Gamecocks Position Preview: Running Backs

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Shon Carson

Shon Carson came to the University of South Carolina hoping to make an impact in two sports: football and baseball. However, he found out that playing both sports is more difficult and decided to solely focus on football.

Carson committed to the Gamecocks and was part of the class of 2011. According to the 247Sports Composite, he was a 3-star rated recruit. He chose the Gamecocks over offers from Clemson, North Carolina, and Miami. Carson’s speed has always been something that the Gamecocks liked about him and thought would bring another dimension to the run game when bringing him in.

His speed and agility lead to him returning kickoffs last season. He returned 32 kicks for 633 yards. Carson also ran the ball 18 times for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns last season.

Perhaps his best game to date was his heroic performance against the Florida Gators in 2013. Carson carried the ball 13 times for 102 yards to help the Gamecocks beat Florida in Williams-Brice Stadium.

This season the staff considered moving Carson to slot receiver in an effort to try and get the ball more to him especially out in space where he could try to make plays with his legs. However, the staff decided to keep him at running back where he should get some carries to relieve Wilds and Williams.