South Carolina Football: Spring Practice update on the defensive line

South Carolina football is about halfway through spring practice. By now, the coaching staff has had an opportunity to see how offseason workouts have facilitated growth in the team’s returners and how ready-to-play newcomers might be this fall. Earlier in the week, Head Coach Shane Beamer offered some insight into the offensive line situation.

During the later portion of the week, Defensive Line Coach Jimmy Lindsey spoke about some of his younger players. Lindsey works with the entire defensive line but primarily oversees the defensive tackles as Coach Sterling Lucas handles coaching the EDGE players.

Lindsey had positive reports on some of his tackles. Alex “Boogie” Huntley was talked up for his leadership abilities and his resolve in playing through and bouncing back from his knee injury last season. Jamaal Whyce, a redshirt freshman has seen progress according to his position coach: “Night and day from last year…his maturity level has come far and beyond,” said Lindsey.

TJ Sanders might have gotten the most love during Lindsey’s media availability. He spoke of Sanders’ increased confidence that has come with experience. Sanders had not played much football before arriving at Carolina. Since then, his position coach has seen lots of growth from the athletic tackle: “[Now] he understands what a release is. He understands when he makes a mistake…what were the issues that caused him not to play it the right way.” Sanders was also referred to as a “leader” for the first time by Lindsey.

Xzavier McLeod and Elijah Davis were both mentioned as exciting players. Lindsey added that they are “very young” in their experience, so expectations for this season should be tempered a bit. Both players have flashed during spring practice and have rotated in to get some reps with the starters.

Lindsey also mentioned that redshirt freshman Demetrius Watson has missed some time with a minor injury.