In a major development for South Carolina football, The Garnet Trust has announced that defensive end Dylan Stewart will be returning to the team for the 2025 season.
Stewart, a standout player who finished the regular season with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, was a five-star recruit from Friendship Collegiate High School in Washington, D.C. His performance as a freshman has been nothing short of impressive, ranking him second among all Gamecocks in both sacks and tackles for loss.
This article will delve into the significance of Stewart’s return, the broader implications for South Carolina football, and the ongoing recruitment efforts by the team.
The Impact of Dylan Stewart’s Return
Stewart’s decision to stay with South Carolina for the 2025 season is a significant win for the team. His stats speak volumes about his capabilities on the field.
With 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, Stewart is second only to his teammate Kyle Kennard, who recently received the Bronco Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Stewart’s return ensures that South Carolina retains one of its most promising defensive talents.
Coach Shane Beamer’s Praise
Head Coach Shane Beamer has been vocal about his admiration for Stewart.
*I’ve been really, really proud of Stewart and how he’s handled everything off the field,* Beamer said during a teleconference in November.
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*He’s a great young man… He comes in with all this recruiting hype. He works really, really hard. He keeps his mouth shut. He’s a great young man.*
Stewart’s work ethic and humility have not gone unnoticed, and his return is expected to bolster the team’s defensive line significantly.
The Role of The Garnet Trust
The Garnet Trust, South Carolina’s official NIL partner, played a crucial role in securing Stewart’s return. The organization is committed to player retention and ensuring that top talents like Stewart remain with the team.
*He’s out there half the time getting tackled, and there were times against Wofford when he was just flat out tackled by the offensive tackle, and it doesn’t get called. And it would be very easy for him to get frustrated and channel those emotions in a different direction, and he doesn’t. He just works hard, comes right back and keeps playing,* Beamer added.
Player Retention and Development
Stewart’s return is a testament to the effectiveness of The Garnet Trust’s efforts in player retention. The organization has been instrumental in creating an environment where players feel valued and supported.
Stewart’s development and hard work are clear indicators of the positive impact that The Garnet Trust has on South Carolina football.
Recruitment Efforts for 2025
While Stewart’s return is a significant boost, South Carolina is not resting on its laurels.
The NCAA Transfer Portal opened on December 9, and the team is actively recruiting new talents to join the roster for the 2025 season.
The team has already hosted several potential recruits and has extended offers to promising players from various schools.
Key Recruitment Targets
Among the notable targets are:
- Ball State cornerback – Scheduled to visit South Carolina on December 10.
- Grambling linebacker – Recently received an offer from South Carolina.
- D-II tight end – Set to visit the team soon.
- Wake Forest offensive lineman – Scheduled a visit for December 9.
- Northwestern OL Josh Thompson – Working to schedule a trip to South Carolina later this month.
- Liberty OL Jordan White – Scheduled to visit in December.
Players Leaving South Carolina
As the team looks to strengthen its roster, several players have announced their intentions to leave the program.
The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on December 9, and a number of Gamecocks have already entered their names.
Notable Departures
Some of the key players leaving South Carolina include:
- QB Robby Ashford – Announced on December 10.
- TE Nick Elksnis – Announced on December 9.
- WR Elijah Caldwell – Announced on December 8.
- WR Debron Gatling – Announced on December 8.
- TE Connor Cox – Announced on December 7.
- WR CJ Adams – Announced on December 4.
- PK Daniel Lester – Announced on December 4.
- RB Djay Braswell – Announced on December 3.
- TE Reid Mikeska – Announced on December 3.
- WR Tyshawn Russell – Announced on December 3.
- LB Mohamed Kaba – Announced on December 2.
- DL Jamaal Whyce – Announced on December 2.
- OL Ni Mansell – Announced on December 1.
- LB Bangally Kamara – Signed with Kansas on October 9.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina football is in a dynamic phase, with significant movements both in terms of player retention and new recruitments.
The return of Dylan Stewart is a major win for the team. The ongoing efforts to bring in new talents indicate a strong future.
Stay tuned to TheBigSpur for more updates on South Carolina football, recruitment, and transfer portal movements.
For more detailed information, you can read the original article on 247Sports here.
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