News Summary
The University of South Carolina celebrates an impressive achievement as three players have been recognized on the 2024 Freshman All-America team by the FWAA. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, offensive lineman Josiah Thompson, and defensive lineman Dylan Stewart have each showcased their remarkable skills, contributing significantly to the Gamecocks’ success during the season. This honor marks a pivotal moment in USC football history, emphasizing the program’s promising future as these talented young athletes continue to excel.
Columbia Celebrates USC Football Historical Achievement
Columbia, South Carolina – Exciting news is buzzing around the University of South Carolina as their football team made history by having a record-setting three players named to the 2024 Freshman All-America team by the Football Writers of America (FWAA). This impressive recognition showcases not only the players’ talent but also highlights the future of the Gamecocks football program.
Spotlight on Talented Trio
The three standout players who earned this prestigious honor are: quarterback LaNorris Sellers, offensive lineman Josiah Thompson, and defensive lineman Dylan Stewart. Each of these young athletes played a crucial role in the Gamecocks’ success during the 2024 season, which culminated in a solid overall record of 9-4.
LaNorris Sellers, standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 242 pounds, hails from Florence, South Carolina. As a redshirt freshman, he had an impressive season, completing 65.6% of his passes — that’s a remarkable 196-for-299 — and throwing for a stunning 2,534 yards with 18 touchdowns. But that’s not all! Sellers also showcased his versatility as a player by rushing for 674 yards on 166 carries, scoring an additional seven rushing touchdowns.
Offensive and Defensive Stars Shine
Then there’s Josiah Thompson — a true freshman weighing in at a hefty 300 pounds and standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches from Dillon, South Carolina. He didn’t just join the team; he made an impact right away by starting all 12 games in 2024 as the left tackle. Thompson’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed, as he had earlier won the prestigious 2023 South Carolina Mr. Football award and was included in the On3.com True Freshman All-America team.
On the defensive front, we have Dylan Stewart, a formidable force at 6 feet 6 inches and 248 pounds from Washington, D.C. Stewart did it all, recording 23 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks throughout the season. He didn’t stop there—Stewart added four quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries to his impressive stats. His outstanding performance earned him the title of On3.com Defensive True Freshman of the Year and he was recognized as a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
The Historic Season
It’s worth noting that the trio’s remarkable efforts significantly contributed to South Carolina’s overall record, as they accomplished winning nine regular-season games for only the fifth time in the history of the program. Additionally, they achieved a school-record of four wins against ranked opponents during the season — that’s an incredible feat!
A Legacy in the Making
In a league filled with fierce competition, it’s impressive that Sellers, Thompson, and Stewart follow in the footsteps of other notable Gamecocks like Ko Simpson, Sidney Rice, and Jadeveon Clowney, all of whom were also named to the FWAA Freshman All-America team in years past. To top it all off, LaNorris Sellers has not only been named to the Freshman All-America team, but he has also been honored as the 2024 National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year by the FWAA.
Mark your calendars, folks! Sellers will be recognized at a ceremony happening on February 24 in Gainesville, Florida, alongside other standout players from across the nation, including Leonard Moore from Notre Dame and Nolan Hauser from Clemson. It’s an exciting time for USC football, and the future looks bright!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Place Three on FWAA Freshman All-America Team
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- LaNorris Sellers Named National Freshman of the Year
- Google Search: South Carolina football 2024 season
- Sellers Named FWAA National Offensive Freshman of the Year
- Google Scholar: South Carolina football freshman awards
- Sellers Takes Home National Offensive Freshman of the Year Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Sellers Named FWAA National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year
- Google News: LaNorris Sellers
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