Projecting South Carolina’s defensive depth chart ahead of second spring under Beamer
The South Carolina football season is six months away, but spring is here.
The Gamecocks open up spring practices Tuesday as coach Shane Beamer and his staff begin their second season in Columbia. The spring football game is April 16.
Here’s a look at what we think the South Carolina defense will look like when it gets back to work this week:
Defensive end/Edge
Starters: Jordan Strachan, Jordan Burch
Backups: Gilber Edmond, Terrell Dawkins
South Carolina loses both Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare and Aaron Sterling from last year’s squad, but it’s got plenty of pieces to build around in 2022.
Jordan Strachan tied for the FBS lead in sacks during the 2020 season at Georgia State. He fell behind Enagbare and Sterling in the rotation last fall, but he’s a logical replacement for the linebacker/defensive end hybrid slot left open by Enagbare.
Jordan Burch is perhaps the biggest question mark in this equation. The former five-star recruit has had flashes during his time in Columbia, but hasn’t quite developed into the dominant force his recruiting rankings prognosticated. Burch has perhaps the highest upside of anyone on the roster this year. South Carolina would benefit immensely if he can take the next step in his progression.
N.C. State transfer Terrell Dawkins should also see plenty of time at defensive end this fall as well, assuming he’s fully healthy and that his transition to White’s system goes smoothly.
Defensive tackle
Starters: Zacch Pickens, Rick Sandidge
Backups: Alex “Boogie” Huntley, Tonka Hemingway
A lot of this projection depends on whether Rick Sandidge will be back in 2022. Sandidge suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp and never saw the field. In theory, he could be in line for a medical redshirt. We should get more clarity on that situation when Beamer talks to reporters Tuesday.
Whether Sandidge is back or not, Zacch Pickens should be an anchor in the trenches. Pickens, like Burch, is a former five-star recruit. He contemplated turning pro but is back in Columbia.
Alex Huntley showed some dominant ability in spurts and would likely slide into a starting spot if Sandidge doesn’t return. Hemingway is an athletic freak and could provide a boost on the inside if he refines his craft.
Mike/Middle linebacker
Starter: Sherrod Greene
Backup: Debo Williams
Sherrod Greene’s injury was a massive blow to a defense that still overachieved in his absence last fall. Now he’s back.
Greene is as experienced a defensive piece as the Gamecocks will have in the fall. He’s played in 39 career games, but has appeared in only four contests combined between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Can he stay healthy in his final year of college football? That’s become a huge “if.”
Williams was a nice piece on special teams as he made the transition from Delaware to the Southeastern Conference. Expect him to get some more run at linebacker this year with another offseason under defensive coordinator Clayton White’s tutelage.
Will/Weakside linebacker
Starter: Brad Johnson
Backup: Mo Kaba
Brad Johnson is one of a handful of players with extra eligibility to come back for one more run at South Carolina in 2022.
Johnson transitioned from more of a defensive end role to linebacker last fall with largely positive results. He finished second on the team in tackles behind All-American safety Jaylan Foster, averaging nearly 5.7 stops per game.
Kaba has been a really solid in a secondary role since he arrived as a four-star recruit in the 2020 class. With Johnson back, he should be in that kind of slot again, but he could get more time if he continues to progress as he has the last two years.
Cornerback
Starters: Cam Smith, Darius Rush
Backups: O’Donnell Fortune, Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Norris
South Carolina had questions to answer at cornerback last year with Jaycee Horn off to the NFL. Cam Smith and Darius Rush mostly answered those with flying colors.
Smith and Rush had their momentary lapses in 2021, but both provide experienced pieces to build around in White’s second season running the defense.
O’Donnell Fortune and Marcellas Dial both provided depth in spurts last year, too, particularly as Smith battled a foot injury early in the season. They ought to be helpful again in 2022.
Safety
Starters: R.J. Roderick, Devonni Reed
Backups: Tyrese Ross
Jaylan Foster was a major surprise in 2021. After tying for the national lead in interceptions during the regular season, he’s off to chase a professional career.
The good news? South Carolina brings plenty back.
Roderick has been a stalwart at safety the last two seasons. He’ll be in the fold once more after opting for one more season in Columbia.
USC also brought in Central Michigan safety Devonni Reed via the transfer portal. Reed recorded more than 200 tackles over his time with the Chippewas and should slide right into the spot vacated by Foster.
Tyrese Ross never quite cracked the lineup after transferring from Washington State. He should get some run in spells behind Reed and Roderick, especially with Jaylin Dickerson medically retiring from football.
Nickel
Starter: David Spaulding
Backups: Marcellas Dial
David Spaulding was a bit of an unknown after transferring to South Carolina from Georgia Southern. With Carlins Platel sidelined due to injury, he took his opportunity at nickel and ran with it.
Spaulding recorded 22 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble during his first season with the Gamecocks. He’ll be expected to bring more of the same in 2022.
The Riceboro, Georgia product joined quarterback Spencer Rattler in Indianapolis last week for the NCAA’s Elite Student-Athlete Symposium — an invite-only symposium hosted by the NCAA that educates the best potential NFL Draft prospects for the following year on the process.
That’s a pretty good indication how professional scouts feel about Spaulding. South Carolina hopes that translates to Williams-Brice Stadium this fall.
As for Dial, he should mostly stick at corner, but could add some depth at nickel. The Gamecocks also added six high school prospects in their 2022 recruiting class who are classified as safeties. Don’t be surprised if a youngster or two find their way into the mix here.
This story was originally published March 12, 2022 at 12:00 AM.
