Signing class needs (defense)
January 09, 2018
With about 11 months before the second early signing period, there’s still plenty of time for South Carolina’s 2019 recruiting class to take shape. But it’s already pretty clear which positions the Gamecocks will need to prioritize in the upcoming cycle.
Linebacker
There will be two senior linebackers on the roster during the 2018 season: Bryson Allen-Williams and Eldridge Thompson.
Originally a senior this past season with Skai Moore, Allen-Williams will return after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2017. Allen-Williams has worked at several positions during his career, including the “Buck,” South Carolina’s hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end spot.
Thompson was Moore’s primary weakside linebacker backup this past season.
Ahdarrious Gee, a 3-star prospect from Cordele, Ga., could profile at the weakside linebacker position. In addition to Gee, look for the Gamecocks to add at least one more linebacker to the 2019 class.
Two linebackers signed last month: Rosendo Louis and Ernest Jones IV.
Cornerback
Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon are the top two candidates to start at the position for South Carolina this coming season, following the departure of two-year starter JaMarcus King.
It stands to reason the Gamecocks will bring in two more cornerbacks in the 2019 cycle.
They signed several potential cornerbacks in December, including Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu. Plus, 3-star athlete Bryce Thompson is still on board as a commitment and possible cornerback. Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson could be in the market for another before National Signing Day.
Safety
Steven Montac will be the only senior safety on the team in 2018, so there’s probably not a big number at the position with the 2019 signing class. It’s probably going to be one take.
At least two safeties were signed in December: Jonathan Gipson and RJ Roderick. Mukuamu, who will probably get his first look as a cornerback, could also see time at the position.
Defensive line
The rising senior class does not have a single scholarship senior, but that doesn’t mean Muschamp won’t try to sign any in 2019.
Four-star defensive end Rodricus Fitten is already on board as a commitment, though he could work into the mix at the Buck position.
Four defensive linemen were signed in December, including Jesus Gibbs, even though he could end up playing on the offensive line.
January 09, 2018
With about 11 months before the second early signing period, there’s still plenty of time for South Carolina’s 2019 recruiting class to take shape. But it’s already pretty clear which positions the Gamecocks will need to prioritize in the upcoming cycle.
Linebacker
There will be two senior linebackers on the roster during the 2018 season: Bryson Allen-Williams and Eldridge Thompson.
Originally a senior this past season with Skai Moore, Allen-Williams will return after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2017. Allen-Williams has worked at several positions during his career, including the “Buck,” South Carolina’s hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end spot.
Thompson was Moore’s primary weakside linebacker backup this past season.
Ahdarrious Gee, a 3-star prospect from Cordele, Ga., could profile at the weakside linebacker position. In addition to Gee, look for the Gamecocks to add at least one more linebacker to the 2019 class.
Two linebackers signed last month: Rosendo Louis and Ernest Jones IV.
Cornerback
Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon are the top two candidates to start at the position for South Carolina this coming season, following the departure of two-year starter JaMarcus King.
It stands to reason the Gamecocks will bring in two more cornerbacks in the 2019 cycle.
They signed several potential cornerbacks in December, including Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu. Plus, 3-star athlete Bryce Thompson is still on board as a commitment and possible cornerback. Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson could be in the market for another before National Signing Day.
Safety
Steven Montac will be the only senior safety on the team in 2018, so there’s probably not a big number at the position with the 2019 signing class. It’s probably going to be one take.
At least two safeties were signed in December: Jonathan Gipson and RJ Roderick. Mukuamu, who will probably get his first look as a cornerback, could also see time at the position.
Defensive line
The rising senior class does not have a single scholarship senior, but that doesn’t mean Muschamp won’t try to sign any in 2019.
Four-star defensive end Rodricus Fitten is already on board as a commitment, though he could work into the mix at the Buck position.
Four defensive linemen were signed in December, including Jesus Gibbs, even though he could end up playing on the offensive line.