Fansided
Fansided

College Football Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

By Eric Robinson

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) and linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrate after an interception by Walton in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) and linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrate after an interception by Walton in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Players/Starters

Someone within the skill positions on offense will need to step up. That goes for receiver Deebo Samuel (12 catches, 161 yards, one TD), Matrick Belton (11 catches, 121 yards), and tight ends Hayden Hurst (eight catches, 106 yards) and Kevin Crosby. As a matter of fact, all four along with 6’4 receiver Terry Googer (five catches, 74 yards) will be looked upon to take their game up a notch in 2016. Redshirt junior David Williams was the third leading rusher last season with 299 yards on 86 carries and will probably be the lead horse in the stable at the running back position. Then of course, there’s the carousel of Orth, Mcllwain, Bentley, Nunez, and Michael Scarnecchia at quarterback. Do not be surprised if Bentley or Mcllwain trots out under center for the first snap in the season opener.

No Moore, Johnson, and Gurley on the defense takes away three veterans who can tackle and provide leadership. Look for senior linebacker Jonathan Walton (42 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles) to steer the defense to the best of his ability. The defensive line will have to crank things up as well starting with defensive tackle Kelsey Griffin (14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), redshirt freshman Dexter Wideman, and junior Dante Sawyer (17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks). Wideman, in particular, is a player that Muschamp wants to get on the field as the 280 pound defender is a former four-star recruit who missed all of 2015 while attending the junior college ranks.

In the secondary, Muschamp can rely on junior corner Chris Lammons (24 tackles, one interception) but sophomore Rashad Fenton will have to step up and redshirt senior Rico McWilliams (32 tackles) will be called on to improve a pass defense that ranked 64th in the nation last season.

Next: Predictions

Home/College Football