WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Area alums turned Gamecocks

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Area alums turned Gamecocks

By Justin Felder - bio | email

COLUMBIA, SC (WMBF) – Though South Carolina's football team isn't quite enjoying the season they had hoped for, the same can't be said for several area products.

One of the brightest spots of USC's loss to Florida was Carvers Bay alum Clifton Geathers.  The 6'8 junior registered 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.

"I felt great, I turned it up to a different level to beat Florida," said Geathers.  "I turn it up every week."

It's another positive step in a season that got off to a rocky start for Geathers, who had to deal with an arrest and suspension after an incident at a nightclub.

"The beginning of the season, it was a rocky beginning of the season, but I talked to God and God led me on," said Geathers.  "He told me to keep on pushing, and that's what I did."

On the other side of the defensive line is Geathers' best friend and another area product, Cheraw alum Cliff Matthews.  Matthews is second on the team in sacks, and is currently battling a shoulder injury he sustained in the Arkansas game.

"My shoulder, it feels fine, but i'm still going to rehab, doing exercises to try to get my strength fully back in my arm," said Matthews.

Finally, along the other line, Aynor's TJ Johnson has the rare distinction of being a redshirt freshman to start every game on the offensive line.

"It's been great, I'm living the dream," said Johnson. "It's the most fun thing I've done in my life.  I wake up every morning and I'm just excited as I can be."

Johnson says he's planning to spend part of his bye week back home in Aynor.

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