South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Cornerbacks

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Rico McWilliams

Rico McWilliams was rated a 3-star recruit in the class of 2012 according to the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the number 51 cornerback in the class. McWilliams chose South Carolina over offers from Michigan State, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and others.

McWilliams caught a bad break his freshman season as he suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee in just the second practice of preseason camp. He bounced back in 2013 and played in 9 games, 2 of them as a starter. He logged just one tackle on the season.

In 2014, McWilliams played in 12 games and started in half of them. He recorded 33 tackles and 5 pass breakups. His best outing came against Tennessee when he recorded 5 tackles and 4 pass breakups.

During spring practice, McWilliams shined, earning Most Improved Cornerback from the coaching staff. He entered fall camp as the starting right cornerback, and held on to the right to start that position against North Carolina. He is also aware of the challenge that lies in front of him against the Tar Heels.

“It’s a real challenge because a hurry-up offense, you have to be ready,” McWilliams said. “If you get tired, you start doing things you never do. You have to stay focused and be in good shape going into the game.”

The Gamecocks will count on him to be a major part of the turnaround on defense due to his experience. It sounds like McWilliams is ready to prove the defense is up to the task.

Next: Chris Lammons