The Gamecocks Defense Will Be Improved in 2015

The Gamecock defense of last season was a major letdown. Even dropping Texas A&M and Auburn, if the Gamecocks had held onto their fourth-quarter leads in games against Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky, they would have played the Tide for the title.

In 2015, the Gamecocks’ defensive line will have several new faces and certainly a new scheme. The most obvious fresh face is Co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke. Hoke has NFL experience under his belt, as well as a relationship with Steve Spurrier from their Florida days. Let’s see if Jon can do the “Hokey-Pokey” and turn this thing around!

A fresh face in uniform ones in the form of Isaiah Johnson, who played safety with Kansas for three years. Johnson received the all-clear from the NCAA to transfer to Carolina a couple weeks ago. He is confident that he can make something happen at Carolina in 2015, which is his final season of eligibility. Johnson has stated that it doesn’t matter which position he is put at, just that he’s hungry to play and eager to make a difference. We’ll certainly take that!

Another newcomer to watch is Ulric Jones, one of several players being vectored in from JUCO ranks. Ulric was catapulted into the spotlight after making a rather bold comment in reference to Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson that he would be sure to “bust his a**.” The Gamecocks definitely missed the vibe and swagger of Clowney and Swearinger last season. Let’s see if Mr. Jones can radiate his much-needed confidence to the rest of the defense.

No one knows exactly what we are going to take to the field in nine weeks and a day in Charlotte. However, looking at these newcomers on the sideline and the gridiron, it is clear that it will be much improved from last season. Expect the Gamecock defensive line and secondary to function better as a unit this season.