Looking at the secondary
Look at Cornerbacks
Starters: Cam Smith, Darius Rush Backups: O’Donnell Fortune, Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Norris
South Carolina had questions to answer at cornerback last year with Jaycee Horn off to the NFL. Cam Smith and Darius Rush mostly answered those with flying colors. Smith and Rush had their momentary lapses in 2021, but both provide experienced pieces to build around in White’s second season running the defense.
O’Donnell Fortune and Marcellas Dial both provided depth in spurts last year, too, particularly as Smith battled a foot injury early in the season. They ought to be helpful again in 2022.
Jaylan Foster was a major surprise in 2021. After tying for the national lead in interceptions during the regular season, he’s off to chase a professional career. The good news? South Carolina brings plenty back. Roderick has been a stalwart at safety the last two seasons. He’ll be in the fold once more after opting for one more season in Columbia. USC also brought in Central Michigan safety Devonni Reed via the transfer portal. Reed recorded more than 200 tackles over his time with the Chippewas and should slide right into the spot vacated by Foster. Tyrese Ross never quite cracked the lineup after transferring from Washington State. He should get some run in spells behind Reed and Roderick, especially with Jaylin Dickerson medically retiring from football.
Look at NICKEL
Starter: David Spaulding Backups: Marcellas Dial
David Spaulding was a bit of an unknown after transferring to South Carolina from Georgia Southern. With Carlins Platel sidelined due to injury, he took his opportunity at nickel and ran with it. Spaulding recorded 22 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble during his first season with the Gamecocks. He’ll be expected to bring more of the same in 2022.
The Riceboro, Georgia product joined quarterback Spencer Rattler in Indianapolis last week for the NCAA’s Elite Student-Athlete Symposium — an invite-only symposium hosted by the NCAA that educates the best potential NFL Draft prospects for the following year on the process. That’s a pretty good indication how professional scouts feel about Spaulding. South Carolina hopes that translates to Williams-Brice Stadium this fall. As for Dial, he should mostly stick at corner, but could add some depth at nickel. The Gamecocks also added six high school prospects in their 2022 recruiting class who are classified as safeties. Don’t be surprised if a youngster or two find their way into the mix here.
Look at Cornerbacks
Starters: Cam Smith, Darius Rush Backups: O’Donnell Fortune, Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Norris
South Carolina had questions to answer at cornerback last year with Jaycee Horn off to the NFL. Cam Smith and Darius Rush mostly answered those with flying colors. Smith and Rush had their momentary lapses in 2021, but both provide experienced pieces to build around in White’s second season running the defense.
O’Donnell Fortune and Marcellas Dial both provided depth in spurts last year, too, particularly as Smith battled a foot injury early in the season. They ought to be helpful again in 2022.
Look at Safety
Starters: R.J. Roderick, Devonni Reed Backups: Tyrese RossJaylan Foster was a major surprise in 2021. After tying for the national lead in interceptions during the regular season, he’s off to chase a professional career. The good news? South Carolina brings plenty back. Roderick has been a stalwart at safety the last two seasons. He’ll be in the fold once more after opting for one more season in Columbia. USC also brought in Central Michigan safety Devonni Reed via the transfer portal. Reed recorded more than 200 tackles over his time with the Chippewas and should slide right into the spot vacated by Foster. Tyrese Ross never quite cracked the lineup after transferring from Washington State. He should get some run in spells behind Reed and Roderick, especially with Jaylin Dickerson medically retiring from football.
Look at NICKEL
Starter: David Spaulding Backups: Marcellas Dial
David Spaulding was a bit of an unknown after transferring to South Carolina from Georgia Southern. With Carlins Platel sidelined due to injury, he took his opportunity at nickel and ran with it. Spaulding recorded 22 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble during his first season with the Gamecocks. He’ll be expected to bring more of the same in 2022.
The Riceboro, Georgia product joined quarterback Spencer Rattler in Indianapolis last week for the NCAA’s Elite Student-Athlete Symposium — an invite-only symposium hosted by the NCAA that educates the best potential NFL Draft prospects for the following year on the process. That’s a pretty good indication how professional scouts feel about Spaulding. South Carolina hopes that translates to Williams-Brice Stadium this fall. As for Dial, he should mostly stick at corner, but could add some depth at nickel. The Gamecocks also added six high school prospects in their 2022 recruiting class who are classified as safeties. Don’t be surprised if a youngster or two find their way into the mix here.