The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks, a prominent FCS standout for the last twenty seasons, have officially made the jump to the FBS ranks. Starting on August 26th, they’ll begin their quest in the ConferenceUSA. Making a leap such as this could be jarring & in some cases take multiple years to fully acclimate. However, this Gamecock team is littered with legitimate FBS talent.

Beyond talent, the Gamecocks are filled with impact players that have loads of experience. Extra eligible years granted from the Covid-19 rules have assuredly aided in that department. Additions from the transfer portal give the Gamecocks more depth in that area as well. Furthermore, having a figurehead as notable as Rich Rodriguez can’t be understated. In any event, the Gamecocks won’t lack for talent when heading into the FBS ranks for the first time.

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Gamecocks taking the field for action – (Jax State Athletics)

 

In recent years, the Jacksonville State have traveled down the road to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles twice. In 2020, that team held a 21-14 lead at halftime before running out of gas late in the 3rd & 4th quarter of that game. However, in 2021 the Gamecocks returned the favor and won a highly competitive game that was earned on a literal last second touchdown pass by the score of 20-17.

The rest of the country may have been shocked, but internally, that team knew full well they were capable of not only competing, but winning. While there’s been some notable roster turnover since that triumph two years ago, the Gamecocks return a nice handful of players that both played and practiced on that team. The competition level won’t overwhelm the Gamecocks and neither will the atmospheres that will be a step up from the FCS level.

While having talent and experience is important, having that talent and experience in the right places is even more important. You can have a dominant position group and still be a poor football team. Lucky for the Gamecocks, they have that talent spread across the team in key areas. When the Gamecocks take center stage on CBS Sports Network against UTEP on Aug 26th, these will be the impact players to make a difference.

QB Zion Webb:

2x All-Conference QB Zion Webb, a seventh year senior, is a steady figure at quarterback for the Gamecocks. An archetype build for the uptempo Rich Rod offense, Webb has superb athleticism, speed, & live arm. Webb is also known for his poise. He’s described by his teammates as a guy that never gets too high or low. That type of steadiness at the most demanding position on the field will surely be a rock to lean on for the Gamecocks. Over the course of his career, he’s piled up over 4100 passing yards and 1500 rushing yards to go along with his 54 career touchdowns.

TE Sean Brown:

Another 2x All-Conference Player, TE Sean Brown was one of the premier FCS talents in the country. He has exceptional size at 6’5 250 pounds. To go along with that size, he has great athleticism and toughness. Brown is a great in-line blocker for the position & poses mismatch threats for smaller defenders in the passing game. With his career 31 catches, 523 yards, and 3 touchdowns, Brown was named to the 2023 Mackey Award Watchlist. Keep an eye on him as an NFL prospect as well.

DE Jaylen “J Rock” Swain:

Following the theme of the two players previously mentioned, Swain is a 2x All-Conference player at EDGE. They say good things come in small packages & that couldn’t be more true here for the Gamecocks. At 5’11 260, Swain isn’t the biggest player the position has seen, but he’s amongst the craftiest and toughest. He has 107 tackles, 18.5 TFL’s, 10 sacks, 6 PBU’s, 6 FF’s, 4 FR’s, 1 INT, 1 BP, & 2 TD’s in his career.

C Treylon Brown:

Treylon Brown, a 2022 All-Conference selection, is an experienced versatile veteran that will provide much needed security on the interior of the offensive line. He’s spoken very highly of as a leader in the locker room and great spokesman for the university. While he has played guard on both sides during his career, he settled in at the center position after an injury to the starting center last season. After the move inside, Brown had a career year and now returns as one of the best centers in the group of five.

DB Jeremiah Harris:

Jeremiah Harris’s story is everything we love about college football. A former walk-on, Harris was counted out early in his career. Despite that, he’s blossomed in an excellent cover cornerback with great length, fluidity, and range. Harris is a versatile talent that will play as a safety this season. His presence as a leader can’t be understated either. Going into his seventh season after redshirts and injury, he’s as rock solid as they come between the ears and a great example for younger gamecocks to follow. Look for him to face a lot of the best matchups opposing offenses will present this season.

Other Impact Players:

RB: Ron Wiggins

WR Sterling Galban

DE Chris Hardie

K Alen Karajic