Jayden “Pup” Sellers

 

• Introduction: “Pup” Sellers may have committed to the Gamecocks with less buzz, but his high school career at South Florence speaks about the kind of young man he is. The 5’11”, 170-pound wide receiver from Florence, South Carolina, has been a standout playmaker since his sophomore year, helping lead the Bruins to two state championship runs in three years (2022 & 2024). Despite facing adversity with a torn ACL during his junior year, Sellers has proven to be as resilient as he is talented. Bouncing back his senior season, he put up eye-popping numbers: 59 receptions for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 58 carries for 485 yards and 10 scores. He delivered a video-game stat line in a playoff game against Hilton Head, racking up 105 receiving yards, 227 rushing yards, and five touchdowns in a single game. What makes him so intriguing is his versatility. He was used in a variety of roles, including slot receiver, Wildcat quarterback, and even as a runner out of the backfield, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. He is now a part of the third set of brothers on the Gamecocks’ roster joining the Porters and the Kilgores. He is reportedly already making a name for himself in his short time on campus, impressing coaches and teammates in workouts and team drills. With his older brother, LaNorris, likely throwing him passes in the near future, Jayden is poised to carve out his own legacy in Columbia. While he may have arrived as “LaNorris’ little brother,” it won’t be long before Gamecock fans know him simply as “Pup”.

 

• Recruiting: Rated as a 3-star prospect and the #62 wide receiver in the country by On3, Jayden Sellers may not have arrived in Columbia with the hype of a 5-star recruit, but his production and potential tell a different story. A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and versatility, Sellers chose South Carolina over offers from Cincinnati, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and East Carolina. But for those who followed his recruitment closely, it was clear: South Carolina was always the frontrunner. The Gamecocks offered both Jayden and LaNorris in 2022, and even when LaNorris was initially committed to Syracuse, there was a sense that the Sellers brothers were destined to suit up together in Columbia. They have been a dynamic duo since their days playing youth football, and the opportunity to continue that partnership at the collegiate level was too good to pass up. “We’ve been doing it since we were young, so I just wanted to do it in college, too,” Jayden said. South Carolina’s close proximity to home also played a huge role in his decision. Growing up in Florence, just an hour’s drive from Columbia, he was right outside our doorstep. From the moment Shane Beamer took over the Gamecocks’ program, he made it a priority to keep South Carolina’s top talent at home. Beamer’s emphasis on family, culture, and building something special in Columbia resonated deeply with Sellers.  “Coach Beamer is a great person and head coach,” Sellers said. “The team is young, and there are some big new recruits coming in. He’s put together a great coaching staff, and I believe that the future is bright in Columbia.”  As the first commitment of the 2025 class, Sellers set the tone for what was a pivotal recruiting cycle for Beamer and the Gamecocks.
   

• Strength and Skills:  Zero doubt that speed is his calling card. Clocking a blistering 4.39-second 40-yard dash, he has the kind of straight-line speed that forces defenses to account for him on every snap. But it’s not just his top-end speed that stands out, it's his explosiveness. Whether he’s taking a jet sweep, returning a kick, or breaking away from defenders on a deep route, Sellers has the burst to turn a small gain into a game changing play. His acceleration is effortless, and once he hits the open field, he’s gone. As Charles Power from On3 put it, “He’s got a high skill level. When the ball touches his hands, he’s got a chance to score. His explosiveness is at the level that you would expect to see from an SEC player.” For a player his age, Sellers’ route-running is advanced. He’s quick in and out of his breaks, creating separation with sharp cuts and precise footwork. His ability to change direction without losing speed makes him a nightmare for defenders in man coverage. And when the ball is in the air, Sellers has a knack for making plays. He tracks the ball well, attacks it at its highest point, and has the hands to secure contested catches. Even at 5’11”, he plays bigger than his size, consistently winning 50/50 balls against taller defenders. Sellers’ speed and vision also make him a natural fit for special teams. He has the potential to be an immediate contributor as a punt and kick returner. In a league where field position is critical, Sellers has the potential to be a hidden weapon for the Gamecocks. “I think a lot of people are sleeping on Jayden Sellers,” said Darren Uscher, Director of Player Personnel. Like any young player, Sellers has areas to refine. Adding strength and bulk to his frame will be crucial as he transitions to the physicality of the SEC. Improving his ability to beat press coverage will also be key. The future is bright for “Pup” and the best is yet to come.