Gilchrist quietly goes to fullback

The fullback at South Carolina might be the most unknown player on the roster.

Some fans might remember Pat DiMarco, the fullback a couple of years ago because he caught several passes out of the backfield and was the nephew of professional golfer Chris DiMarco.

But last year the fullback position turned strictly into being another blocker.

Quick, who was the starting fullback a year ago when USC churned out an average of 192 yards rushing per game? If you named Dalton Wilson, good for you.

Wilson did an adequate job as being the lead blocker for Marcus Lattimore, Brandon Wilds and Kenny Miles. But he has departed and that role will most likely fall to converted linebacker and senior Qua Gilchrist this season.

As unglamorous as the position might be, it suits the soft-spoken Gilchrist nicely. He was a tailback and linebacker at Abbeville before switching to defense in junior college. He saw limited action at linebacker for the Gamecocks last season, appearing in three games. He made the switch to offense in the spring and has gotten advice from DiMarco and Wilson about playing fullback.

“It’s been a good transition so far,” Gilchrist said. “I’ve learned a lot from older guys. I think it was a good move for me because I have played in the backfield for most of my life. I’ve talked to Pat a lot. He’s taught me quite a bit as far as blocking and stuff. He told me any time I needed anything to just let him know He’s been a great help. I’ve learned a lot so now I just have to be the best that I can be.”

Being consistent is what will keep Gilchrist on the field in the USC two-back sets. Running back coach Everette Sands said he likes what he has seen.

“Qua still has room for improvement but he is getting better every day,” Sands said. “He needs to be more consistent and learn the playbook a little better, but he has everything we’re looking for as far as the fullback position goes.”

Gilchrist said his time on defense as well as his experience of playing in the backfield in high school will benefit him this season. He has tried to play fullback with sort of a defensive mentality since he understands what that side of the ball is looking for.

“Playing defense is based on instincts but playing fullback you have to be more consistent technique-wise,” Gilchrist said. “Since I’ve played defense mostly on the collegiate level, adjusting back to blocking has been the toughest adjustment. It’s coming second nature to me now.”

Being able to block for Lattimore, Miles, Wilds and Shon Carson has Gilchrist excited. He wouldn’t mind an occasional touch on offense but as long as he’s doing his job and the backs are churning out yards, he’s content to play in the shadows.

“We have great tailbacks,” Gilchrist said. “I tell them every day I’m going to do what I can to make them successful. I want those boys to be great and I want to be in front of them blocking for them.”

This story was originally published August 17, 2012 at 12:00 AM.