The media guide says there are 13 starters returning - four on offense, eight on defense and one on special teams - but head coach Steve Spurrier says not to read much into that.
It’s fairly safe to say wide receiver Pharoh Cooper has his job for good but everyone needs to practice with a sense of urgency.
“Just because a guy might be a starter last year, he may not be a starter this year,” Spurrier said. “He may be beaten out by a new player. That’s just the way it goes. You earn your way every year. Just because you started last year, it doesn’t mean you’re starting this year if you’re not the best player.”
In addition to Cooper, the three other starters on offense are all on the line of scrimmage. Center Alan Knott, tackle Brandon Shell and guard Will Sport are all slated to start on the preseason depth chart.
Placekicker Elliott Fry returns as a specialist but even among the eight returning starters on defense, several would project to be backups by the time the season begins on Sept. 3 against North Carolina.
Spurrier is trying to promote a healthy competition and raise the level of play as the Gamecocks try to improve on its 7-6 record from a year ago.
It’s fairly safe to say wide receiver Pharoh Cooper has his job for good but everyone needs to practice with a sense of urgency.
“Just because a guy might be a starter last year, he may not be a starter this year,” Spurrier said. “He may be beaten out by a new player. That’s just the way it goes. You earn your way every year. Just because you started last year, it doesn’t mean you’re starting this year if you’re not the best player.”
In addition to Cooper, the three other starters on offense are all on the line of scrimmage. Center Alan Knott, tackle Brandon Shell and guard Will Sport are all slated to start on the preseason depth chart.
Placekicker Elliott Fry returns as a specialist but even among the eight returning starters on defense, several would project to be backups by the time the season begins on Sept. 3 against North Carolina.
Spurrier is trying to promote a healthy competition and raise the level of play as the Gamecocks try to improve on its 7-6 record from a year ago.