South Carolina Gamecock football is just around the corner, and it is gearing up to be a huge season for former Irmo Yellow Jacket Donovan Murph. 

Murph had a solid true freshman campaign, appearing in 12 games and recording 14 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown. 

He was originally supposed to be part of the Class of 2026, and this upcoming season would’ve been his freshman year. Instead, he got a head start and reclassified to 2025 and joined the team last season. 

With that year of experience under his belt, Murph is coming into his sophomore season confident. 

“Being in the mix, being in the fire, seeing what that’s like, that’s really shaped me up to be the player I am this year,” he said. “Just being in those types of games, being in those environments, playing in every single game has allowed me to really shape my game and develop my game, and I'm just excited for what I'm able to do this year."

Murph is part of a Gamecock wide receiver room that includes returning players, such as Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Nyck Harbor, and newcomers, including transfers Nitro Tuggle and Jayden Gibson. 

“It’s been great. That’s what we come to South Carolina for,” Murph said. “Come compete, build a wide receiver room, all the guys making each other better. We brought in some older guys. It’s definitely added veteran status to the room. We all learn from each other.”

Also in the room is incoming freshman Stone Furrey, who played high school ball at Irmo’s crosstown rival Dutch Fork. 

Furrey isn’t the only Silver Fox player on the roster. On defense, edge rusher Julian Walker also attended Dutch Fork. 

The rivalry is one of the best in the state, but now the three will set their differences aside in pursuit of a common goal. 

“Irmo-Dutch Fork, we still laugh about that rivalry today,” Murph said. “I couldn’t get them.” 

With just a few weeks until the Gamecocks officially kick off their season on Sept. 5 at home versus Kent State, Murph and the receivers are focused on continuous improvement. 

He’s liked what he’s seen so far, but knows there is room to get even better. 

“We’re just stacking days, to be honest. Every day we are just getting better,” Murph said. “We learned a lot about each other. We’re getting good chemistry with the quarterback. It’s just been great. Spring was good to us, gave us a good opportunity to learn. Now, we’re just building off of that.”