Five takeaways from South Carolina’s new depth chart

Five key takeaways from South Carolina’s opening game depth chart.

1. Jamyest Williams, starting nickel corner

This grew more and more likely as camp progressed and it grew clear that Steven Montac would miss some time early. Still, it's notable when a top-rated true freshman is listed as a starter in any capacity, let alone one as important as the nickel spot. That means he'll be a front-liner against most current offenses and will be tested in the box with a small stature and plenty of upside.

2. Shi Smith, No. 1 slot receiver

It came out last week, but it shows how much the freshman did in a short time on campus. He's an ideal build for the position, one USC hardly used last season. It shows how much he's been able to do despite not enrolling for the summer and the potential to add another explosive option to USC's stable of pass catchers.

3. Javon Kinlaw, No. 2 defensive tackle

This one didn't look so certain in the middle of camp. Coaches had commented on the 326-pounder's lack of endurance, and Kinlaw had often worked on the No. 3 line in the early going. But he's a guy the Gamecocks need to supplement starters Ulric Jones and Taylor Stallworth and likely the higher-ceiling option as they try to build interior depth.

4. No tailback named

The starting running back chart has Rico Dowdle, A.J. Turner and Ty'Son Williams in that order, but with ORs listed beside the names. That means the staff is holding off an official announcement on who is getting the first carry.

5. Newcomers abound

Of 48 spots listed, there are eight spots held by players who weren't on the roster a season ago. That doesn't sound like a ton, but considering the team was on track to return something like 17 starters, with more than a few heir apparents in the wings, it's notable. Beyond the three already mentioned, other newcomers listed include second string freshman wide receiver OrTre Smith, No. 2 left tackle and junior college transfer Dennis Daley, backup freshman middle linebacker Sherrod Greene, backup weakside linebacker Eldridge Thompson, backup safety and junior college transfer Keisean Nixon.

Twenty names in the 48 spots are players who arrived after Muschamp and his staff in December of 2015.

Other notes

▪  Defensive end Keir Thomas is listed with an OR alongside Dante Sawyer, indicating possible co-starters.

▪  While Alexander Woznick and Parker White are listed as still competing for the starting kicker spot, the rest of the special teams spots appear settled. White will handle kickoffs, while A.C. Flora product Joseph Charlton will punt. Ben Asbury is the top snapper, Danny Gordon the holder. Deebo Samuel and Rashad Fenton are the top two kick returners, while Chris Lammons it the top punt returner.

▪  Former tackle Blake Camper is listed at No. 2 right guard.

▪  Utility lineman D.J. Park, who bounced between guard and tackle in 2016, is listed at No. 2 right tackle.

▪  Daniel Fennell is the No. 2 Buck after going from potential starter to sparingly used last season.

▪  Former walk-on safety Javon Charleston is a No. 2 safety.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Five takeaways from South Carolina’s new depth chart."