South Carolina Football: 10 notes from Spring Practice so far

South Carolina football’s Dakereon Joyner has a chance to become just the fifth player ever in college football history (and the second Gamecock) to join the “600 Club.” Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina football’s Dakereon Joyner has a chance to become just the fifth player ever in college football history (and the second Gamecock) to join the “600 Club.” Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina Football
Last season, South Carolina football’s secondary was led by two surprise standouts in Darius Rush and Nick Emmanwori. This year, Emmanwori will be the secondary’s leader. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: South Carolina football’s safety room remains intact…for now

Speculation was rampant earlier this offseason that Nick Emmanwori, the Gamecocks’ Freshman All-American safety, might be moving to linebacker. The defense has a need at the position, and there are seemingly more ready-to-play options at safety, However, as of now, the Columbia kid isn’t going anywhere. In the early goings of spring practice, #21 has been playing safety next to fellow Columbia native DQ Smith, just as was true most of last season.

Just because Emmanwori has played safety through the first handful of spring practices does not mean a position change is out of the question. DQ Smith, David Spaulding, and Peyton Williams have all played well at safety in the past, and linebacker has zero players who are both experienced and 100% healthy.

Mo Kaba is coming off of an ACL tear, and Debo Williams, Stone Blanton, and Bam Martin-Scott have only played rotationally. Big-time freshman Grayson “Pup” Howard is talented but has never played college football. Emmanwori is a safety, but don’t be surprised to see the move happen if linebacker is a struggle through the spring and summer.