Vicari Swain shines for South Carolina in punt return role

Vicari Swain delivered an impressive performance as a punt returner for South Carolina during the 2025 season, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown in a game against Virginia Tech on August 31. His success stems from strategic advice from his mother, who encouraged him to keep running since childhood. Swain transitioned from a limited role in his first two years to a standout season, becoming the first player in Gamecocks history to return two punts for touchdowns in a single game. He has emerged as a key player under special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley and is projected as a potential second-day selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

• 9:07 AMYahoo Sports — Why South Carolina's Vicari Swain can thank his mom for punt return success