South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Defensive Tackle
Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
The defensive tackle position is possibly the deepest and most talent rich position on either side of the ball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The position has been another one of the most productive positions for the Gamecocks in recent years, and the coaching staff has been able to get guys like Byron Jerideau, Kelcy Quarles, and Travian Robertson to the NFL.
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Lorenzo Ward and Deke Adams have done a great job of getting talented players into the program but things have fallen short from a conditioning standpoint the past couple of seasons. That should not be the case this season.
“Joe did a great job with them in the offseason,” Ward said in a recent post-practice interview with 247 Sports. “We don’t have fat guys. The guys don’t have the guts, the things we had, hanging over their pants like we had in the past. I feel good about where they’re at.”
Ward also hopes that the depth of the position is actually an advantage. Being able to cycle out linemen will help to wear down opponents, especially when each lineman is a good player.
Ward stated Tuesday that it looks as though Gerald Dixon Jr. and Dante Sawyer would get the start at defensive tackle. He did not rule out that Taylor Stallworth could supplant Sawyer as the starter. Many think Dexter Wideman could be a guy to watch as the season progresses. Let’s take a deeper look at the defensive tackle position and who will be manning it this season.
Next: Gerald Dixon Jr.