South Carolina football: 5 key players on the Gamecocks’ defense

Which players will have the biggest impacts on South Carolina football?

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina football team are in the midst of Summer, working through the offseason as they prepare for the upcoming year. That campaign will kick off in less than two months with a September 4th meeting versus Eastern Illinois. The coaching staff is still trying to figure out position battles and install new offensive and defensive schemes, but there are already a few players that the Gamecock know will be vital to the team’s success.

Today, we’re looking at the defense. Coordinator Clayton White will do his best to improve a unit that allowed 36 points per game last year, the worst mark for the program in more than two decades. He has some pieces to work with on the defensive line, but there are question marks at linebacker and in the secondary.

Let’s take a look at five players on the defense that coach White and the Gamecocks will be relying on heavily to make an impact this Fall.

1. Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare

Enagbare was one of the few bright spots for the South Carolina defense in 2020, as the junior recorded six sacks over just eight games. A pass rushing specialist, he will lead a defensive line unit that should be the defense’s deepest group.

Enagbare has seen an uptick in production each season, and he’s hoping it continues in his final campaign. The defender has already landed in a couple of 2022 mock drafts as a potential first round selection. If that comes to fruition, it should mean good things for the South Carolina front four.