The Sumter Gamecocks wrapped up their regular season with an impressive 12-1 record, marking their best campaign in decades. The team demonstrated an explosive offense, averaging 41 points per game, and secured eight victories by margins of 30 points or more. Their dominance persisted throughout the season, only to face a heartbreaking end in the semifinals on December 6.
A Defensive Anchor
Anchoring the Gamecock defense was Anthony Addison, a standout on the defensive line who showcased his talent with 99 tackles, nine sacks, and four fumble recoveries. Thanks to players like Addison, the Gamecock defense held opposing offenses to an average of just 19 points per game—a testament to their ability to stifle even the most potent attacks.
Although Addison may have played his final high school game in the Gamecock uniform, his football journey is far from over. Next year, he’ll trade his Sumter jersey for one bearing the colors of the South Carolina Gamecocks, ready to make an impact at the collegiate level.
USC’s Defensive Powerhouse
At the University of South Carolina, the Gamecock defense has been nothing short of formidable. Players like Kyle Kennard, with 10.5 sacks in his debut season, have terrorized opposing offenses. Meanwhile, TJ Sanders has become a central focus of offensive game plans, and Debo Williams’ leadership has held the unit together.
However, this veteran trio is eyeing a leap to the NFL, leaving a void that must be filled by fresh talent—players who already embody the “Gamecock spirit.” Enter Anthony Addison, a player whose potential could help sustain the program’s defensive dominance.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
“I want to go to the next level. I just want my talents to be showcased and go from there,” Addison shared.
At 6’3″, the three-star edge rusher has attracted national attention, earning 19 offers from Power 4 programs such as Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Duke. According to 247Sports, Addison is described as an “urgent pass rusher” with the potential to become a multi-year starter—a glowing endorsement for his future prospects.
“I’m ready to show some new things that I learned,” Addison said. “Just trying to play on the line of scrimmage and execute what we run through in practice.”
Addison joins a strong recruiting class, including players like Jaquavious Dodd, Zavion Hardy, and Caleb Williams, all committed to bolstering South Carolina’s pass rush. For Addison, committing to USC felt like the natural next step.
“There was never a point where I didn’t want it. I was always eager to play the game,” he recalled. “When I turned 12, I knew this is what I needed to do.”
Overcoming High School Heartbreak
Addison’s high school career with Sumter was marked by near misses. His freshman year ended in a quarterfinal loss to Dutch Fork. Sophomore year brought a shutout loss to Summerville. As a junior, the team suffered another quarterfinal defeat to White Knoll. Finally, in 2024, Sumter went undefeated in the regular season but fell short in the semifinals, once again against Summerville.
Although these setbacks were painful, Addison views them as fuel for his collegiate journey.
“Yeah, that’s just been adding more fuel to the fight when I get there,” Addison said. “Now, I want to win the championship at the next level. Even though I’m sad I couldn’t compete with my guys, they all know what the main goal is. You just take a different route to get there.”
A Bright Future at USC
As the 2025 recruiting class takes shape, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer continues to emphasize the importance of retaining in-state talent. His efforts have resonated with players like Addison, who felt the pull of staying close to home.
“I’m very excited about the group of guys that we have coming in,” Beamer said during a press conference. “It’s a great group of guys that I wish we had out here right now. For us, it always starts with the state of South Carolina and keeping the best players in South Carolina at home.”
Beamer’s message of building a program rooted in local pride struck a chord with Addison.
“He said there was no better place for me than South Carolina,” Addison shared. “He just told me that South Carolina was home. After a while, once you hear it all the time, I started believing it myself.”
Looking ahead, Addison is eager to bring his talent and competitive spirit to the collegiate level.
“I’m eager to work, and I love to win,” he said. “I’m ready to bring that brand of winning to South Carolina.”
With Addison in the fold, the future of the Gamecocks looks as promising as ever. His determination and skill set could make him a cornerstone of the defense for years to come, helping USC maintain its reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
Sumter defensive edge and USC commit ready to terrorize SEC offenses
