South Carolina Football: 10 things to look for during Saturday’s spring game
By Kevin Miller
No. 3: Like on Offense, Some Young Players Will Play on Defense This Year
Which young defensive players see the field first in the spring game will provide some insight into which of them have made the greatest strides in adjusting to the college game. Grayson “Pup” Howard will probably see lots of snaps at linebacker as a true freshman, and second-year player Stone Blanton is in a similar place on the depth chart, as well. Both youngsters will likely see plenty of playing time Saturday, especially with projected starter Mo Kaba out as he finishes his rehab from a torn ACL.
In the secondary, a large group of first and second-year players will fight for playing time this year. Returning starters at safety Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith headline this group, but Jalon Kilgore, Keenan Nelson, KaJuan Banks, Peyton Williams, and Emory Floyd are all competing. Xzavier McLeod and Desmond Umeozulu are expected to contribute on the defensive line as true freshmen, and junior college transfer Elijah Davis is very talented, as well.
Whichever players get the first opportunities during the spring game may have a leg up on the others in the battle for playing time.