Why this incoming Gamecock freshman will be a good fit at key position

When South Carolina nickels coach Kyle Krantz was asked about the players he’s working with, he dropped two names.

Jaycee Horn and R.J. Roderick.

Others have chipped in here and there, some Israel Mukuamu, a little Jamyest Williams has he comes back off injury. But mostly it’s those first two, and the staff has already said Horn would play outside corner in an ideal world.

Will Muschamp expects the team will need one dependable freshman in the secondary, and one seems the front-and-center option.

“I think (Jammie) can be in there,” nickels coach Kyle Krantz said. “He’s showed some ability to do it. He probably would be the one that I think can come in there and play and help us, also at safety. ... I think Cam (Smith) is smart enough to do it as well. But we’ll see how it all plays out.”

Robinson is a 6-foot, 193-pound versatile defensive back from south Georgia. He played for a powerhouse program at Lee Country, won a state title and anchored a unit that hardly allowed any points (fewer than eight a game). He picked the Gamecocks on signing day and will enroll in the summer.

But which specific skills make him fit that slot corner spot?

“He’s athletic, he’s tough,” Krantz said. “He’s physical and he’s a ball player, kind of like R.J. and Jaycee that is not afraid to get in there and is able to learn.”

Smith also offers an interesting option as he’s a longer corner who has shown a lot of ability. The Gamecocks have mostly played true freshmen in the slot each of the past two seasons, with Horn and Williams getting those assignments.

It’s a tricky position because a player needs to possess man coverage skills, but also has to be sturdy enough to set the edge in the run game or defeat blocks on screens. Williams and former corner Chris Lammons possessed more corner skill than bulk when playing in the slot, and Horn mostly held his own when healthy.

The Gamecocks have been playing the whole spring a little thin, but will add four freshmen defensive backs for the summer. Roderick is also a new addition at nickel, having played safety for an injury-ravaged secondary last season

The Gamecocks will give their most public look at the team this Saturday with the spring game.

South Carolina spring game details

What: Garnet & Black Spring Football Game

When: Noon Saturday, April 6

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia (gates open at 10:30)

Admission: Free

TV: SEC Network (Matt Schick, Matt Stinchcomb, Alyssa Lang)

Radio: 107.5 The Game in the Columbia area

Extra: Former Gamecock lettermen will take part in a flag football game inside Williams Brice at 11 am.