South Carolina football: Defensive position battles to watch during fall camp

DL/BUCK

The Gamecocks are in desperate need of pass rushers. Last year’s group finished tied for 72nd in the nation, recording just two sacks a contest. And that was with All-American Javon Kinlaw taking up space in the middle of the line. Gone, too, is four-year starter at BUCK, DJ Wonnum. South Carolina will need players to step up on the edge and create some havoc in opposing backfields.

Senior Brad Johnson is expected to take the first snaps at BUCK. The position calls for a player to line up as both an outside rushing linebacker and an end in more traditional defensive sets. Johnson has got the most experience on the roster, albeit in a reserve role behind the previously mentioned Wonnum. Now, he’ll have a chance to grab that starting spot. The rising junior has 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks to his name. He redshirted last year after appearing in just four games.

Battling behind him are freshmen Rodricus Fitten and Jordan Burch. Fitten enters his second year on the roster following a redshirt season in 2019. The Atlanta native appeared in just one game, recording no stats. He’ll be called on to have a more prominent role in 2020.

Burch comes to campus as the most prized recruit of the most recent South Carolina class. The five-star product was rated as 4th best player in the country according to ESPN. Possessing both speed and power on his 6-foot-6, 275-pound frame, he may be too good to keep off the field as a true freshman.

At the other defensive end spot, look for JJ Enagbare, Keir Thomas, and Aaron Sterling to battle it out for the lead role. Sterling is the incumbent starter, and will likely retain that title as a senior. He tied for the team lead in sacks last year, and should be in for another productive season to close out his Gamecock career.

Enagbare, though, might be tough to keep on the sidelines. A pass rushing specialist, expect the rising junior to play a significant role on the Carolina line, particularly on clear passing situations. He tallied seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season in limited action.

Keir Thomas, a senior, returns from injury, and should play a prominent role at both end and tackle. The versatile defender has appeared in 40 games over his four-year career.

In addition to Thomas, there are three more linemen that will lobby for playing time on the interior. The Gamecocks are looking to replace both Javon Kinlaw and Kobe Smith at defensive tackle. Youngsters Rick Sandidge and Zacch Pickens return after reserve roles in 2019. They’ll see significant action.

Jabari Ellis should also factor into the rotation. He’s waited his time and will look to prove his worth as a senior. Ellis received some recent praise from coach Will Muschamp, and may have earned himself a starting role over the offseason.