Carolina Confidential: South Carolina’s ‘Freaks List’ — Which Gamecocks Would Make the Cut?
Every college football preseason, fans eagerly await Bruce Feldman’s iconic “Freaks List” — a showcase of athletes who combine rare physical ability with eye-popping athleticism. Whether it’s a 300-pound lineman running a sub-5.0 40-yard dash, or a receiver leaping 40 inches into the air, the list celebrates the rarest of talents in college football.
But what if we localized it? What if we created a “Freaks List” for just the South Carolina Gamecocks — either for current players or rising stars poised to join the ranks of Feldman’s national elite?
Welcome to Carolina Confidential: The Gamecocks’ Freaks List, a deep dive into which athletes on the roster turn heads in the weight room, on the track, and during practice with off-the-charts athletic traits.
1. Nyck Harbor – WR/ATH
Let’s start with the most obvious candidate.
Nyck Harbor is, by all measures, a generational athletic talent. At 6-foot-5, 241 pounds, he runs a verified 10.22-second 100-meter dash — a time that would be fast for a track specialist, let alone a powerfully built SEC wide receiver. Harbor’s combination of Olympic-level speed and tight end size is unprecedented. It’s no surprise that his name has been floated on national freak lists since his high school days.
Though Harbor is still developing as a pure wideout, his raw tools are among the best in college football. If he puts it all together on the field this fall, he’ll be one of the most feared offensive weapons in the SEC.
2. T.J. Sanders – DL
T.J. Sanders is an under-the-radar freak with an enormous ceiling. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Sanders has reportedly posted elite agility scores in team testing, showing rare bend and explosion for a man his size.
Word out of camp is that Sanders is benching 400+ pounds and squatting well north of 600, while still maintaining quick feet and excellent change of direction. His disruptive potential along the defensive line makes him a prime breakout candidate — and one that could land on Bruce Feldman’s national list with more reps.
3. Pup Howard – LB
Linebackers need to be fast, physical, and instinctive — and Pup Howard is checking all the boxes as he enters the heart of his college career. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and nearly 240 pounds, Howard runs exceptionally well for his size and delivers punishing hits on contact.
Howard’s name has been mentioned in team circles as one of the hardest-working and most explosive athletes in the linebacker room. His combination of mass, speed, and energy could earn him freak status sooner rather than later.
4. Tree Babalade – OT
You can’t talk freaks without talking about offensive tackles — and Tree Babalade is as freaky as they come. Nicknamed “Tree” for obvious reasons, the 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman moves with the agility of a player much smaller. Coaches are continually impressed by his ability to pull, pass protect, and adjust in space.
He may not be as nationally known as other tackles yet, but Tree has the measurables to anchor South Carolina’s offensive line for years — and possibly head to the NFL with a lot of buzz behind his name.
5. O’Mega Blake – WR
A surprise entry on this list for some, O’Mega Blake has been quietly wowing coaches with his vertical leap, top-end speed, and burst in and out of cuts. Standing around 6-foot-2 and hovering at 190 pounds, Blake has posted a 40-inch vertical jump and boasts elite top-end speed, according to offseason testing.
While he’s yet to fully break out statistically, the freakish tools are there. If he gets consistent reps, don’t be surprised if Blake becomes one of South Carolina’s top big-play threats.
6. David Spaulding – DB
Veteran defensive back David Spaulding brings a unique blend of size and explosiveness to the Gamecocks’ secondary. Known for his ability to play both corner and safety, Spaulding is fast, physical, and agile — traits that are essential in today’s SEC.
He’s also an offseason warrior, often posting top scores in team conditioning drills. Coaches love his flexibility and twitch, and while he may not get the same spotlight as others, his freakish balance of size and speed puts him on this list.
Names to Watch: Future Freaks
There are also a number of incoming freshmen and redshirt players whose athletic upside is hard to ignore. Here are just a few names that could find themselves on the “Freaks List” in the near future:
- Dylan Stewart (EDGE) – One of the highest-rated signees in the class, Stewart possesses elite pass-rushing traits and length. Word from fall camp is that his burst and hand usage are already flashing.
- Josiah Thompson (OL) – Another incoming freshman with “freak” potential, Thompson has rare footwork and punch power for a young tackle.
- Kam Pringle (OL) – At nearly 340 pounds, Pringle’s flexibility and natural strength have stood out already in early practice reps.
Closing Thoughts
South Carolina may not yet have the national spotlight of Georgia or Alabama, but when it comes to freak athletes, the Gamecocks are quietly building a roster loaded with next-level talent. Players like Nyck Harbor and T.J. Sanders already have the physical credentials to land on Feldman’s radar, while others like Tree Babalade and Pup Howard are knocking loudly at the door.
As the 2025 season approaches, expect several Gamecocks to make their mark with eye-opening plays and performances. And don’t be surprised if South Carolina’s localized “Freaks List” becomes a recruiting and development badge of honor.
After all, freaks don’t just win testing days — they change games.
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