10 players to watch in USC spring football practice

Ten key Gamecocks players as spring practice gets under way this week.

Perry Orth

Senior QB

It’s easy to forget at times that South Carolina has a returning starter at QB, and Orth needs to up last year’s 54.8 completion percentage to hang onto that job this spring.

Connor Mitch

Junior QB

The forgotten man in the QB battle despite winning the job during a camp-long competition heading into the 2015 season, Mitch could be good fit for new OC Kurt Roper.

Deebo Samuel

Sophomore WR

The leading returning WR despite having 12 catches last year, he must emerge as an SEC-worthy top target while helping a group of WRs more inexperienced than he is.

Mason Zandi

Senior OT

After starting 10 games at right tackle last season, Zandi has a chance to take over the more coveted left tackle spot this spring and needs to be a veteran voice.

David Williams

Junior RB

It’s time for Williams to emerge into the starting tailback role he has long believed should be his, and he needs to lift his game a level this spring.

Skai Moore

Senior LB

The senior mostly will be playing his familiar spot at linebacker, but coaches will try to take advantage of his athleticism as he looks to lead team in tackling for fourth year.

Marquavius Lewis

Senior DE

After a very solid year in his first season, Lewis needs to be spectacular this year and provide the kind of pass rush that was promised by his five-star JUCO rating.

Boosie Whitlow

Sophomore OLB

Showed flashes last year of an athletic ability that could make him a real problem to block, Whitlow has been moved from DE to OLB and needs to take the next step.

Chris Lammons

Junior DB

A part-time starter at CB last year, Lammons will get work at CB, safety and nickel back this spring as Gamecocks try to shore up shaky secondary.

Bryson Allen-Williams

Junior LB

The kind of player who could emerge under Will Muschamp, Allen-Williams has been good (50 tackles in two years) but could be great as a versatile LB.

This story was originally published March 14, 2016 at 11:29 PM.