South Carolina football true freshman Shedrick Sarratt Jr. has been named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Tuesday. The award, presented annually since 2018, honors the nation's top freshman. It is named for the former Alabama star and 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander, recognizing players for talent, character, leadership, and the ability to emerge as future legends.
🏈 @GamecockFB ‘s @ShedSarratt_ has been named to the #ShaunAlexanderAward Watch List! 🏆#MaxwellFootball@shaunalexander pic.twitter.com/qJL6bZbwwi
— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) August 26, 2025
Sarratt, a 6-foot-4, 336-pound offensive lineman from Gaffney, South Carolina, has impressed since arriving on campus as a four-star prospect this past winter. He quickly earned the Gamecocks' Offensive Newcomer of the Spring award and is currently battling for a starting role at guard ahead of the 2025 season opener.
One of 37 players included on the watch list, Sarratt represents the kind of strength and athleticism the Gamecocks have been eager to add up front. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Gamecock Dylan Stewart, who was a Shaun Alexander Award finalist in 2024.
Sarratt and the Gamecocks will open the season on Sunday, August 31, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when they take on Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, with national coverage on ESPN.