Daniel Fennell sees path to playing time as USC freshman

Freshman linebacker Daniel Fennell looked at the South Carolina roster and saw depth and experience at his position.

The Gamecocks will open the 2015 season with nine on scholarship at linebacker. Still, what Fennell heard on his official visit in January gave him hope that he could see the field this year.

“They got us all in a room and they said, ‘We want all y’all to know that y’all can play next year,’ that we’d all have a shot out there,” said Fennell.

Fennell had a productive senior season at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga. He’ll get a look a linebacker during preseason practice in August, but there is another way for him to see live action in a game, he said.

“My position has a little more experience, but something on special teams is more likely to happen,” Fennell said.

BY THE NUMBERS

Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds

Stats: As a senior, had more than 100 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception

Rating: Three-star prospect, according to 247Sports Composite

▪  Was one of four linebackers in USC’s 2015 class, and the only one not to enroll midyear

▪  Is expected to start out at the weakside linebacker spot with the Gamecocks with a chance long-term to man the middle role

▪  Chose USC over Georgia Tech; also had offers from Michigan State, Missouri, Wisconsin and Texas A&M, among others

▪  “They’re in the SEC. They’re close. They’re good. I saw it as a big opportunity and I wanted to take it.”

▪  “I’m long and I’m strong. And I like to take on blocks. They move their linebackers around and use blitzes to get pressure and it will fit me.”

▪  “He’s a real good guy,” Fennell said of linebackers coach Kirk Botkin. “He’s straight up. He’s honest. He likes me because I’m smart. I like him because he’s a really good coach. He’s real hands on. He likes what he does.”

Botkin: “Outstanding young man, had an outstanding year. Long, rangy guy, has a great frame to be 230-235, really athletic, really excited about the young man. He should come in and contribute on special teams for sure.”

This story was originally published June 24, 2015 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Daniel Fennell sees path to playing time as USC freshman."