Gamecocks Football 2012: 22 Positions 22 Days-Linebackers

We’ve already gone through the Gamecocks offensive and defensive lines, as well as their receivers. Now, Garnet and Cocky’s “22 positions 22 days” series digs into the most experienced group on the roster: The Linebackers.

All three projected starters are seniors.

Middle linebacker Shaq wilson is a fifth year senior, coming off a season that saw him amass 52 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack.

Damario Jeffery, the projected started at the “Will” linebacker spot switched over from backing up Antonio Allen at the Spur position last season. in 2011 he had 14 tackles, including six against Arkansas in his only start.

DeVonte Holloman will be the starting Spur after making the switch from strong safety. He has 150 career tackles and four career interceptions. The Spur is one of the most important positions on South Carolina’s defense; Holloman will have some freedom, and will play a lot like the Steeler’s Troy Polamalu; He’ll see a lot of time in coverage, and a lot of time on the line of scrimmage.

Reginald Bowens is a guy who can play both the “Will” and “Mike” linebacker spots. He’s listed as a possible starter on South Carolina’s preseason depth chart with Wilson. Either way the Gamecocks go, it’s impossible to make the wrong decision; Bowens is a red-shirt senior who registered 44 tackles, forced a fumble and nabbed an interception last year. He also had an 11 tackle game against Auburn.

Quin Smith, Jeffery’s listed backup is also a senior. He’s played in 37 games and recorded over 100 tackles for the Gamecocks. Last year, Smith had 48 tackles including six for a loss and one fumble recovery.

Holloman’s backup is Sharrod Golightly, a sophomore corner back turned Spur. Golightly is the only on of the linebackers in this preview with a lack of experience, but with Holloman a surefire starter, he probably won’t be called upon to perform in huge moments.

This group of linebackers, combined with Carolina’s defensive line, creates quite possibly the fiercest front seven the Gamecocks have ever had, and maybe the best in the SEC. Maybe.

The Gamecocks are already looking to the future since this group will be forced out due to graduation in the spring. Five of their top nine recruits according to Rivals.com are linebackers, and their number one recruit so far is four star LB Larenz Bryant.

The group will no doubt take a hit next season, but, this year, the Gamecocks defense will be bouyed by the boys in the middle.