South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Cornerbacks

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Chaz Elder

Chaz Elder was a highly sought after recruit in the class of 2012. He was a 4-star rated recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, and ultimately, he chose the Gamecocks over Georgia. Elder was considered the 18th ranked safety in the nation and had many offers from top tier football programs including LSU, Auburn, Ohio State, and others.

Elder redshirted as a freshman. In the 2013 season, he played in 12 games making 6 starts. He recorded 29 tackles, recovered a fumble, and intercepted one pass. In 2014, Elder played in 12 games and started in 3 of those games. He played at free safety and was credited with 22 tackles.

Coming into fall camp, Elder was listed as the back up strong safety. Shockingly, Elder’s name appeared on the depth chart for the matchup against North Carolina as a starting cornerback. After practice Tuesday night, Hoke explained the rationale for his decision.

“He’s a good athlete and obviously you like his height and length,” Hoke said. “We just wanted to see what he looked like at cornerback (with Isaiah Johnson coming in at safety) and he’s a good athlete.

With the volume that the Tarheels throw the ball and the tall receivers they utilize, the move makes sense on paper. Whether it works during the game remains to be seen, and if it doesn’t work, Lammons should be ready.

Next: Chris Lammons