South Carolina Alum Wins MVP as Part of Strong Gamecock Day at East-West Shrine Bowl
The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl was a special day for the South Carolina Gamecocks and their fans, with a standout performance by a former player leading the way. Not only did a Gamecock alum claim MVP honors, but the event also showcased the talent that South Carolina has produced in recent years. The East-West Shrine Bowl, known for highlighting some of the best college players heading into the NFL Draft, provided a platform for Gamecock alumni to shine and demonstrate their potential at the next level.
South Carolina’s Strong Representation at the Shrine Bowl
The East-West Shrine Bowl has long been a proving ground for college players hoping to make their mark in the professional ranks, and the 2025 edition of the game was no different. Several South Carolina players were invited to participate, and they were determined to make an impact.
While the event serves as an opportunity for scouts and NFL teams to evaluate talent, it also serves as a testament to the growth and development of a football program that has steadily built a reputation for producing high-level talent under head coach Shane Beamer.
For South Carolina, the day would be marked by individual and team achievements, as well as by an alum who would leave the game with a new title—MVP.
Gamecock Alum Takes Home MVP Honors
The standout performer of the day was former South Carolina wide receiver Jaden Phelps, whose electrifying performance helped his team to victory in the Shrine Bowl. Phelps was dominant throughout the game, showcasing the skills that made him a game-changer in the SEC.
Despite facing top-notch competition, Phelps was a constant threat on the field. His ability to make defenders miss, stretch the field, and create separation led to multiple big plays. With each reception, Phelps demonstrated the route-running precision, speed, and hands that made him one of the most dangerous players during his college career.
Phelps’ performance was capped off by a crucial touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for his team. It was his second touchdown of the game, and it came at a key moment, when his team was in need of a big play to secure the victory. His poise, skill, and ability to perform under pressure were on full display, making him an obvious choice for the MVP award.
This victory and the MVP award were the culmination of a strong college career for Phelps, who had been one of South Carolina’s top offensive weapons during his time with the Gamecocks. His performance in the Shrine Bowl confirmed that he is ready to take the next step toward the NFL, and it solidified his status as one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the upcoming draft.
The Strong Performance of Other Gamecock Players
While Phelps stole the show with his MVP performance, he wasn’t the only South Carolina player to impress during the East-West Shrine Bowl. A few other Gamecocks also made significant contributions, further showcasing the talent that the program has developed under Shane Beamer.
Quarterback Cameron Watts had a solid performance in the game, displaying the poise and leadership that helped him lead South Carolina’s offense in the SEC. Watts was efficient with his throws, connecting on several key passes, including a beautiful deep ball to set up one of Phelps’ touchdowns. While Watts might not have been the MVP of the game, his ability to control the offense and get the ball to his playmakers was a vital part of his team’s success.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Gregory Murray-Boyles was another Gamecock player who earned praise for his performance. Murray-Boyles, who had been known for his consistency and leadership at South Carolina, continued that trend in the Shrine Bowl. His ability to read the game, cover ground quickly, and be a force in the running game was on display, as he registered multiple tackles and kept the opposing offense in check. His performance certainly didn’t go unnoticed by scouts looking for defensive standouts.
Defensive back Jalen Harris, a key player in South Carolina’s secondary during his college career, showed off his ball-hawking ability in the Shrine Bowl. Harris had an interception in the first half and played with excellent coverage throughout the game. His instincts and ability to disrupt passing lanes helped his team stay ahead and shut down the opposing offense on several occasions.
The presence of these Gamecock players in the Shrine Bowl highlighted the depth of talent that South Carolina has produced in recent years. It also served as a reminder that under Beamer, the program continues to grow and develop players who are capable of making an impact at the professional level.
Shane Beamer’s Influence on Gamecock Development
Shane Beamer’s impact on South Carolina football has been significant, and it was evident in the performances of these players during the East-West Shrine Bowl. Beamer’s emphasis on player development, hard work, and discipline has produced athletes who are not only physically gifted but also mentally prepared for the next level.
Beamer’s coaching staff at South Carolina has consistently worked to help players reach their full potential. As a result, Gamecock players have been well-prepared for the intense competition that they face in these high-profile all-star games. It’s no surprise that South Carolina’s prospects performed so well in the Shrine Bowl, as they’ve been cultivated in a system that emphasizes personal growth, team play, and professional readiness.
The success of these players at the Shrine Bowl reflects well on Beamer’s vision for the program and his commitment to sending players to the next level. As he continues to build South Carolina into a top-tier football program, expect more Gamecock players to shine at events like the Shrine Bowl and ultimately make their mark in the NFL.
A Bright Future for South Carolina Football
The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl was a positive indicator of what’s to come for South Carolina football. The strong performances from Gamecock alumni—especially Jaden Phelps’ MVP award—demonstrated that South Carolina is producing NFL-caliber talent and that the program’s future is on the rise. With Beamer at the helm, the Gamecocks are well-positioned to continue developing top-tier athletes who can contribute both at the collegiate level and beyond.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, South Carolina’s presence in the conversation will only continue to grow. The Shrine Bowl was just one of many opportunities for Gamecock players to showcase their skills, and it’s clear that Beamer’s program is on the right track.
For South Carolina fans, the success of their former players in the Shrine Bowl is a testament to the program’s growth under Beamer’s leadership. The future of Gamecock football looks bright, and with more talented players like Phelps rising through the ranks, the excitement surrounding the program will continue to build.
South Carolina’s performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl has undoubtedly raised the profile of the program, and it’s a sign of the bigger things to come in the years ahead.