Top 2025 DE Anthony Addison Commits to South Carolina

© David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina is adding depth and talent to the defensive line with the recent commitment of 2025 three-star defensive end Anthony Addison.

Addison is the most recent commit from a busy week for the Gamecocks recruiting staff. South Carolina has received commits from 2025 prospects Brian Rowe and Damarcus Leach this week alone. Addison makes the third commitment for Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks, and he could have the biggest immediate impact of them all. 

WHO IS ANTHONY ADDISON?

Addison is a home-grown football phenom from Sumter, S.C. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the athletically built defensive end has been a major key to the Sumter football program’s success over the past few years. Last season, Addison’s junior year, he was second on the team with 6.6 tackles per game and recorded 4 sacks on the season.

Addison chose to stay in the Palmetto State despite the tugs from other top programs in Tennessee, Duke and Cincinnati.

IMPACT ON SOUTH CAROLINA

Addison is the third three-star recruit to commit to South Carolina. While that does not move the needle much in terms of recruiting it does add talented depth to the Gamecock’s defensive end and edge positions. South Carolina is currently ranked No. 30 overall in recruiting and No. 12 in the Southeastern Conference according to On3.com. 

The impact fans should expect from Addison’s addition is in the 3-3-5 defensive package that the Gamecocks run situationally. The defensive package is predicated upon faster and leaner defensive linemen shooting gaps and creating havoc as soon as possible. Addison’s skill set will be perfect with a speedy linebacker playing off his initial rush.

HOW QUICKLY CAN ADDISON CONTRIBUTE?

Addison still has a senior season to put behind him before he graces the field in Williams-Brice Stadium but there is a great opportunity for Addison to make an impact immediately for the Gamecocks. He is currently on track to graduate in December 2024 and enroll in South Carolina for spring classes.

Addison has the build and speed to contribute immediately to multiple special team units. The Gamecocks will be replacing two edge rushers and three defensive ends at the end of the 2024-25 season. If Addison takes advantage of spring training by gaining weight and learning the playbook he could see playing time in the 3-3-5 package as a true freshman. 

SCOUTING ANTHONY ADDISON

Addison is a strong edge rusher with the wingspan of an NBA point guard. This helps him maintain separation from offensive linemen and cause havoc in the short-passing game. He has a great bull rush but excels when utilizing his speed rush through the gaps or off the edges.

Addison could benefit from playing lower post-snap. Tweaking his pre-snap stance will allow a quicker and lower first step off the line of scrimmage. This will be a crucial part of his development before he has to face the dominating tackles of the SEC.