Gamecocks recruiting class could turn these 3 weaknesses into strengths
Jan. 02, 2016
Over the last 12 months, Muschamp certainly has proven that he has the chops to make it happen. Here are the team’s three biggest needs:
Speed
South Carolina struggled to cover kicks in 2016, and team speed was one of the primary reasons why, according to Muschamp. The Gamecocks finished as the worst team in the country in kickoff coverage, giving up 28.67 yards per return.
Just over a month before signing day, Muschamp has commitments from a handful of recruits with more-than-adequate speed who — at the very least — will contribute on special teams in 2017.
Muschamp already has told reporters that he believes that both junior college signees Kaleb Chalmers and Keisean Nixon will add speed to the defensive backfield.
Four-star wide receiver Shi Smith, who’s listed with a 40-yard dash time of 4.4, could be the fastest recruit in South Carolina’s 2017 class. Even though he’ll do most of his work catching passes, Smith has enough of an edge to be counted on as a kick-coverage player.
Four-star cornerback Jamyest Williams is also in the fastest-man conversation. At The Opening, he clocked a laser-timed 40 of 4.52.
Nixon, Smith and Williams are also expected to figure into the mix as return specialists — Nixon and Williams on kickoffs and Smith and Williams on punts.
Linebacker Davonne Bowen (4.66), safety Zay Brown (4.68) and linebacker Eldridge Thompson (4.79) have intriguing 40 times that could translate to playing time in 2017.
Following the 46-39 overtime loss to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl, Muschamp spoke indirectly to a handful recruits, letting them know he needed their help.
South Carolina had a good one in defensive end Darius English, whose 9 sacks were tied for fourth-most in the SEC. But English’s playing days at South Carolina are finished.
The Gamecocks’ top-returning pass-rushers are linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams and defensive tackle Keir Thomas, both of whom had 2 sacks in 2016.
Muschamp already has reeled in 4-star defensive end M.J. Webb, who he’s likened to Jonathan Bullard, one of Muschamp’s former players at Florida. But Bullard had only 5.5 sacks for Muschamp when he was still the Gators head coach.
Bowen’s highlights flash plenty of ability as a pass rusher, but his size likely will limit him in how he’s able to line up as a pass rusher. The potential as a situational pass-rusher is similar to what fellow 3-star linebacker Damani Staley brings to the table.
Three-star Brad Johnson continues to consider South Carolina, Virginia Tech and, to a lesser degree, Tennessee. At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Johnson is built similarly to Bowen and Staley, though he is a little bigger than the two commitments.
If Muschamp lands Johnson and regains a commitment from 4-star defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, the Gamecocks will have made good strides in upgrading their pass-rushing talent.
Offensive line
Not all of the 41 sacks South Carolina allowed in 2016 were on the offensive line, though the group is at the heart of the issue.
Fortunately, for the Gamecocks, only one offensive lineman is gone from last season: starting left tackle Mason Zandi. All other starters return, including guard Donell Stanley, who was injured in the opener against Vanderbilt.
South Carolina is also in the midst of replacing offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. Until then, a fourth offensive line commitment will be put on hold.
Of the three already on board, JUCO placement Dennis Daley and Eric Douglas are the most likely replacements for Zandi.
Several recruits remain in the mix, including 4-star Tony Gray and 3-stars Jordon Carty and Jordan Rhodes, all three of whom project as tackles.
All rankings and ratings are based on the 247Sports co
SECCOUNTRY
Jan. 02, 2016
Over the last 12 months, Muschamp certainly has proven that he has the chops to make it happen. Here are the team’s three biggest needs:
Speed
South Carolina struggled to cover kicks in 2016, and team speed was one of the primary reasons why, according to Muschamp. The Gamecocks finished as the worst team in the country in kickoff coverage, giving up 28.67 yards per return.
Just over a month before signing day, Muschamp has commitments from a handful of recruits with more-than-adequate speed who — at the very least — will contribute on special teams in 2017.
Muschamp already has told reporters that he believes that both junior college signees Kaleb Chalmers and Keisean Nixon will add speed to the defensive backfield.
Four-star wide receiver Shi Smith, who’s listed with a 40-yard dash time of 4.4, could be the fastest recruit in South Carolina’s 2017 class. Even though he’ll do most of his work catching passes, Smith has enough of an edge to be counted on as a kick-coverage player.
Four-star cornerback Jamyest Williams is also in the fastest-man conversation. At The Opening, he clocked a laser-timed 40 of 4.52.
Nixon, Smith and Williams are also expected to figure into the mix as return specialists — Nixon and Williams on kickoffs and Smith and Williams on punts.
Linebacker Davonne Bowen (4.66), safety Zay Brown (4.68) and linebacker Eldridge Thompson (4.79) have intriguing 40 times that could translate to playing time in 2017.
Following the 46-39 overtime loss to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl, Muschamp spoke indirectly to a handful recruits, letting them know he needed their help.
South Carolina had a good one in defensive end Darius English, whose 9 sacks were tied for fourth-most in the SEC. But English’s playing days at South Carolina are finished.
The Gamecocks’ top-returning pass-rushers are linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams and defensive tackle Keir Thomas, both of whom had 2 sacks in 2016.
Muschamp already has reeled in 4-star defensive end M.J. Webb, who he’s likened to Jonathan Bullard, one of Muschamp’s former players at Florida. But Bullard had only 5.5 sacks for Muschamp when he was still the Gators head coach.
Bowen’s highlights flash plenty of ability as a pass rusher, but his size likely will limit him in how he’s able to line up as a pass rusher. The potential as a situational pass-rusher is similar to what fellow 3-star linebacker Damani Staley brings to the table.
Three-star Brad Johnson continues to consider South Carolina, Virginia Tech and, to a lesser degree, Tennessee. At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Johnson is built similarly to Bowen and Staley, though he is a little bigger than the two commitments.
If Muschamp lands Johnson and regains a commitment from 4-star defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, the Gamecocks will have made good strides in upgrading their pass-rushing talent.
Offensive line
Not all of the 41 sacks South Carolina allowed in 2016 were on the offensive line, though the group is at the heart of the issue.
Fortunately, for the Gamecocks, only one offensive lineman is gone from last season: starting left tackle Mason Zandi. All other starters return, including guard Donell Stanley, who was injured in the opener against Vanderbilt.
South Carolina is also in the midst of replacing offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. Until then, a fourth offensive line commitment will be put on hold.
Of the three already on board, JUCO placement Dennis Daley and Eric Douglas are the most likely replacements for Zandi.
Several recruits remain in the mix, including 4-star Tony Gray and 3-stars Jordon Carty and Jordan Rhodes, all three of whom project as tackles.
All rankings and ratings are based on the 247Sports co
SECCOUNTRY