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South Carolina football: RJ Roderick returning for 2021 season

By Jacob Elsey

Oct 3, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina defensive back RJ Roderick (10) before the start of a game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 3, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina defensive back RJ Roderick (10) before the start of a game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK /
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South Carolina football may be getting a key DB back for 2021.

When former South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp was fired midseason, a number of Gamecock defensive backs opted to sit out the final three games of the year. Two of those defenders were Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu, who have made their intentions to pursue professional careers known. Horn is viewed by most as a first-round selection, while Mukuamu will likely be picked up in day two or three of the draft.

One opt out, though, had not yet announced his plans for the 2021 season. Safety RJ Roderick missed the team’s final three games of 2020, but an Instagram post on Thursday makes it seem like the secondary member will be returning to the South Carolina roster for a fourth season.

Roderick posted a picture of himself in a Gamecock uniform with the caption, “Can’t RUN with nobody I ain’t WALK with. And can’t SHINE with nobody I wasn’t in the DARK with. 1 more… #HometownHero.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCjtv1rnq6/

Though many may be upset with the way Roderick left last year, his return should be welcomed by both the fans and coaching staff. He adds depth and experience to a defensive backfield that’s lost five starters in the offseason.

The Summerville, SC native has been a mainstay in the lineup since his freshman year, amassing 134 tackles over the past three seasons. He’s also recorded two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

The Gamecocks are gravely thin in the secondary, so any bodies help, particularly if new defensive coordinator Clayton White plans to install his 4-2-5 scheme. Roderick could possibly factor in at the “SPUR” position, which is more of a safety/linebacker hybrid, and could maximize Roderick’s tackling abilities while limiting his time in coverage.

Head coach Shane Beamer has not confirmed Roderick’s return, but mentioned that he had been in contact with each of the opt outs from 2020. Getting him back in the fold is a huge win for the defensive unit.

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