Four-star freshman impressing teammate, but not at the position most expected

Every listing that made the distinction called Kingsley Enagbare the same thing as he came to South Carolina.

Defensive end. Weakside defensive end. Four-star DE.

The composite four-star, one of the gems of USC’s class, appeared destined to man the Gamecocks’ larger edge spot, and at 257 pounds would appear to fit that mold. But his teammate Javon Kinlaw was asked about which interior linemen were showing well in spring practice, and his name came up.

“I like JJ,” Kinlaw said of Enagbare. “He’s a pretty smooth guy. It comes natural to him. Pass rush, it’s real natural to him. He looks good.”

Enagbare was seen working at one of the tackle spots at least in some packages this spring.

Going a little smaller and faster isn’t out of character for this team, and might well be part of the plan going forward. Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson hinted at a change to a smaller, quicker defense. Keir Thomas, a 265-pound end last season, appears to be destined to play more tackle in South Carolina’s versatile, multiple scheme beside Kinlaw (still a mountain of a man at a slimmed-down 6-foot-6, 295 pounds).

So in some ways it follows Enagbare, who had over 80 tackles and 16 sacks as a high school senior, could follow suit. It would present an intriguing option, as Will Muschamp went out of his way to praise Enagbare’s speed and how he chased down a screen pass in a state championship game.

With the departure of Taylor Stallworth and Ulric Jones, USC is looking to reload on the interior. Kinlaw and Kobe Smith have experience, but behind them in spring are the likes of Enagbare, M.J. Webb (a four-star who redshirted last season) and Tyreek Johnson (another big end who appears to be getting work inside).

There will be a few more pieces when junior college transfer Jabari Ellis, potential two-way lineman Jesus Gibbs and four-star signee Rick Sandidge come in the summer, but Kinlaw likes what he sees from the incoming players.

“They all can play,” Kinlaw said. “I feel as though all of them will have a chance to play.”

This story was originally published March 7, 2018 at 2:02 PM with the headline "Four-star freshman impressing teammate, but not at the position most expected."