Catching up with local stars early in the college season
The college football season has been packed with some excellent action so far, and athletes from the tri-county have been in the middle of it all. It can be hard to keep track of athletes spread across the country, but this is an overview of some of the biggest area stars making an impact across Division I college football.
O'DONNELL FORTUNE AND JOSH SIMON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Former Sumter High defensive back O'Donnell Fortune and Crestwood alumnus Josh Simon have been on a wild ride through the first three weeks of the college football season.
The Gamecocks started with what should've been a walk in the park against Old Dominion, but weather delays and a shaky start from LaNorris Sellers made for an odd first game. Fortune was spectacular, snagging his first interception of the season to go along with four tackles. Sellers' inconsistent day through the air led to just one catch from Simon for 10 yards.
South Carolina rebounded in a big way in Week 2, rushing Kentucky on the road 31-6. Simon caught his first touchdown of the season, a 16-yard strike from Sellers, but it proved to be his only catch on the day. Fortune, meanwhile, had two tackles and a tackle for a loss as the Gamecock defense played lights out.
Carolina's third game was their most controversial. With ESPN's College GameDay in attendance, the Gamecocks hosted No. 16 LSU for a matchup in which the Gamecocks couldn't catch a break. They led for much of the game despite an onslaught of penalties, one of which negated a pick-six by Nick Emmanwori that would've pushed the Carolina lead back to double digits. USC also lost Sellers just before halftime to a knee injury after he ran for two touchdowns. USC lost 36-33 as Alex Herrera narrowly missed a game-tying field goal.
Simon shared the team lead with three catches in the loss, collecting 40 yards through the air. He fumbled early, but the Gamecocks jumped on the loose ball. Fortune broke up a pass and had five tackles.
BRANDON CISSE AND DAVIN JACKSON, NORTH CAROLINA STATE
The Wolfpack opened the season 2-1 thanks in part to two local defenders, former Lakewood defensive back Brandon Cisse and Davin Jackson, the former Sumter High defensive lineman who has battled injuries throughout his career.
The Wolfpack started with Western Carolina, where they ran into another former Gator, Zayveon Wells, though the defensive back didn't see any action in the 38-21 N.C. State victory. Cisse finished with three tackles. Jackson made his N.C. State debut after missing time with ACL and Achilles injuries but was held without a tackle.
N.C. State followed with a tough 51-10 loss to Tennessee. Cisse had four tackles and .5 tackles for a loss while Jackson was again held stat-less in a tough defensive performance.
The Wolfpack then took down Louisiana Tech 30-20 with a big second half after an injury to quarterback Grayson McCall, the N.C. State QB who transferred in from Coastal Carolina. Cisse started the game, but also left with an injury on the second defensive play. Head coach Dave Doeren said the following Monday that the injury wasn't serious. Both local stars were held without a stat.
JUSTUS BOONE, FLORIDA
The Gators have gotten out to a slow start as former Sumter High defensive lineman Justus Boone returns to the fold after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL. Florida suffered a 41-17 loss at the hands of Miami to start the team. After a blowout 45-7 win over Samford, they dropped a game with Texas A&M 33-20.
Boone has played in all three games, amassing a total of four tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. He also had a quarterback hit against Samford.
MILES CAPERS, VANDERBILT
Former Sumter High linebacker Miles Capers had a busy first three games of the season with the Commodores, helping Vandy get out to a 2-1 start.
Capers was all over the field in the season opener against Virginia Tech, racking up seven tackles, two tackles for a loss and half a sack in a 34-27 victory. He didn't need to do much in a 55-0 win over Alcorn the following week, but had three tackles, .5 tackles for a loss and broke up a pass. He also defended a pass in a 36-32 loss against Georgia Tech, adding four tackles.
ABRAHAM TEMONEY III, COASTAL CAROLINA
Former Sumter High defensive back Abraham Temoney is in his second season with the Chants after transferring from Erskine. He played in each of the Chants' games during their 3-0 start.
Temoney had three solo tackles in a 55-27 thumping of Jacksonville State. He had three more tackles, three of which were solo, in a 40-21 home win over William & Mary. The former Gamecock was held without a stat in a 28-20 win over Temple.
SENECA MOORE, LIBERTY
Former Crestwood standout Seneca Moore played one game during his freshman season with the Flames. He saw action during Liberty's season-opening 41-24 win over Campbell.
ZYEIR GAMBLE, APPALACHIAN STATE
Former Sumter High defensive back Gamble played in two of App State's first two games. After watching the opener against East Tennessee State, he saw playing time against Clemson and East Carolina but did not record a statistic.
KAMERON PEARSON, TEXAS STATE
Former Sumter High defensive back Kameron Pearson transferred to Texas State this fall and played in their first three games, including wins over Lamar and University of Texas-San Antonio. He did not record any statistics.