South Carolina Adds Ethan Johnson as Clayton White Addresses 2026 Defensive Depth

01 · The NewsWhat Happened

South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White spoke with local media before the 2026 season and discussed the Gamecocks' defensive depth, Ethan Johnson, and several young defensive ends. White said South Carolina identified positions where it needed more bodies in case injuries or other absences created a problem. Johnson recently began training again after learning last week that he would join the program, and White said the strength staff planned to give him a week focused on conditioning. White also praised Anthony Addison, Julian Walker, Jaquavious Dodd, and Drew Collins as young defensive ends who are showing progress against both the run and pass. He described the defense's response across two preseason scrimmages as a positive sign.