Three members of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team were named Freshmen All-Americans.

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks football program has long been a staple of Southeastern Conference (SEC) football, consistently competing at a high level and producing NFL-caliber talent. The 2024 season marked an exciting chapter for the Gamecocks as three members of their freshman class were honored with the prestigious distinction of Freshman All-American status. This recognition highlights the immense talent within the program and sets the stage for a promising future for both these young athletes and the Gamecocks as a whole.

The Freshman All-American distinction is awarded by several organizations, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Associated Press (AP), and it serves as an early indicator of future stardom for these players. For South Carolina, the fact that three of their freshman athletes earned such a distinction is a testament to the program’s continued growth and success under head coach Shane Beamer.

In this article, we’ll delve into the stories behind these three exceptional freshmen, explore their contributions to the Gamecocks’ season, and look at what this recognition means for their individual futures and the future of the program.

The Gamecocks’ Bright Future: A Glimpse into 2025 and Beyond

Before we dive into the individual stories of these Freshman All-Americans, it’s important to understand the larger context of South Carolina’s football program. Under head coach Shane Beamer, who took over in 2021, the Gamecocks have shown steady improvement, particularly on offense and in player development. The recognition of three freshmen making an immediate impact highlights the strong recruiting efforts by Beamer and his staff. More importantly, it signals that South Carolina is on an upward trajectory in the highly competitive SEC.

This honor is also a reflection of the team’s focus on developing young talent. Beamer’s leadership has fostered an environment where players are not only prepared to compete at the highest level but also able to thrive right out of the gate. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the Gamecocks have positioned themselves to be a force in the SEC for years to come.

Let’s now take a closer look at the three standout freshmen who earned their place on the Freshman All-American teams in 2024.

1. Nick Harbor – The Phenomenal Athlete with Limitless Potential

Nick Harbor, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound true freshman from Washington, D.C., is one of the most exciting young players to ever step onto the field for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Harbor’s inclusion on the Freshman All-American list was no surprise to those who have followed his recruitment and early performances in college football. A five-star recruit, Harbor was one of the most sought-after athletes in the nation. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a game-changer from day one, and he lived up to every bit of the hype during the 2024 season.

Harbor was recruited as a dual-threat tight end and defensive end, which speaks to his versatility. However, South Carolina has largely used him as a tight end, and his impact in the passing game was immediate. With excellent route-running skills for someone of his size and a natural ability to win contested catches, Harbor quickly became a favorite target for Gamecocks quarterbacks. His physicality and speed allow him to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders, and his large frame makes him a red zone threat.

Throughout the season, Harbor demonstrated his potential as an elite player who can be a dominant force in both the passing game and the blocking schemes. His high football IQ, combined with his freakish athleticism, has made him a key contributor on offense. Harbor finished the season with 45 catches, 642 yards, and 6 touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as one of the top freshman tight ends in the country. His ability to perform at such a high level as a true freshman gives South Carolina fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the future.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Harbor’s size and agility allow him to be a significant asset in the blocking game as well, making him a well-rounded player with a complete skill set. Given his already impressive performance, Harbor’s future in Columbia looks incredibly bright. His combination of size, speed, and skill makes him a potential first-round NFL draft pick, and Gamecocks fans will be eagerly watching to see how he continues to develop.

2. Dylan Stewart – A Defensive Force on the Rise

Dylan Stewart, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end from the heart of South Carolina, is another freshman who has captured the attention of the college football world. Stewart’s exceptional performance during his first season with the Gamecocks earned him a spot on the Freshman All-American team, and for good reason. As a key part of South Carolina’s defensive front, Stewart proved to be a dominant force against both the run and the pass.

Stewart’s development as a pass rusher was one of the most exciting storylines of the season. His speed and power off the edge created consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and he quickly became one of the Gamecocks’ most reliable pass rushers. Stewart’s explosive first step and ability to shed blockers made him a nightmare for offensive lines, and he finished the season with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss—numbers that are outstanding for a true freshman in the SEC.

In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Stewart proved to be a solid run defender. His ability to maintain gap discipline and disengage from blockers made him a well-rounded player who could make an impact on all three downs. Stewart’s athleticism, combined with his developing technique, allowed him to earn respect from opposing offensive coordinators, and he quickly became one of the most disruptive forces on the Gamecocks’ defense.

What stands out about Stewart is his relentless work ethic and his ability to perform on the biggest stages. He demonstrated his maturity and ability to handle the pressure of SEC competition, which is no small feat for any freshman. As Stewart continues to develop, his upside is enormous. With continued coaching and experience, he has the potential to become one of the top defensive players in the nation.

3. Marshawn Floyd – The Emerging Star in the Secondary

Marshawn Floyd, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback from Georgia, rounded out the trio of Freshman All-Americans for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Floyd’s debut season was one of the most impressive by a true freshman cornerback in recent memory. His ability to shut down opposing wide receivers, coupled with his ability to create turnovers, made him an immediate asset to the Gamecocks’ defense.

Floyd’s most notable attribute is his exceptional coverage skills. His quickness and ability to mirror receivers on both short and deep routes allowed him to hold his own against some of the most talented wideouts in the SEC. Floyd also showcased his ball-hawking instincts, registering four interceptions and breaking up another 10 passes. His awareness and anticipation allowed him to read quarterbacks’ eyes and make plays on the ball, which is a rare trait for a freshman cornerback.

In addition to his ball skills, Floyd’s physicality at the line of scrimmage and his ability to tackle in space set him apart from other freshman corners. Floyd was not afraid to step up in run support and was a reliable tackler in the open field, making him a versatile and complete cornerback. His presence in the secondary helped South Carolina’s defense improve significantly, and he was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ ability to slow down high-powered offenses throughout the season.

As Floyd continues to grow and gain more experience, he could develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, and potentially, the entire country. His freshman season laid the foundation for what could be an outstanding career in Columbia.

What This Means for the South Carolina Gamecocks

The recognition of these three freshmen—Nick Harbor, Dylan Stewart, and Marshawn Floyd—as Freshman All-Americans is a tremendous accomplishment for both the players and the program as a whole. It demonstrates the level of talent the Gamecocks have been able to recruit and develop under Shane Beamer’s leadership, and it points to the program’s bright future in the SEC.

The contributions of these freshmen helped solidify South Carolina’s reputation as a team on the rise in the SEC. With Harbor, Stewart, and Floyd poised to be cornerstones for the Gamecocks’ offense and defense, South Carolina has the foundation for continued success in the years to come.

Furthermore, the success of these freshmen players sets a high standard for future recruiting classes. The recognition of their talent shows that South Carolina can compete with the top programs in the nation, even in the highly competitive SEC. As Beamer continues to build his program, the Gamecocks will be able to attract more elite talent, further cementing their place as a powerhouse in college football.