South Carolina football: offensive position previews

Previewing South Carolina football’s rushing attack

RB

The running back room is the deepest and most complete group on the offense. Kevin Harris is back in Columbia as the SEC’s leading returning rusher. Five-star talent MarShawn Lloyd has fully recovered from an ACL tear, and figures to be a major addition in the run game. ZaQuandre White and Rashad Amos will also factor in after appearing in multiple contests last season.

Let’s start with Harris. The top back on the roster rushed for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, setting a school record with 6.2 yards per carry. He tallied two 200-yard performances, and tallied at least 50 yards in all but one game. A threat in the passing attack, too, Harris tallied six multi-catch games, finishing the year with 24 receptions and another score.

There to provide relief will be Lloyd, White, and Amos. Lloyd will see his first action in 2021, while White and Amos saw a little playing time last year. White rushed 16 times for 59 yards a season ago, but had problems hanging on to the ball at times. He’s tried to remedy his ball security issues over the offseason, and showed out in the annual Spring Game, rushing for 95 yards and a score.

Amos saw action in the final two games versus Georgia and Kentucky, and he fared well, tallying 18 carries for 99 yards. He averaged 5.5 yards a pop, and will look to build upon a productive freshman season.

OL

Helping pave the way for these talented rushers is an experienced offensive line. The Gamecocks return Dylan Wonnum, Jaz Turnetine, Jakai Moore, Eric Douglas, Jordan Rhodes, Jovaughn Gwyn, Jalen Nichols, Vershon Lee, and Hank Manos up front. Freshmen Tyshawn Wannamaker and Trai Jones will also try to make the starting rotation.

Some combination of Wonnum, Moore, Douglas, Gwyn, and Turnetine could wind up being the starting five, though upperclassmen Jordan Rhodes and Jalen Nichols could also find themselves in the rotation at one point or another. They’ll hope to both open up holes for the tailbacks and provide time for Luke Doty in the passing attack.

The offensive line will be one of the most important units on the field. A successful season should allow the Gamecocks to see major improvements in 2021.