Ranking the five most intriguing position battles for South Carolina this spring
South Carolina on Saturday will kick off what should be one of the most hotly anticipated spring football practice seasons in recent memory. The Gamecocks have a new head coach in Shane Beamer and are coming off back-to-back eight-loss seasons, and fans are eager to see how Beamer’s return to USC starts.
With a 6-16 record over the 2019 and 2020 season, USC doesn’t have a ton of positions where the starter is 100% settled heading into spring ball. But there are several competitions that are expected to be particularly intense and important.
5. Fifth offensive line spot
South Carolina returns a lot of players with experience along the O-line. Right guard Jovaughn Gwyn, center Eric Douglas and tackle Dylan Wonnum started every game last season, and tackle Jakai Moore had six starts.
But the most stalwart member of the group, Sadarius Hutcherson, is gone after starting 36 games in a row for USC. That leaves a big hole at left guard, where he played all of last season.
There are a number of Gamecocks who played in 2020 that could contend — freshman Vershon Lee and JUCO transfer Jazston Turnetine both picked up starts at tackle at different points, and freshman Jaylen Nichols appeared in all 10 games while never starting.
Meanwhile, Jordan Rhodes is back after starting 10 games at left guard in 2019. He initially opted out of last season before opting back in and took time to get back in shape and adjust. That, plus Hutcherson’s locked-down role at guard forcing him to tackle, limited him to just four games on the season and no starts.
Behind those main contenders, Tyshawn Wannamaker, Vincent Murphy and Wyatt Campbell all got snaps in 2020 and could compete.
4. Kevin Harris vs. MarShawn Lloyd for starting RB
It’s not the most important position battle facing South Carolina this spring, but it might be the most fun. No matter who wins, Gamecock fans will likely be happy.
On one hand, Harris exploded onto the scene last year as a sophomore to post the program’s first 1,000-yard season since 2013, and he did it in just 10 games all against SEC opponents. Statistically, he’s the top returning tailback in the entire SEC.
On the other hand, Harris wasn’t even expected to start last year until Lloyd went down with a torn ACL in the preseason. The top-rated Gamecock running back recruit since Marcus Lattimore, Lloyd was already earning rave reviews when he got hurt.
It’s unclear how much work Lloyd will actually be able to do this spring, but if he can work out some and show that he’s at least building back toward his pre-injury explosiveness and play-making ability, then there will plenty of chatter heading into the summer and fall. And of course, whoever does win the official “starting” job will likely share carries with the backup all the same.
3. Ernest Jones’ replacement at middle linebacker
No Gamecock had more tackles over the past two seasons than Ernest Jones, who established himself as the on-field and vocal leader of the defense and led USC in stops both years. Now he’s gone for the NFL, and Carolina needs someone else to take his place at the center of the defense.
Youngsters Mo Kaba and Darryl “Debo” Williams are competing for snaps against a group of older players in Jahmar Brown and Sherrod Greene, who both battled injuries this past year. Fifth-year senior Damani Staley has primarily worked at the weakside linebacker spot but has the most experience.
2. A wide-open field for second cornerback spot
There are arguably more important position battles facing South Carolina, but none that are quite so desperate. No USC position group was hammered as hard by departures this offseason than the defensive back group, especially at cornerback. Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu are off to the NFL, and Jammie Robinson and John Dixon have transferred.
Redshirt sophomore Cam Smith feels like the logical pick to take one of those starting CB spots — he made three starts at the end of last year after Horn and Mukuamu had opted out and is a well-regarded talent.
Alongside him, though? It’s a big unknown. Newcomers David Spaulding, a transfer from Georgia Southern, and JUCO product Marcellas Dial should have an immediate opportunity to contribute. Underclassmen Joey Hunter, O’Donnell Fortune and Dominick Hill all played last year, but none of them started or immediately distinguished themselves. And there are still a few more players who won’t arrive until the summer. FCS transfer Carlins Platel, junior college transfer Isaiah Norris and freshman La’Dareyen Craig.
1. Luke Doty vs. Jason Brown for starting QB
It ain’t rocket science — quarterback is the most important position on the field, and South Carolina does not have a clear-cut starter at that position. Therefore, there will be no bigger position battle this spring than the one between sophomore Luke Doty and redshirt senior Jason Brown.
Doty got a couple of starts late last season but didn’t necessarily blow anyone away, and now he has to start from scratch in a new system under offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield. Brown is making the jump from the FCS level to the SEC, a big step up in competition.
They bring very different skill sets to the table: Doty is a dual-threat guy known to be one of the fastest players on the team, while Brown stands a burly 235 pounds and is more of a pocket passer capable of taking hits.
Doty is known to be a good leader and developed a good rapport with tight Nick Muse toward the end of 2020, boosting him to several impressive showings. Brown, meanwhile, brings in an instant connection with receiver EJ Jenkins, his high school and FCS teammate who transferred with him to USC.
South Carolina’s wide receiver room needs to step up big with the departure of Shi Smith to the NFL, but more importantly the Gamecocks need a steady QB throwing to them.
