On Wednesday, several South Carolina football players spoke to the media after practice. Among them were a pair of linebackers, sophomore Fred “JayR” Johnson and transfer portal redshirt freshman Justin Okoronkwo.

Okoronkwo was up first, and after a week of practicing alongside Johnson, the former Alabama Crimson Tide ‘backer sang his new teammate’s praises. “Fred Johnson is a crazy athlete. He’s fast, he’s physical. He’s got everything that a linebacker needs,” Okoronkwo said.

At 6-3 and 244 pounds with elite speed for the position, Okoronkwo’s assessment is correct. The quote of praise also matches what others have said about Johnson during his brief time as a Gamecock.

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He played a lot of special teams for the 2024 version of the South Carolina football team but was behind NFL Draft hopefuls like Demetrius Knight, Bam Martin-Scott, and Debo Williams, specifically listed as the backup to Knight at the Mike linebacker spot. His snaps on defense were limited, but all year, coaches and players praised his athletic profile and improving mental understanding of the game.

Knight called Johnson’s potential “off the charts” and praised his “sponge”-like willingness to learn and better himself. Ahead of Citrus Bowl practice, Williams went as far as to say he “expect[s] nothing but the best” for Johnson’s career. All-American safety Nick Emmanwori says he remembers the young defender making a lot of “woah” plays at practice last season.

Defensive coordinator Clayton White has lauded Johnson’s athleticism and work ethic this offseason. According to the South Carolina DC, if he “keep[s] grinding every day, and then [he] will be great.”

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Both Johnson and Okoronkwo expect to factor into the starting linebacker battles this spring and summer. They will be joined by Shawn Murphy–another transfer who spent some time at Alabama–and returner Jaron Willis. Incoming freshmen Donovan Darden, Taeshawn Alston, AJ Holloway, and Josh Smith will join with former walk-ons Ronnie Porter and Colin Bryant in the linebacker competition, too.

Despite having to replace three high-level players from last year’s room, Johnson is confident in USC’s current crop of linebackers. During his media availability on Monday, Johnson said that this year’s group still has a high level of “speed and strength.” He complimented Murphy’s knowledge and understanding of defensive football and Okoronkwo’s physical gifts.

Johnson added that he’s confident in his own abilities to be a big part of the team’s linebacker success. He said that he will be holding himself to an “expectation of dominance,” a standard also held by his predecessors. Last season, Williams, Knight, and Martin-Scott played and led with confidence. If Johnson and company can replicate that attitude in 2025, the South Carolina defense can be special once again.