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On the 54th episode of Coffee with JC Shurburtt, an update on the South Carolina Gamecocks defensive ends room, which returns star Dylan Stewart but loses Bronco Nagurski winner Kyle Kennard off of last year’s team.
Defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas calls the weight room “The Bully Room” and outlined what players have made strides in that department earlier this week. JC adds some intel and projections.
SUMMARY OF EPISODE 54 OF COFFEE
One of the most interesting tidbits from Lucas is that the weight room has been dubbed the ‘bully room’ by the defensive ends. This nickname speaks volumes about the mentality and approach these players are taking to their offseason training. They’re not just working out; they’re preparing to dominate their opponents physically.
At the forefront of this group is Dylan Stewart, who will be returning as a starter. Stewart has already established himself as one of the top players in college football, with Brad Crawford ranking him as the sixth-best player in the nation. What’s even more exciting for Gamecocks fans is that Lucas mentioned Stewart is getting even stronger and bigger. This improvement could lead to a significant jump in performance, similar to the leap Jadeveon Clowney made between his freshman and sophomore years.
While Stewart is a known quantity, there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding who will start opposite him. One player who seems to be making a strong case is Desmond Umeozulu. A highly-regarded four-star recruit out of high school, Umeozulu has seen playing time in his first two seasons but hasn’t quite broken out yet. However, Lucas praised the gains Umeozulu has made in the weight room, suggesting that this could be the year he puts it all together and makes a significant impact.
Another player to watch is Jaylen Brown, a transfer from Missouri. At 270 pounds and standing 6’5″, Brown has the size to be a force against the run. Lucas highlighted Brown’s positional flexibility, mentioning that he could potentially slide inside on obvious passing downs. This versatility could allow the Gamecocks to get creative with their defensive packages, potentially using a ‘rabbits’ package that brings in additional pass rushers in certain situations.
Speaking of pass-rushing specialists, Bryan Thomas Jr. is a name that came up multiple times. Despite being somewhat undersized, Thomas has shown a knack for getting to the quarterback. Lucas went as far as to predict a ‘breakout season’ for Thomas, which could make him a valuable asset in passing situations.
The Gamecocks also have some intriguing young talent at the position. JT Geer, who flashed at times last season, is finally healthy and could make a push for more playing time. Wendell Gregory was mentioned as a potential sleeper, with Lucas noting his natural pass-rushing ability and the possibility of him standing up to play linebacker in certain packages.
Looking to the future, South Carolina has two freshman defensive ends who could make an impact down the line. Anthony Addison from Sumter and Quay Dodd from Eastside are both in-state recruits with bright futures. Lucas suggested that Addison has a higher floor, while Dodd may have a higher ceiling, indicating that both could develop into solid contributors over time.
The emphasis on the ‘bully room’ and the physical development of these players underscores the importance of the strength and conditioning program in modern college football. It’s not just about talent and technique; it’s about building the physical tools necessary to compete at the highest level of the sport.
This focus on physical development is particularly crucial for the defensive end position. In today’s game, defensive ends need to be able to set the edge against the run, rush the passer, and occasionally drop into coverage. The combination of strength, speed, and agility required is immense, and it’s clear that the Gamecocks’ coaching staff is prioritizing these attributes in their training regimen.
The competition for playing time at defensive end should be fierce this offseason. With so many talented players vying for snaps, the practices leading up to the 2025 season should be intense. This competition should not only help determine the best players for each role but also push everyone to improve and reach their full potential.
One interesting aspect to watch will be how the coaching staff utilizes different personnel groupings. With players like Brown who can potentially play inside, and others like Gregory who might be able to stand up as a linebacker, the Gamecocks could present some unique looks to opposing offenses. This versatility could make game planning against South Carolina’s defense a real challenge for opponents.
As the offseason progresses, fans will be eager to see how these players perform in spring practices and fall camp. The development of the defensive ends could be a key factor in determining the success of the Gamecocks’ defense in 2025. If Stewart can take another step forward and become a truly dominant force, and if one or more of the other players can step up to provide a consistent pass rush, South Carolina’s defense could be formidable.
The coaching staff’s excitement about the potential of this group is palpable. While replacing a player of Kyle Kennard’s caliber is never easy, it seems that the Gamecocks have a deep and talented group ready to step up to the challenge. The combination of returning experience, incoming transfers, and young talent provides a solid foundation for the defensive end position.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the defensive ends coming out of the ‘bully room’. If their offseason work translates to on-field success, the South Carolina Gamecocks could be well-positioned to make some noise in the SEC and beyond. The development of this position group will certainly be one of the key storylines to follow as the team prepares for what they hope will be a successful campaign.
