Fred “JayR” Johnson Wastes No Time Making His Mark at Linebacker
Back in the summer, The State asked the question: “Will Fred ‘JayR’ Johnson be the South Carolina Gamecocks’ next great linebacker?”
After just one game in 2025, the sophomore is already starting to look like the answer.
Johnson delivered a breakout performance in No. 10 South Carolina’s season-opening 24–11 win over Virginia Tech, racking up 10 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups in his first career start at linebacker. His effort earned him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
“Fred’s a big-time player,” head coach Shane Beamer said after the game. “He was amped up and that’s what some of the players said when he was flying sideline to sideline. One of the guys on the sideline was like, ‘Man, he’s on a freaking mission today.’ And that’s the way that he played. So happy for him.”
Last season, Johnson appeared in all 13 games for South Carolina, but most of his work came on special teams. In one afternoon against Virginia Tech, he nearly doubled his entire tackle total from 2024.
“I pray a lot, I envision myself making plays,” Johnson said. “So it feels good to have a game like this.”
His signature moment came late, when he intercepted Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones in the end zone. Johnson tried to return the pick but was stopped at the 2-yard line, setting up a safety for the Hokies a few plays later. Still, the takeaway prevented Tech from finding the end zone — they didn’t score a touchdown all night.
“It was a plaster play,” Johnson explained. “He rolled out, so I basically just found the closest receiver or tight end and I stuck to him, and he threw the ball to me and I caught it.”
Defensive coordinator Clayton White praised Johnson’s energy and instincts. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson posted the second-highest defensive grade on the team (78.7), trailing only safety DQ Smith in tackling efficiency.
“Obviously he had a really good football game,” White said. “That’s the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Just proud of how he played and I love the fact how he approaches the game as a young player. I think that’s only signs of greatness. (If he) just continues staying humble and continues down that process path, I think he’ll be great”.
