Gamecocks Linebackers Could Be Key to Defense In 2014

What a difference one year can make.

Last season, there were games in which it seemed as though the South Carolina Gamecocks didn’t even have linebackers.  This season, the linebackers could be the heart and soul of the defensive squad.

It’s not that the team didn’t have quality players last season, but they were young and somewhat inexperienced.  However, with that year underneath them and all of them returning again this year, it could spell big trouble for opposing offenses.

Last season, there were games in which it seemed as though the South Carolina Gamecocks didn’t even have linebackers.  This season, the linebackers could be the heart and soul of the defensive squad.

In fact, as we approach the first game, defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has made it clear the Gamecocks could shift to a 3-4 defense simply because of having so much talent now at linebacker.  That is a big change for a team that employed the 4-2-5 for many years now.  Not only will the Gamecocks continue to have a Spur Backer, but they’ll a new role called the BOB for Big Ol’ Backer.  Changing schemes will also allow Ward to better utilize a lot of the talent he has at the linebacker role.

Nov 30, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback

(10) is sacked by South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker

(8) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

The starting group is led by spur linebacker Sharrod Golightly (5-10, 187 lb. redshirt senior) who developed into a very consistent spur last season and finished second-team All-SEC.  He was sixth on the team with 47 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.  His experience could make him one of the key leaders on the defense this season.

Skai Moore (6-2, 213 lb. sophomore) had an amazing year in 2013, and that was as a true freshman–landing him on several preseason All-SEC teams.  He led the entire team in tackles last season with 56 and also led the team with four interceptions. Moore clearly had a natural instinct to be in the right place at the right time, and with an entire year behind him, he has an opportunity to make an even bigger impact this year.

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(6-0, 228 lb. junior) is leading the way right now to be the third starter here. He started 10 games last season, and has played in 23 games in the past two seasons combined, so he has some good experience already.  Despite not starting every game, he was third on the team with 54 tackles last season, including 12 in one game against Georgia.  These three combined could be a formidable trio against any offense.

Even if these three players were all the Gamecocks had to crow about, that’d probably be enough.  However, this is where this position gets really interesting, and challenging. We’ll take a look at that tomorrow.