In the world of college football, perseverance and dedication often go unnoticed, but they’re critical to the fabric of any successful team. For Alex Herrera, the story of his journey with South Carolina football epitomizes this. His steadfast commitment and unwavering resolve, despite the odds, finally culminated in a significant milestone: his first field goal as a Gamecock.

Alex Herrera’s connection to South Carolina football runs deep. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Herrera’s childhood was steeped in Gamecocks culture. He grew up attending games at Williams-Brice Stadium, watching with wide-eyed wonder as his beloved team competed on the gridiron. It’s no surprise that, when the time came to choose his path, he committed to South Carolina as a walk-on in December 2018 after his standout performance at Spring Valley High School.

From the moment he stepped onto campus, Herrera was the embodiment of dedication. He wasn’t granted a scholarship or handed a starting position. Instead, he earned his spot on the team through sheer hard work and determination. Over his first five seasons with the Gamecocks, his contributions were largely limited to kicking extra points and handling some kickoff duties. Despite his evident talent, he found himself on the losing end of the competition for field goals, a crucial role that remained elusive.

The common inclination might have been to look elsewhere, to seek opportunities where the path to playing time seemed clearer. But not Herrera. His deep-rooted love for South Carolina and his unyielding resolve to remain part of the Gamecocks’ legacy kept him grounded. “I’m not a quitter,” Herrera remarked recently. “It’s never been me to say, ‘Oh I didn’t win the job, let me go ahead and quit,’ I just kept working and working.” This steadfast mentality is a testament to his character and his devotion to the team he grew up loving.

The 2024 season, however, brought a turning point. The departure of Mitch Jeter, who transferred to Notre Dame in December, opened the door for Herrera. Jeter had been the Gamecocks’ primary kicker for three seasons, following Parker White’s five-season tenure. With both former starters now gone, the position was up for grabs, and Herrera seized the opportunity with both hands.

The competition for the starting kicker role in preseason was fierce. Herrera faced off against William Joyce, Mason Love, Daniel Lester, and Peyton Argent. Among these competitors, Herrera was the only one with significant experience. However, despite his familiarity with the program, he was not initially viewed as the frontrunner. Coach Shane Beamer admitted that, at the start, none of the kickers stood out, with zero separation between the contenders.

The turning point came during the second scrimmage. Herrera’s performance began to shine through, showcasing the skills and composure that had been cultivated through years of hard work and perseverance. Coach Shane Beamer, along with special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, noted the marked improvement in Herrera’s kicking as the preseason progressed. By the end of August, it was clear that Herrera had earned the starting role. “It was a struggle for all of them at the start then Alex just showed hopefully what we can get from him the whole season because he really had a great two weeks at the end of (preseason practice),” DeCamillis noted.

Herrera’s long-awaited opportunity came in a game against Old Dominion. The moment he had been working toward for five long years arrived, and he rose to the occasion. In a pivotal 23-19 victory over the Monarchs, Herrera made 3-of-4 field goals, including a crucial 46-yard attempt that demonstrated his accuracy and range. Though he missed a 48-yard attempt late in the third quarter, his contributions were vital to the win.

The significance of this achievement was underscored when, in the spring, Herrera was put on scholarship and awarded the 2024 Jake Panus Walk-on Football Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor Jake Panus, who had aspired to walk on to South Carolina’s football team before his untimely passing at age 16. Herrera’s receipt of this scholarship, presented by Panus’s father Stephen, was a moment of profound recognition and validation of his commitment and perseverance.

Looking ahead, Herrera will face another milestone when the Gamecocks take on Kentucky. This game will not only mark his debut as the starting kicker in an SEC game but also serve as a testament to his journey. The road he traveled was marked by obstacles and setbacks, but it was also paved with relentless effort and an unwavering belief in himself and his team.

Herrera’s story is a powerful reminder of the virtues of persistence and dedication. In an era where instant gratification often overshadows the value of hard work, his journey exemplifies the rewards of sticking with one’s goals and continuing to push forward despite the challenges. His path to becoming South Carolina’s starting kicker was not just about athletic ability but also about the strength of character and the resilience to endure and thrive against the odds.

As he steps onto the field at Kentucky, Herrera will not only be representing himself but also embodying the spirit of every player who has ever faced adversity and chosen to keep moving forward. His story is a celebration of commitment, a beacon of hope for those who might doubt their own paths, and a tribute to the enduring bond between a player and the team he loves.