South Carolina football: Grading the Gamecocks position by position

As a unit, the Gamecocks ranked 96th nationally in total offense, averaging just over 355 yards a game. The passing “attack” was anything but, ranking 103rd in the country, but the running game brought something to build upon in 2021.

QB

Collin Hill started the first eight games of the season, and played well at times, but he struggled with costly turnovers and could never get the offense to click. All in all, Hill threw for more than 200 yards four times, but was held to less than 150 passing yards in three of his other four starts. He was inconsistent, tossing six touchdowns and six interceptions, two of which were returned for backbreaking scores.

Luke Doty came in during the Missouri game and showed flashes, but also made some freshman mistakes. He threw for 405 yards, two scores, and three picks over his 2.5 games played.

Grade: C-

RB 

This was easily the best position on the offense, as starting tailback Kevin Harris led the conference in rushing throughout the regular season. It’s the first time a Gamecock has ever led the SEC. The super sophomore ran for 15 touchdowns and 1,138 yards on the year. Harris set a school record with a 6.2 yards per carry average, and recorded two 200-yard performances.

Backup Deshaun Fenwick was productive in a reserve role, too, as he ran for 297 yards and a score, while also hauling in 14 passes for another 108 yards.

Grade: A-

WR/TE

This was an area where the Gamecocks struggled most in 2020, getting little production from anyone not named Shi Smith. Smith led the team with 57 catches and 633 yards, but the remaining receivers on the roster combined for just 40 receptions and 400 yards. The position group struggled with dropped passes, and did very little to help out their quarterbacks.

Tight end Nick Muse had his best season as a Gamecock, catching 30 passes, including his first touchdown. He was the team’s second leading receiver.

Grade: D+

OL

The offensive line was great in setting up the run, helping Kevin Harris win the SEC rushing crown, but they struggled mightily against the pass, allowing 27 sacks on the year, fourth most in the league.

Sadarius Hutcherson and Dylan Wonnum could be off to the NFL after this year, meaning the Gamecocks will need to find some continuity with a new batch of linemen on next year’s roster.

Grade: C+

K

Parker White struggled a bit compared to his previous two seasons, where he connected on 81% of his attempts. The senior kicker was 11-for-18 on the year, with four of those misses coming beyond 50 yards.

White totaled 59 points, had a long of 48 yards, and also hit 26-of-27 extra points. He has announced he will return in 2021.

Grade: C+