South Carolina football: 5 key players on the Gamecocks’ defense
By Jacob Elsey
2. Cam Smith
Smith has the tall task of taking over the starting role at cornerback now that first round draft pick Jaycee Horn is off to the NFL. He does have some experience, having started three contests last year, and picking off a team-high two passes.
South Carolina’s secondary was flat out bad outside of Horn last year, allowing big plays in losses to Tennessee, Florida, LSU, and Ole Miss. Smith and the rest of the defensive backfield will need to change that narrative next season.
While he’s played mostly in a reserve role early in his career, the rising redshirt sophomore does have the ability to become a game changer. He was a highly recruited prospect coming out of high school, and has been tabbed by 24/7 Sports as one of the SEC’s rising stars ahead of the 2021 season. A big year would make a huge impact on the South Carolina pass defense.
3. Zacch Pickens
Pickens is entering his junior year, and while the former five-star recruit has been productive, it’s now time for him to live up to that rating. Pickens will work in the middle of the South Carolina defensive front, and he should have both the ability to stuff the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Last year, he racked up 35 takedowns and a sack from his tackle position. He will be an integral part in improving a run defense that allowed nearly 200 yards per game on the ground last season.