by THESPURSUPSHOW
Which position units are the biggest strengths for Gamecocks football heading into the 2019 season?
There are three position groups where the Gamecocks are particularly strong going into next season.
Below is a full breakdown, along with who is expected to start and what freshmen could make an early contribution for the Gamecocks.
Offensive Line
This is the position group Gamecock fans should be the most excited about.
Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon are gone. However, there’s a ton of talent from the returning players to the incoming freshmen.
Last season, Jaycee Horn was the best corner on the team by a wide margin, which was evident week one against Coastal. Fighting through injury, he still made the aforementioned SEC All-Freshman team.
He’s expected to play on the outside with Israel Mukuamu, a rare 6’4” cornerback who can actually move. The potential for this tandem is limitless and the thing I’m looking forward to the most next season.
Jamyest Williams can play either nickel or safety but hasn’t found a place to stick yet in his two years. A.J. Turner is practicing at corner, which he played in the bowl game. He is joined by incoming freshman Cameron Smith, Johnny Dixon, and Shilo Sanders.
Safety is a little less clear at the moment but Southern Cal transfer Jamel Cook is expected to start after sitting out last season. Redshirt Senior J.T. Ibe could start next to him but will face competition from R.J. Roderick, who showed promise at the end of the year.
Others considered will be Jaylin Dickerson, Jonathon Gipson, and freshman Jammie Robinson who I’d bet will be on the field by the end of the season.
Defensive Coordinator Travaris Robinson coaches the DB’s himself and these guys will allow him to finally play physical, which is how he wants to.
Conclusion
The defensive line should help the defensive backs and vice versa. A better pass rush allows them to cover for shorter periods of time, and better coverage allows more time for pass rush.
This could be the key to a transformed defense, much like the ones we saw under Will Muschamp at Florida.
The offensive line is critical to offensive success because Jake Bentley is less than stellar with pressure in his face and the running backs…well, they will be in next week’s article about the weakest position groups on the team.
While these aren’t the only positions that lead to success, offensive and defensive line and defensive back are three of the most important and will be critical with next year’s brutal schedule.
Which position units are the biggest strengths for Gamecocks football heading into the 2019 season?
There are three position groups where the Gamecocks are particularly strong going into next season.
Below is a full breakdown, along with who is expected to start and what freshmen could make an early contribution for the Gamecocks.
Offensive Line
This is the position group Gamecock fans should be the most excited about.
Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon are gone. However, there’s a ton of talent from the returning players to the incoming freshmen.
Last season, Jaycee Horn was the best corner on the team by a wide margin, which was evident week one against Coastal. Fighting through injury, he still made the aforementioned SEC All-Freshman team.
He’s expected to play on the outside with Israel Mukuamu, a rare 6’4” cornerback who can actually move. The potential for this tandem is limitless and the thing I’m looking forward to the most next season.
Jamyest Williams can play either nickel or safety but hasn’t found a place to stick yet in his two years. A.J. Turner is practicing at corner, which he played in the bowl game. He is joined by incoming freshman Cameron Smith, Johnny Dixon, and Shilo Sanders.
Safety is a little less clear at the moment but Southern Cal transfer Jamel Cook is expected to start after sitting out last season. Redshirt Senior J.T. Ibe could start next to him but will face competition from R.J. Roderick, who showed promise at the end of the year.
Others considered will be Jaylin Dickerson, Jonathon Gipson, and freshman Jammie Robinson who I’d bet will be on the field by the end of the season.
Defensive Coordinator Travaris Robinson coaches the DB’s himself and these guys will allow him to finally play physical, which is how he wants to.
Conclusion
The defensive line should help the defensive backs and vice versa. A better pass rush allows them to cover for shorter periods of time, and better coverage allows more time for pass rush.
This could be the key to a transformed defense, much like the ones we saw under Will Muschamp at Florida.
The offensive line is critical to offensive success because Jake Bentley is less than stellar with pressure in his face and the running backs…well, they will be in next week’s article about the weakest position groups on the team.
While these aren’t the only positions that lead to success, offensive and defensive line and defensive back are three of the most important and will be critical with next year’s brutal schedule.
