South Carolina football: knowns, unknowns on defense in 2021
By Jacob Elsey
UNKNOWNS
Who steps up in the secondary?
This is the biggest question mark on the defense, as the Gamecocks lose Jaycee Horn, Israel Mukuamu, John Dixon, Jammie Robinson, and Shilo Sanders from last year’s squad. The secondary is thin, with only Cam Smith, Jaylin Dickerson, RJ Roderick, and Jaylan Foster having made any major contributions.
Smith will likely be a starter at one corner spot, but who lines up opposite the sophomore is still unknown. It could be one of the three transfers, or a freshman that was on the sidelines for the majority of last season.
At safety, Dickerson, Roderick, and Foster combined for 86 tackles and an interception in 2020. They will certainly get a look on the first team, though players like Joey Hunter and Dom Hill could also earn some playing time.
Who replaces Ernest Jones?
There are options to replace the Gamecocks’ leading tackler of the last two seasons, but who will step up? Mo Kaba got his first action in a South Carolina uniform last year, recording 14 takedowns as a freshman. He’ll battle incoming transfers Debo Williams and Bam Scott, who are both expected to make an impact, as well as rising junior middle backer Rosendo Louis.
The Gamecocks also return Sherrod Greene, Jahmar Brown, and Damani Staley, and they’ll battle to man the other linebacker spot in coordinator Clayton White’s 4-2-5 scheme.
What does Clayton White’s scheme look like?
Speaking of that scheme, Gamecock fans may see a familiar look for the defensive unit next year. Coordinator Clayton White typically implements a 4-2-5 look that employs two linebackers and five defensive backs. One of those backs will likely function as a hybrid player that can both play the pass and the run.
This look is similar to Ellis Johnson-led defenses of the past, which saw players like Antonio Allen, DJ Swearinger, Melvin Ingram, Stephon Gilmore, and Jadeveon Clowney. Hopefully the results will be similar, too.
White has many questions to answer over spring practice, but he’ll look to change that in the coming months as he attempts to replicate the success he’s had at previous stops. A three-time Frank Broyles Award nominee, White has helped lead top 30 defenses at Western Kentucky, NC State, and Stanford. Will the Gamecocks be the next program added to the list?