Running backs preview: Wilds, Williams lead the way for Gamecocks
The past few seasons have been tumultuous for the running backs at South Carolina with promising players and futures brought to a halt due to injuries or early departures to the NFL.
Heading into this season, it’s fifth-year senior Brandon Wilds, who has had his own injury problems, with a chance to be the team’s main back. Ironically, it was injuries that brought him to the forefront in the 2011 season, when he went from fifth-string tailback to starter.
The runner from Blythewood is penciled in as the starter, but many are expecting competition from redshirt sophomore David Williams, who was named the most improved running back in the spring by the Gamecock coaching staff. Both Wilds and Williams are similar in size at around 6-foot-1, 215 pounds.
“Wilds is the guy with the most experience right now,” running backs coach Everette Sands said. “Still … it’s a competition, so nobody is safe, and as soon as we start, we can make those decisions a little better.”
Behind Williams sits redshirt senior Shon Carson from Scranton. Carson (5-8, 204) has seen action every season and figures to be moved around in the offense from tailback to slot receiver position.
“At this point, it’s really yet to be determined,” Sands said of how they plan to use Carson. In addition to his running duties, Carson figures to be a factor in the kickoff return game with wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Behind the three returning tailbacks, the Gamecocks signed two to their 2015 class in Mon Denson (5-10, 222), out of LaGrange, Ga., and A.J. Turner (5-10, 185), from Clifton, Va.
“I’ve gotten to see them running around and all, but, you know, they haven’t played a down yet.” Sands said of the two. “They look strong and quick, but it will be really great to finally get to see them put the pads on.”
The walk-on group of Darius Paulk, Devin Potter and Rod Talley will provide depth for the Gamecocks.
In terms of lead blockers, former Lexington High and Georgia Southern player Rivers Bedenbaugh is firmly implanted as the No. 1 fullback after joining the team in the spring.
Sands is entering his fourth season as the running backs coach, and although he’s already had one 1,000 yard rusher in 2013 (Mike Davis) and nearly another in 2014 (Davis was 18 yards shy), his expectations are subdued and simple.
“I’m expecting a really good year, and if everyone does their job, they’re going have a really good season. We just have to go out and help each other get better, and we’ll be fine.”