JULY 30, 2019 | by NOAH PATHEJA | THESPURSUPSHOW
How Tavien Feaster’s Presence Changes The Gamecocks Offense And Prospects Of This Upcoming Season
After all the rumors and twitter controversy, Tavien Feaster is finally a Gamecock. The official announcement came on Monday afternoon via Feaster’s Instagram. However, a leaked photo that I’m sure you’re all aware of by now completely ripped apart Gamecocks Twitter.
After all the mess, South Carolina fans finally have a running back they can be excited about.
Arguably the best back USC has had since Mike Davis, Feaster will add to the already deep running back room. He should be a premiere back whose addition will hopefully balance out the offensive attack.
So how does this change the offense heading into the 2019 season?
Well, Carolina had a total of 1,986 rushing yards last year, which was good for 81st nationally. The Gamecocks also passed for a total of 3,547 yards, good for 28th nationally.
Rico Dowdle was the starter last year and rushed for 654 yards. However, he has struggled with injuries his whole career.
Mon Denson also showed a couple flashes of excellence, but shouldn’t be looked at as an “every down” SEC caliber back.
The lack of a consistent rushing threat has affected the entire offense, especially quarterback Jake Bentley.
As much criticism as he has received, a consistent threat in the backfield should help him avoid forcing the ball and making mistakes like he has in the past.
A guy like Tavien Feaster should help take some of the pressure off USC senior quarterback Jake Bentley. Feaster is second in career yards per carry in Clemson history, which says a lot.
If he can do that at Clemson, he can easily help South Carolina pick up another win or two this year.
One fun fact about this Feaster thing: the last time South Carolina played Alabama, the Gamecocks had a solid quarterback (Stephen Garcia), an elite running back (Marcus Lattimore) and a really good receiver(Alshon Jeffery).
South Carolina plays Alabama this year. Honestly, I might be having some deja vu when I see Bentley, Feaster and Bryan Edwards on the field this year.
Add that to a really talented defense and this team will look very similar to that 2010 team who made the SEC championship.
Now, I’m not saying this team will make the SEC championship. The schedule is brutal and there are still question marks to be answered.
However, this easily turns a team fighting for bowl eligibility into one that can realistically challenge for eight or nine wins this season.
I expect Feaster to rush for 800-1200 yards this season, all depending on how many carries he splits with Rico Dowdle and the rest of a crowded backfield.
Either way, expect #4 to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks this season.
How Tavien Feaster’s Presence Changes The Gamecocks Offense And Prospects Of This Upcoming Season
After all the rumors and twitter controversy, Tavien Feaster is finally a Gamecock. The official announcement came on Monday afternoon via Feaster’s Instagram. However, a leaked photo that I’m sure you’re all aware of by now completely ripped apart Gamecocks Twitter.
After all the mess, South Carolina fans finally have a running back they can be excited about.
Arguably the best back USC has had since Mike Davis, Feaster will add to the already deep running back room. He should be a premiere back whose addition will hopefully balance out the offensive attack.
So how does this change the offense heading into the 2019 season?
Well, Carolina had a total of 1,986 rushing yards last year, which was good for 81st nationally. The Gamecocks also passed for a total of 3,547 yards, good for 28th nationally.
Rico Dowdle was the starter last year and rushed for 654 yards. However, he has struggled with injuries his whole career.
Mon Denson also showed a couple flashes of excellence, but shouldn’t be looked at as an “every down” SEC caliber back.
The lack of a consistent rushing threat has affected the entire offense, especially quarterback Jake Bentley.
As much criticism as he has received, a consistent threat in the backfield should help him avoid forcing the ball and making mistakes like he has in the past.
A guy like Tavien Feaster should help take some of the pressure off USC senior quarterback Jake Bentley. Feaster is second in career yards per carry in Clemson history, which says a lot.
If he can do that at Clemson, he can easily help South Carolina pick up another win or two this year.
One fun fact about this Feaster thing: the last time South Carolina played Alabama, the Gamecocks had a solid quarterback (Stephen Garcia), an elite running back (Marcus Lattimore) and a really good receiver(Alshon Jeffery).
South Carolina plays Alabama this year. Honestly, I might be having some deja vu when I see Bentley, Feaster and Bryan Edwards on the field this year.
Add that to a really talented defense and this team will look very similar to that 2010 team who made the SEC championship.
Now, I’m not saying this team will make the SEC championship. The schedule is brutal and there are still question marks to be answered.
However, this easily turns a team fighting for bowl eligibility into one that can realistically challenge for eight or nine wins this season.
I expect Feaster to rush for 800-1200 yards this season, all depending on how many carries he splits with Rico Dowdle and the rest of a crowded backfield.
Either way, expect #4 to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks this season.