One position change the Gamecocks wanted to try before spring ended early
One of the biggest questions for South Carolina football’s offensive front has been who exactly replaces Donell Stanley, a three-year starter who anchored the center spot the past two seasons.
Hank Manos got a chance to fill the role at the start of 2019, but that experiment only lasted a game. Redshirt freshman Vincent Murphy was projected to contend there, but he had been working behind utility lineman Eric Douglas and Manos in the spring. Freshman Trai Jones is getting used to the position.
But Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp said another name, one with starting experience, was going to be tested out there.
“Jovaughn Gwyn,” Muschamp said. “We were going to give him some reps at center when we came back from the break. He never got that opportunity.”
Gwyn started 11 games last season, stepping into the lineup after all three interior line spots changed hands after Week 1. He had played in garbage time of his first season opener in 2018, but soon after lost most of that year to a foot injury.
He’s considered one of the stronger players on the team, and his first starting season had ups and downs, not surprising for a young road grater-type thrown into the mix.
Were he to get the chance there, it would allow the team to maintain a certain level of power inside. Stanley was a former guard who provided a bigger body. While Gwyn came into spring 5 pounds lighter than Manos, the power in Gwyn’s game was never in question.
If the move happens, it would mean 2019 starter Jordan Rhodes would have less of a barrier to holding onto a spot after tackle Sadarius Hutcherson was moved inside for guard.
For now any move would have to wait, but it’s an intriguing possibility, putting that kind of player in the middle of the line.
“You can see the physical traits that he has,” Gamecocks offensive line coach Eric Wolford said. “That’s what we recruited obviously. He’s a 500 pound bencher, he’s explosive, he can run.”
