 28 passes for 256 yards. He also was one of just four players on the roster who caught multiple touchdown passes. He was a really good YAC (yards after catch) player, and as a blocker, he competed hard and held his own at the point of attack.

With Knox in the NFL now and Simon sitting atop the depth chart, South Carolina football fans know that the Palmetto State native is potentially in line for a big season. On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg gave Simon a vote of confidence, as well, by including the athletic tight end on his list of college football sleeper picks.

Simon isn't a household name because he played at Western Kentucky before transferring to the Gamecocks and playing in a timeshare last season. However, if he plays the type of role many expect him to in 2024, he could become one even with other good players (like Brady Hunt, Michael Smith, Moe Brown, etc.) at the position.

With questions surrounding the wide receiver position and a lack of size for most of the players in that room, the tight ends will be very important parts of the offense, especially early in the season. Simon should be a major weapon for new starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

Simon's final year of eligibility will begin in 15 days when the Old Dominion Monarchs come to Williams-Brice Stadium for the season opener on August 31st.