How the South Carolina Gamecocks Can Get Better At Running Back

November 10, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) runs the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to say if the South Carolina Gamecocks can really get better at running back with Marcus Lattimore heading to the NFL.

It’s not hard to say how each individual SC back can get better, though.

For starters, Mike Davis needs to get more carries (and he will). He averaged more than five yards per carry this season, but only had two games where he carried the ball  more than 10 times.

Next, the coaching staff cannot forget how good Brandon Wilds was last year.

In 2012, he rushed 107 times for 486 yards and three touchdowns. That’s an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Each time he got 20 carries, Wilds rushed for 100 yards.

I’m not saying the solution is for Wilds or Davis to start, but neither should have less than 15 carries a game in 2013.

The final thing South Carolina needs to do is also the toughest.

They must, must, must find a reliable third running back.

Will that be Shon Carson? Steve Spurrier has said Carson will play in the Outback Bowl, but there are indications all around this situation that make me think he’s not going to play football much longer. Why would he let the coaches burn his redshirt for one game if he wants to stick with the sport?

If it’s not Carson, could it be Pharoh Cooper or Jamari Smith, two guys on South Carolina’s recruiting list for 2013?

For the first time in a few years, the Gamecocks have serious questions heading into the season at running back.