South Carolina football: projected starting lineup following Spring practice
By Jacob Elsey
DEFENSE
DL – Jordan Burch / Zacch Pickens / Jabari Ellis / Kingsley Enagbare
LB – Mohamed Kaba / Rosendo Louis, Jr. / Sherrod Greene
DB – Cam Smith / Jaylin Dickerson / RJ Roderick / Marcellas Dial
The Gamecocks will eventually turn to the 4-2-5 base defense under coordinator Clayton White, but with limited bodies available in the secondary, we’re projecting that the base 4-3 will be the likely scheme to start the year.
On the front line, Kinglsey Enagbare comes back after leading the team in sacks last season. He’ll form a potent pass rushing duo with former five-star end Jordan Burch. In the middle, look for Zacch Pickens to start for a third straight year, while sixth-year player Jabari Ellis will look to end his career on a high note.
The defensive line is the deepest position group on the defense, meaning players like Jordan Strachan, Rick Sandidge, Keem Green, Devontae Davis, and Aaron Sterling will also see extended playing time. The Gamecocks need to provide a decent pass rush to help out a thin back end.
Read. Can Enagbare be Gamecocks' next 1st rd pick?. light
At linebacker, we’re pegging Mohamed Kaba and Sherrod Greene to man the outside backer spots, while junior Rosendo Louis finally overcomes injury to earn the start in the middle. Should the Gamecocks move to a 4-2-5 look, we could see RJ Roderick or Jahmar Brown step into a backer/safety type role due to their athleticism.
Speaking of Roderick, he’ll likely earn a starting role in the secondary after opting to return to Columbia for a senior season. He’s notched 134 career tackles and a couple of picks in three years with the Gamecocks. The other safety spot is up in the air, though Jaylin Dickerson has some talent and experience if he can remain healthy. Cam Smith will undoubtedly slot in at one of the cornerback spots, and we’re thinking he’ll team up with Georgia Military College transfer Marcellas Dial on the outside.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the offseason plays out. All eyes will be on coach Beamer as he looks to improve a defense that allowed more than 36 points a game last year.