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Early Projecting of the Gamecock  two-deep for 2022 season

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Early Projecting of the Gamecock  two-deep for 2022 season


South Carolina wrapped up the 2021 season last week with a 38-21 win over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to lock up a winning record (7-6) in Shane Beamer’s first season as coach. The next time the Gamecocks will step onto any field will be for spring practice, and that is likely more than four months away from kicking off. But with those aforementioned moving parts, what comes out of spring won’t be solidified with the Gamecocks depth chart.

Here’s way-too-early two-deep projections for South Carolina in 2022:

Coaching change: South Carolina OLB coach Mike Peterson leaving for similar assistant role at Florida


Gamecock offense



Quarterback: Spencer Rattler


This may be the easiest projection to make regarding next season’s squad. Rattler, the former Oklahoma starter and five-star prospect, didn’t transfer to South Carolina to ride the bench or split reps. He reports Feb. 1 and will go through spring drills. He’ll be the most talented quarterback on the roster from Day One.

A bit of a surprise, Dakereon Joyner staying at quarterback and backing up Rattler. His performance in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl showed exactly how he can help this team moving forward.


Running back: Juju McDowell


The freshman edged out Marshawn Lloyd by only 20 yards and one touchdown in 2021. This projection has to do with projection as much as what McDowell’s production looks like. He’s slightly smaller in stature, but the jolt he brings in the run as well as the pass game (he caught nine balls for 53 yards) can’t be understated. Lloyd and freshman Rashad Amos could share time as backups.


Offensive line


Everyone is back. Will that translate to further progression? That remains to be seen but there is no substitute for the amount of experience up front. Senior Eric Douglas decided to return, and he’s the leader at center. Senior Jaylen Nichols at left tackle, junior Vershon Lee at left tackle, senior Jovaughn Gwyn at right guard and sophomore Tyshawn Wannamaker all appear set to resume their positions in 2022. For backups, Dylan Wonnum, Jakai Moore, Hank Manos and Wyatt Campbell will push for time.


Tight end: Austin Stogner


The Gamecocks were the perfect fit for Stogner, another Oklahoma transfer. There is a need with the departure of Nick Muse, but also he played for Beamer in Norman. Stogner can stretch a field at tight end and has displayed big-play ability. He already has great chemistry with Rattler. Behind him will be E.J. Jenkins, who should get ample snaps.


Wide receivers: Jaheim Bell, Josh Vann, Xavier Legette


 Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield formally moves Jaheim Bell to a receiver position, likely at the slot. He’s arguably the Gamecocks' most athletic player, and lining him up inside allows him to continue that added dimension he had in the bowl game.

Josh Vann  the Gamecocks leading receiver should have another big year, especially with Rattler at QB. As of now, Legette is the other best option out wide. He had eight catches for 63 yards and a touchdown in 2021. Ahmarean Brown, Omega Blake and Trey Adkins should be backups, but I anticipate the first two to get plenty of playing time.


South Carolina Defense



Ends: Jordan Burch, Jordan Strachan


The Gamecocks took a hit at end, losing both Kingsley “J.J.” Enagbare and Aaron Sterling. The good news is they’ve got two guys who have played a bunch of snaps, ready to accept more important roles in Jordan Strachan and Jordan Burch. Burch had 2.5 tackles for loss last season, and Strachan tallied three sacks, second-best on the team. Hot Rod Fitten and Gibler Edmond should be the backups.


Defensive tackles: Zacch Pickens, Rick Sandidge


Getting former T.L. Hanna star Zacch Pickens back in the middle up front was a big win for Beamer and defensive coordinator Clayton White. Pickens led the defense in sacks with four in 2021 in the best season he has put together thus far in Columbia. Set to be a starter, Sandidge missed this past season because of an injury. He’ll likely retain his role in 2022. Alex Huntley closed out last season strongly and Tonka Hemingway and M.J. Webb gave South Carolina some quality snaps. All three will be valuable second-teamers.


Linebackers: Brad Johnson, Sherrod Greene


Johnson coming back was another win for the Gamecocks. They’re thin at linebacker, and he’s coming off a tremendous season. Sherrod Greene was having a nice start to 2021 before a season-ending knee injury at Georgia. With Johnson and Greene back, linebacker will be strength for USC. Debo Williams and Mo Kaba will add depth.


Cornerbacks: Cam Smith, Darius Rush


There are few cornerback duos in the country that will have a combined 27 passes defended entering next season. But South Carolina will have that in junior Cam Smith and senior Darius Rush. Former Woodruff star Marcellas Dial and Hanna's Isaiah Norris will open as backups.


Safeties: R.J. Roderick, Tyrese Ross


With Jaylan Foster gone, it was important for the Gamecocks to get R.J. Roderick back to captain the secondary. Roderick finished fourth on the team in tackles and became a steady force in the back end. Ross battled for playing time last fall but didn’t quite break through. He’ll likely have a larger role next season as White loves his physicality. Jaylin Dickerson and Cam Hardy likely will be the backups.


Nickelback: David Spaulding


Spaulding played in all 13 games in his first season at USC, starting several. He’ll give the defense even more experience at the nickel position as a junior. Joey Hunter could be his backup as spring begins.


South Carolina specialists


Kicker: Mitch Jeter

Filling Parker White’s shoes won’t be easy, but Jeter does have some game experience.

Punter: Kai Kroeger

Kroeger did a few different things for the Gamecocks in 2021, like throwing touchdown passes. But he’ll be the SEC’s top returning punter in 2022.

Returners: Ahmarean Brown

The Gamecocks will have a couple of guys returning kickoffs, but Brown could handle both kickoff and punt duties for the Gamecocks next year.

 
This looks good to me.  I feel like Joyner and Doty will compete for the #2 spot at qb. Also, I really like moving Bell to the slot. 

 
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