Defensive tackle has transformed figure, on-field capabilities
Byron Jerideau's football career at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College ended in December of 2009. After the Greyhounds fell to Blinn (Texas) College and some guy named Cameron Newton in the National Junior College Athletic Association semifinals, the Green Pond, S.C., native began to think about which four-year institution he would transfer to.
Jerideau had a handful of Division I offers on the table at the time. He could have taken one of those during the junior college signing period and moved on. But, Jerideau chose to stay on campus in Fort Scott for one more semester to try and solicit more offers.
The decision paid off, as Jerideau got the offer he truly wanted: South Carolina's. The Colleton County High product signed, fulfilling his dream of becoming a Gamecock.
However, Jerideau admits in hindsight that last semester at Fort Scott also had a negative effect. After signing with USC and while he waited to finish classes and head to Columbia, Jerideau gained weight.
"I think it was that semester, that extra spring where I stayed there to get more offers," Jerideau said. "I was just chilling."
Jerideau's "chilling" led to him arriving at USC well over his junior college playing weight of around 315 pounds.
"He came in 345, 350, whatever it was," said USC defensive line coach Brad Lawing.
The added bulk made Jerideau's transition to playing in the Southeastern Conference that much more difficult. The weight made it hard for him to move on the field. Jerideau still managed to play a limited role during the season, recording 10 tackles, two of which were sacks, in 10 games. And, he helped carry coach Steve Spurrier to midfield following the Gamecocks' SEC East-clinching victory at Florida.
But, Jerideau struggled with a bad injury toward the end of the season, which hampered his ability to perform.
"It was a setback," Jerideau said of the injury. "I guess that [it] probably was because of the weight."
The injury was a wake-up call, Jerideau said. He realized he had to lose weight, and lose it not just to better perform on the football field, but also for his own well-being.
"He was headed to probably 400 pounds in another couple of years," said Lawing, who said Jerideau couldn't bend over and touch his toes before the weight loss. "That's not healthy for anyone."
Jerideau worked all offseason to lose weight and improve his condition. His methods were free of fad diets or eccentric workout regimens; he simply worked hard and changed his diet.
"I stopped eating beef, stopped eating pork, stopped eating bread," Jerideau said. "It was coach Lawing's idea, and it worked."
It has. When Jerideau took the field this spring for practice, he did so back at his old playing weight.
"The main thing Jerideau has done is change his body," Lawing said. He couldn't move. He's changed his body so he is now able to do the things that we ask him.
"He eats better, feels better about himself. He's doing a good job for us right now. He's made tremendous improvement."
The weight loss has brought added sense of confidence for Jerideau. Coming from the junior college Jayhawk Conference to the SEC was a culture shock. Jerideau struggled with the adjustment at first.
"Half the people at junior colleges are never going to play football again," Jerideau said. "There's a big difference going against them to going against people that are your size, and bigger and strong. There's a big adjustment in the speed too."
After a season in the program and the conference, Jerideau said he has now adapted to the SEC level.
"It's a big comfort level as far as being on the field," Jerideau said. "When I first got here, I was kind of hesitant about the plays and what do I do. Now, I know it. I'm comfortable on the field."
With the weight loss behind him, Jerideau said he is looking to conquer another goal and start for USC on the defensive line. He said starting was a "cause" that drove him throughout the entire process to drop the weight.
Whether he achieves that goal or not, he has the respect of his position coach.
"I admire someone whenever they can be disciplined enough to push away from the dinner table and do a little bit extra work," Lawing said. "He's done a great job. He really has. He's got to continue; it's an ongoing procedure for him, because he knows that that extra piece of bacon or whatever can mean the difference in not performing well and performing well."