South Carolina adds Kansas two-year starter to 2015 secondary

What was once a strong suit for the South Carolina football team became a detriment in 2014, the vaulted Gamecock defense. USC started out the season with a Top 10 ranking but stumbled through a 7-6 season primarily due to an inconsistent and inexperienced defensive front.

In 2015 South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier hopes to turnaround the teetering .500 2014 season back to the 11-win plateau experienced from 2011-2013. The Gamecocks have a lot of holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball but help is coming to the defense in senior transfer Isaiah Johnson.

The 6’1”, 210 pound, safety has made the rounds since coming out of Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. Johnson spent his freshman season in 2011 at Western Carolina using a medical redshirt before transferring to Iowa Western Community College. While at Iowa Western he helped the team win a NJCAA National Championship in 2012 earning First-Team All-Midwest Football Conference honors. In 2013 Johnson transferred to Kansas earning Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors coming up with 73 tackles and five picks.

During his junior season Johnson had 75 tackles and an interception landing on various second and third team All-Big 12 lists. Now the two-year starter will take his talents to Columbia hoping to help South Carolina contend for a SEC East title.

South Carolina finished the 2014 season ranked No. 92 in total defense allowing 432.7 yards per game. The pass defense allowed 220.5 yards per game with 16 touchdowns allowed, ranking No. 52 in the nation.

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: kusports.com; No. 5 Isaiah Johnson picks off a pass against Texas.