South Carolina football: 2020 midseason awards

DEFENSE

The South Carolina defense has had its ups and downs so far this season. They played great in the Gamecocks’ two wins over Vanderbilt and Auburn, but struggled against two of the conference’s better offenses in LSU and Florida.

The run game has been an issue, but there are positives, too. South Carolina has been able to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers. The Gamecocks have at least one takeaway in four of five matchups.

Overall, the group ranks 10th in the SEC in scoring defense, but when you take away the three non-offensive touchdowns that the Gamecocks have allowed this season, the defense moves up to around fifth in the league, allowing 25 points an outing.

Team MVP

Horn is tied for the team lead in interceptions, and has dominated opposing receivers. Offenses are completing just 18% of their third down passes when targeting Horn, and he’s already earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against Auburn.

If Horn keeps this play up, he’ll be looking at a first round NFL draft grade following his junior year.

Honorable mentions: Ernest Jones (SEC’s leading tackler) and JJ Enagbare (tied for SEC lead in sacks)

Most Improved

Sanders has gone from little used reserve to starting safety in just over a season. He’s currently the team’s third leading tackler, and that with just two starts under his belt. Sanders had a 10 tackle day in the upset of Auburn, and has become a force in the Carolina secondary.

Last season, Sanders recorded just two tackles, appearing in just a couple of games. This year, he’s boosted that production more than tenfold. Look for the redshirt freshman to continue to earn playing time and provide solid production for the Gamecock defense.

Best Newcomer

Burch was the highest rated signee in the class of 2020, and he’s been able to show why on the field this year. In his time as a reserve defensive end, the freshman has totaled 15 tackles, 2.5 of which have come behind the line of scrimmage. He also recovered a fumble in the Vanderbilt game which he nearly broke loose for for a long touchdown.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams have improved with each week after getting off to a rough start in the season opener. Over the Gamecocks’ first two games, the group had recorded two muffed kicks, a turnover, and a total of -1 return yards.

But since that Florida game, the unit has made a drastic jump. Parker White has been near automatic, outside of a rough outing versus LSU. Jammie Robinson and Shi Smith have been more productive on kick and punt returns. And freshman Kai Kroeger’s punting has gotten better with each passing week.

Team MVP

White has been consistent each of the last three seasons, and not much has change in 2020. The senior’s made 7 of his 11 field goal attempts and all 17 of his extra points. Two of his four misses have been from 50 yards or longer, with one being in rainy conditions in Nashville.

White is the team’s second-leading scorer, with 38 total points.

Best Newcomer

Kroeger struggled in the Tennessee game, posting his lowest punting average of the season. Once the freshman jitters were out, though, he became a weapon for the South Carolina special teams unit.

Over his last three games, Kroeger is averaging 48.6 yards a punt, booting three kicks of 50 yards or more. He’s been able to pin opponents inside their own 20-yard line on numerous occasions, and has flipped field position when the Gamecocks needed it.