Live Report: Fred Johnson Drawing High Praise Ahead of Sophomore Season
The buzz surrounding true freshman linebacker Fred Johnson continues to grow as he prepares for his sophomore season with the South Carolina Gamecocks. While his on-field opportunities were limited during his debut campaign, Johnson’s potential has teammates and coaches excited about his future.
Teammates Rave About Johnson’s Growth
“He is going to be off the charts as long as he continues to grow and truly learn and absorb, truly be a sponge, like he has in our (linebacker) room,” said senior Demetrius Knight Jr., highlighting Johnson’s eagerness to learn.
Johnson, who primarily contributed on special teams this season, recorded five tackles, including three solo stops. Despite his limited snaps on defense, his teammates have seen his talents shine behind the scenes.
“He’s a dude that a lot of fans haven’t really seen, but in practice, he’s made some crazy plays,” said safety Nick Emmanwori. “So I can’t wait for him to show what he can do next year.”
Rare Athleticism for His Size
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Johnson combines elite size with remarkable speed and agility. During a camp session in June 2023, he clocked 40-yard dash times in the 4.5s and ran 4.2s in shuttle drills. For a linebacker of his stature, those numbers are extraordinary.
“That kind of athleticism is like spotting a Ferrari in a pickup truck rally,” one teammate remarked.
Johnson’s ability to process the game so quickly has also impressed his peers.
“I love how he’s able to grasp the playbook so fast,” said linebacker Debo Williams. “I’ve never really seen a freshman be able to do that. Me personally, I wasn’t even able to do it that good. So I expect nothing but the best from him.”
A Big Role Awaits
With the impending departure of senior linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr., Debo Williams, and Bam Martin-Scott, the linebacker room is set for a significant shakeup. Johnson appears to be the leading candidate to take on a starting role for Clayton White’s defense in 2025.
Depending on the Gamecocks’ activity in the transfer portal—where they’ve already added linebacker Shawn Murphy from Florida State—Johnson could not only solidify his spot in the lineup but also grow into a leadership role.
“He’s not the most outspoken, but then again, he doesn’t really have to speak because he got guys like me, Debo, and Bam in the room that really rally the guys,” said Knight. “But as he transitions into that leadership role, I believe he can go through the ceiling with potential.”
A Promising Future for a Rising Star
Johnson’s recruitment may have flown under the radar initially, but as a four-star prospect out of Virginia, he quickly established himself as one of South Carolina’s most promising young players.
“I just think he has so much growth — I think his ceiling is so high,” said defensive tackle Alex Huntley. “I can’t wait to see him next year, even a couple years, what his final form will be because I know it’ll be something very special.”
As the Gamecocks prepare for a new era in their linebacker corps, Fred Johnson looks ready to become a cornerstone of the defense for years to come. Stay tuned—this rising star is just getting started.
— Andrew, reporting live from Columbia.
