What SEC rule barring returning NFL players means for South Carolina DB Ethan Johnson

The South Carolina Gamecocks, along with LSU, were one two programs that signed players granted a fifth-year of eligibility, stemming from a Louisiana state lawsuit. This past weekend, the Gamecocks signed one of those 16 players deemed eligible from the lawsuit in former App State defensive back Ethan Johnson. 

But now, his path to South Carolina may be seen as slightly less clear. That's due to the SEC passing unanimous rule on Tuesday evening barring former NFL players returning to college. The rule, which was voted 16-0 by conference member athletic directors and school president, mainly is directed towards former NFL players returning to member schools. 

The rule seems to specifically target the likes of former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who recently was released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this week to return to college and sign with his former coach, Lane Kiffin at LSU. Kiffin also signed former Notre Dame defensive end Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka. 

What does this mean for South Carolina DB Ethan Johnson?

For now, it appears that the SEC rule specifically is regards to players granted a fifth-year who were previously on NFL contracts. That includes Wright, as well as the likes of former LSU linebacker and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jack Plyburn, former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who was with the New Orleans Saints and former SMU running back TJ Harden, who was with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Johnson, who played his last four seasons at App State, was not drafted in last April's NFL Draft and did not sign with an NFL team. When asked about what Johnson coming to South Carolina means for his program, Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer saw an opportunity to add some much-needed depth at cornerback: 

"For me, it’s always about doing what’s best for the football team," Beamer said via Gamecock Central. "I’m not a big fan of adding players this late, and initially was not planning on doing anything, but saw an opportunity, as you guys have heard from me. 

"If you’ve asked me, which I know you’ve had, like positions that I’m concerned about, I’ve always said to you guys, I want more depth at every position, but I’ve also said that I’m a little bit concerned about the depth at the corners, because we’re down some guys. I mean, Brandon Cisse left early for the NFL draft, and you know, numbers weren’t quite where we wanted them to be."

Across his four seasons with the Mountaineers, Johnson accounted for 140 total tackles, including 99 solo stops. He had 26 passes defended, two interceptions, as well as a forced fumble. Coming out of high school, Johnson was a three-star recruit from the class of 2022. Per the 247Sports Composite, he was rated as the No. 52 overall cornerback. 

South Carolina returns the likes of cornerbacks Vicari Swain Judge Collier from last season. The Gamecocks also added Kenucky transfer Quay'Sheed Scott this offseason, but Coach Beamer has already indicated that true freshman will have to get reps at corner due to the lack of depth at the position. 

Coach Beamer added that before adding Johnson, he asked his defensive backs if they were comfortable with the addition of Johnson, and they were all on board.  

"‘Do it. This makes us better. Let’s roll,’" Beamer said via GC recalling the conversation. "So that was our thinking on that one. I would never add a player to the team and then cut a player that’s been with us since January to add a player. We had space available, had a scholarship available, and that’s what we did."

Also deemed newly eligible was former South Carolina safety DQ Smith, although a return to the Gamecocks was seen as unlikely. Although the Louisiana court case that made Johnson eligible was already set for an Aug. 31 court date, Coach Beamer added that he is "very confident" there won't be any lingering eligibility issues:

As you can see, this new SEC rule appears to specifically address players that have returned to college from the NFL and signing with LSU. Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the impending fight between the SEC, Kiffin and others is just beginning.

The first look South Carolina will get of Johnson will likely be during the Gamecocks' home opener against Kent State on Sept. 5.  

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