The Future Is Now: South Carolina football freshmen who are ready to help right now

South Carolina Football freshmen ready to help right now:
Defensive End Desmond Umeozulu and Defensive Tackles Xzavier McLeod and Jamaal Whyce

The Gamecock defensive line had a better performance against Furman, but the unit is not without question marks in 2023. The starting lineup is still somewhat unsettled, especially at defensive end, and the best performer up front has been TJ Sanders, who has been a bench player the first two weeks of the season.

Defensive tackles coach Travian Robertson and defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas desperately need to see some players step up on the defensive line. Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, Boogie Huntley, and Jordan Strachan will play roles on this defensive front, but at a rotation-heavy position, USC needs more guys who are ready to contribute.

Desmond Umeozulu is not ready to be an every-down defensive end in the SEC, but his athleticism and length could allow him to become a good situational pass rusher. He will battle with fellow pass rusher Bryan Thomas, Jr., junior college transfer Elijah Davis, and veterans Drew Tuazama and Tyreek Johnson.

Defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod had a big boy interception against Furman, and while he probably won’t get another pick in his collegiate career, he is big enough and talented enough to get on the field behind Sanders, Hemingway, and Huntley. Redshirt freshman Jamaal Whyce will battle with McLeod for that 4th tackle role.