What each South Carolina running back has showed new coach Des Kitchings
South Carolina running backs coach Des Kitchings was dealt a tough hand to start the season when presumptive starter MarShawn Lloyd was lost with a torn ACL.
But the former Furman star likes what he’s got in his other four guys.
In a video with the school’s sports information staff Thursday, Kitchings gave a look at the group he has, with a pair of veterans and a set of new faces.
▪ Second-year back Kevin Harris and third-year back Deshaun Fenwick: “They’re bigger guys. Kevin is a smart player. Deshaun is a smart player. But they’re 225 pounds, so they have to be physical for us. They have to be able to be, like I say, dirty runs. They have to be able to break tackles. They have to set our pads and play a physical brand of football.”
▪ Freshman Rashad Amos: “Another kid who is 215 pounds. He’s got a little bit more lateral change of direction, but he still can play big.”
▪ Junior college transfer Zaquandre White: “(He’s) 210 and he can play. He can catch.”
Kitchings noted all can catch the ball, be he wants them to be grinders. He said he’d like a few guys to step up, but for the moment, it’s a committee.
That voice returns
South Carolina’s defense has its leader again.
Middle linebacker Ernest Jones was back at practice this week after an appendix issue cost him most of preseason camp. His position coach, Rod Wilson, told the school’s sports information staff he’s happy to see the junior’s face.
“It’s good to have him out there,” Wilson said. “He brought a lot of energy out here the first day out here. He was happy to be back. Like a kid in a candy store. It was a joy to have him back out there.”
Jones turned down a chance to redshirt to play a few snaps in the 2018 bowl game. Then he stepped into the starting lineup, playing a key role as the team’s top tackler with 97 tackles and pass breakups.
But something else he does has also stood out.
“He’s an intelligent player,” Wilson said. “He can get everybody lined up. Don’t worry about what call it is. He’ll get it done for you.”
Practice tidbits:
▪ Wilson said he’s just trying to help special teams coach Kyle Krantz in every way he can. Wilson worked on the special teams side in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.
▪ WIlson said he got his Super Bowl ring and showed it off to his players.
▪ In a school release, Will Muschamp said passing down defense and offense were a focus on Thursday’s practice.
▪ The team’s scrimmage Saturday will be a little different from previous ones, Muschamp said, with fewer live scrimmage downs.
