Front Porch Football2018 South Carolina Season Preview
by Chris Paschal
3rd – SEC East
Columbia, SC | Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) | 2017 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
The South Carolina Gamecocks are lightyears ahead of schedule. Many thought that was not possible under the leadership of Will Muschamp. I was not one of them. What did South Carolina need more than anything else in 2015? An energetic, tenacious recruiter. That is what the Gamecocks got in Will Muschamp. Where he has greatly improved this roster is in overall team speed, especially on the defensive side of the ball. That was evident in the 2017 season, with two kick returns for touchdowns, solid special teams coverage, and the most forced turnovers in the SEC.
Muschamp brings much needed energy to the Gamecocks. Image from SEC Country.
But for South Carolina to take the next step, the Gamecocks must do something that no Will Muschamp-led team has ever done – score a lot of points. The 2018 season could go in several different directions, depending on how many offensive points they score. The offense will have a new look with Bryan McClendon at the helm. McClendon has promised a more up-tempo offense with more “reaction-type” play designs (i.e., run-pass options). In theory, that sounds like the shot in the arm this offense needs, but there are no magic pills in the SEC – the offensive line is going to have to step up and play grown-man football this season.
Offense
Quarterbacks: Last year, Jake Bentley (6-4, 225) did not take the giant step forward most Gamecock fans were hoping he would take. That isn’t up for debate. What is up for debate is whether or not Bentley’s lack of progress was because Bentley has hit his ceiling or because Kurt Roper (the former quarterbacks coach and former offensive coordinator) did not develop Bentley to his potential. I don’t think Bentley is winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy, but I do think his 2017 play was more indicative of Kurt Roper and his play calling (conservative, NFL-like) than it was of Bentley’s capabilities. Bentley is going to pass for 3,000 yards this season and 25 touchdowns. I am confident this passing attack is going to progress with more fast-paced, read-and-react play calls in 2018. Bentley plays his best when he is reacting and things are breaking down around him. McClendon will utilize that.
Jake Bentley has a chance to produce big numbers for the Gamecocks. Image from South Carolina Athletics.
Behind him there are a lot of questions marks, since Bentley was responsible for every South Carolina passing attempt in 2017. His backup is Perry Orth-look-alike Michael Scarnecchia (6-3, 210), who is entering his senior season. There is a lot of buzz, though, around true freshman Dakereon Joyner (6-1, 205) from Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston, South Carolina. Joyner was a big-time recruit coming out of high school, with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, NC State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The catch is that most of those programs wanted to use him more as a receiver or running back than as a quarterback. South Carolina offered him the opportunity to compete for quarterback, which means Joyner has some maturing to do. He enrolled early at South Carolina and flashed his athletic ability throughout the spring game, but like a true freshman, he also showed inaccuracy and footwork problem in the pocket. Joyner should have a promising career at South Carolina no matter what position he plays, but don’t be surprised if Joyner redshirts in 2018.
More talent is on the way, by the way. Ryan Hilinski is currently the top-rated quarterback in the 2019 recruiting class, according to ESPN, and he is currently committed to South Carolina. Luke Doty is a 4-star 2020 prospect who recently committed to South Carolina, as well.
Running Back: Who is going to step up at this position? This was one of the worst rushing offenses in the SEC last season. But it isn’t due to a lack of running back talent. The top three contributors from last season all have unique skill sets. First is AJ Turner (5-10, 190) who is more of a scat back. Considered one of the fastest players on the offense, Turner is an excellent option not only in the rushing attack but in the passing game, as well. Next is Rico Dowdle (6-0, 220) who is probably the purest running back on South Carolina’s roster. The biggest question mark around Dowdle is not his ability, but his health. After missing the heart of last season’s schedule with a broken leg, Dowdle struggled with various minor injuries throughout his recovery and offseason. When Dowdle is 100% healthy and in shape, he is one of the best backs in the SEC, as evidenced by his inclusion on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award (given to the top running back in the country).
When healthy Rico Dowdle is a player maker. Image from USA Today.
Finally, there is Ty’Son Williams (6-0, 215) who might be the most talented back in the bunch. Williams struggled at times last season after transferring from North Carolina and sitting out 2016. Williams has top-end speed for a man his size, and has the wiggle and power needed to break tackles. If Williams can get more comfortable in the offense, South Carolina could have an NFL-ready running back in its backfield. Besides those three, South Carolina could also feature junior Mon Denson (5-10, 210) who played well in last year’s Florida game, senior Caleb Kinlaw (5-10, 190), who has a lot of speed, and freshman Deshaun Fenwick (6-1, 225) who really impressed during the spring game.
Ty’son Williams looks to get more touches this year. Image from South Carolina Athletics.
Look for true freshman Lavonte Valentine (6-0, 185) to redshirt as he continues to recover from a high school injury. Valentine has world class speed, but Gamecock fans will probably have to wait until 2019 to experience it.
Wide Receiver: This is one of the best wide receiving corps in the SEC, if not the country. The top four would start and contribute at every school in the country (yes, Ole Miss and Clemson fans, I hear you). Those young men go by the name of senior Deebo Samuel (6-0, 210), junior Bryan Edwards (6-3, 215), sophomore Shi Smith (5-10, 190), and sophomore OrTre Smith (6-4, 220). Everyone knows the story of Deebo Samuel. He played and contributed during both the 2015 and 2016 season while fighting through injury. The beginning of 2017 was a different story. Samuel was having a Heisman-like start to the season, scoring two kickoff return touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and three receiving touchdowns in just three games. But during the third game he broke his leg and sat out the rest of the season. And while that hurt the Gamecocks in 2017, it may help them in 2018, as other receivers had to step up and contribute last year.
Deebo Samuel was putting up Heisman numbers before his injury last year. Image from Garnet & Black Attack.
Edwards finished last season as the leading pass catcher with 64 receptions for 793 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is a big, physical receiver with the speed and athleticism to challenge defenses. Then there is Shi Smith, who did not drop a single pass as a true freshman last season. According to his teammates, Shi is the fastest guy on the team, and after watching him burn a Michigan defender in last season’s Outback Bowl, I can believe it. Shi finished 2017 with 3 touchdowns while averaging 14.1 yards per reception.
Who Run It ¯_(ツ)_/¯ @Edwards_Bryan4 #SpursUp #AllGasNoBrakes pic.twitter.com/0QBENp1AgB
— Rob Gregory III (@RobGregoryGC) August 3, 2018
The biggest wildcard of the four is OrTre Smith. OrTre was a monster recruit coming out of Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. And while he performed well with 30 receptions for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns, I have a feeling he bursts onto the scene in year two. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams because of his massive frame and athleticism. Some names to look out for besides those four are sophomore Randrecous Davis (5-10, 185) out of Atlanta, who has had horrific luck staying healthy, junior Chavis Dawkins (6-2, 220), who has made some nice plays throughout his career, and true freshman Josh Vann (5-11, 180), who was a U.S. Army All-American last year.
OrTre (18) and Shi (13) return after successful freshman campaigns. Image from the Post & Courier.
Offensive Line: The offensive line and the play calling are what will determine South Carolina’s offensive production in 2018. This offensive line is experienced and talented, but must play up to its potential. Zack Bailey (6-6, 310) returns for his senior season and moves back inside to guard, where he plays his best. Bailey will be drafted in next year’s NFL Draft.
Ole My 👀#GamecockOL 💪🏻@ZackaryDBailey pic.twitter.com/OAaHSzUAbS
— Landon Martin (@CoachLMartin) October 29, 2017
The other guard slot is what intrigues me. All signs point to the athletic sophomore Sadarius Hutcherson (6-4, 310) having a big-time coming-out party. He has spent the past couple of years trying to learn a position he had very little experience with, but according to Muschamp, Hutcherson had the best spring out of the position group. Junior Donell Stanley (6-3, 320) will man the center position. At left tackle, South Carolina returns senior Dennis Daley (6-6, 310) and looks to another senior, Blake Camper (6-8, 310) to man right tackle. Malik Young (6-3, 290) is also an experienced option, and South Carolina adds a lot of talent to the position with one of the nation’s best offensive line hauls, including four-star tackles Dennis Wonnum and Maxwell Iyama, four-star guard Jovaughn Gwyn, and three-star center Hank Manos.
Blake Camper should be placed at right tackle. Image from Post & Courier.
Defense
Defensive Line: This defensive line has some studs, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But whether this is an above-average defensive line or an elite defensive line hinges on a few juniors, starting with Javon Kinlaw (6-6, 300) and Shameik Blackshear (6-5, 265). First, Kinlaw. He certainly looks the part, and he produced well enough at the end of the season to give the Gamecocks a big, block-gobbling defensive tackle in the middle of its defense. But the question is whether he takes the next step or not. If Kinlaw plays to his ability, he could end the year as an All-SEC defensive tackle. But that and a couple of dollars gets you a cup of coffee in the SEC.
Javon Kinlaw is a massive DT at 6-6, 300 lb. Image from 247 Sports.
The other wild card is Shameik Blackshear. Blackshear was a former blue-chip prospect who has suffered setback after setback. But this year feels different. For the first time ever, Blackshear is healthy, and not only is he healthy, but he looks like a SEC defensive end. He played with a great motor in the spring game, and he looks like he could be the starting strong-side defensive end week one. If he plays to the talent he has been blessed with, Blackshear is a first round draft pick, but with the struggles he has faced, you wonder if he has enough in him to play up to his potential.
Shamiek Blackshear has the speed and size for an elite DE. Image from The State.
Opposite of Blackshear is the Buck position, which is basically a weakside defensive end who rushes the passer. Returning for his junior season is DJ Wonnum (6-5, 260) out of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Wonnum led the Gamecocks last season in both sacks and tackles for loss. Behind Wonnum are Daniel Fennell (6-2, 245) and Bryson Allen-Williams (6-1, 230), both of which see time at linebacker, as well (especially Allen-Williams). Sophomore Brad Johnson (6-2, 250) was a big recruit coming out of high school and flashed his pass rushing ability in 2017, but will be more of a presence in 2018. Aaron Sterling (6-1, 250) can play both Buck and strong-side defensive end.
DJ Wonnum led the team in sacks last year. Image from South Carolina Athletics.
Next to Kinlaw inside will be undersized Keir Thomas (6-2, 275). What he lacks in size, though, he makes up for in quickness. Thomas is going to be tough for opposing guards to block this season after tallying 38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and two sacks in 2017. Kobe Smith (6-2, 295) can also play inside. Besides Kinlaw, Thomas, and Smith, the interior has a lot of talented but unproven players, including MJ Webb (6-3, 295), JJ Enagbare (6-4, 260), Aaron Thompson (6-3, 300), Jesus Gibbs (6-3, 285), Jabari Ellis (6-2, 280), and Rick Sandidge (6-5, 285). The talent is there, and if it performs, this could be one of the SEC’s best defensive lines.
Linebacker: Skai Moore was one of the best players in program history. There is no way to replace that, but South Carolina should still have a solid linebacking corps. The starting three are some of the best in the SEC, but it is the lack of experience behind them that is concerning. At outside linebacker will be the aforementioned Bryson Allen-Williams, who has played in every season dating back to the 2014 season. He is fast, athletic, and built like an SEC linebacker.
Bryson Allen-Williams enters 2018 a seasoned veteran. Image from Getty Images.
Opposite of him will be sophomore Sherrod Greene (6-1, 225) from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Greene might be the fastest backer of the group, and while he isn’t a pass rushing specialist like Allen-Williams is, he is dynamic enough to play all three linebacker spots. Inside is TJ Brunson (6-1, 225) who finished second on the team in tackles last season. Brunson is from Columbia, SC and was passed over by most other SEC programs. He plays like it. Brunson flies to the football and does a great job in run defense. A name to remember is true freshman Rosendo Louis (6-2, 245) who is a thumper at the inside linebacker position. South Carolina was able to sign him over Florida State, and he should contribute early for the Gamecocks. Senior Eldridge Thompson (6-1, 225) should also find his way onto the field.
Defensive Backs: This will be one of the best cornerback groups in the SEC and one of the most inexperienced safety groups in the SEC. At safety, South Carolina returns senior Steven Montac (5-10, 190) who co-led the team last season in interceptions with 3. Besides Montac, there really isn’t a lot of experience.
Steven Montac returns at safety. Image from The State.
Opposite of Montac will probably be sophomore Jamyest Williams (5-8, 175) who finished last season as a Freshman All-SEC performer last season. The only problem was it was at nickel back. Despite his early accolades, there are questions. Williams is extremely talented and was considered one of the best defensive backs in the country coming out of high school, and after he chose South Carolina over Georgia, many thought he would be the next great Gamecock defensive back. But after looking like a deer in the headlights at times and missing the entire spring due to surgery, many South Carolina fans are concerned about what the future holds for Williams at safety. This could go either one of two ways. Either Williams could be picked on for not possessing the size needed to guard taller receivers on inside fade routes, or Williams could be used much like the undersized Tyrann Mathieu was used at LSU. Williams has the speed, quickness, and strength needed to perform at a high level, but the question will be whether he learns the playbook and gets comfortable. If he does, Williams will have a big career for South Carolina.
Jamyest Williams has several concerns entering this season. Image from USA Today.
Other safeties utilized will be grad transfer JT Ibe (6-0, 200), sophomore Jalyn Dickerson (6-1, 190), freshmen RJ Roderick (6-0, 210), and freshman Jonathan Gipson (6-2, 185). Corner is a whole other story. The Gamecocks have three seniors that should play immediately and a few underclassmen that can contribute, as well. South Carolina returns one of the best corners in the SEC in Rashad Fenton (5-11, 185). Fenton takes away half of a field and will be playing in the NFL this time next year. Opposite of him will be grad transfer Nick Harvey (5-10, 190). Harvey was a US Army All-American coming out of high school and did not disappoint during his time at Texas A&M. In 2016, Harvey finished the season with an Aggie-high 10 pass break ups to go along with his 66 tackles and one interception. But after missing 2017 due to injury and the coaching change that happened in College Station, Harvey decided to transfer to South Carolina.
“Fenton Island” comes back in 2018. Image from South Carolina Athletics.
At nickel back, South Carolina will start Keisean Nixon (5-10, 195). Nixon transferred in to South Carolina last season and after spending most of the first half of the season trying to learn the defense, spent most of the second half of the season making plays (two interceptions, including one for a touchdown). Nixon is poised for a monster senior season. Behind the seniors are two highly-recruited, long freshmen in Israel Mukuamu (6-4, 195) and Jaycee Horn (6-1, 190), son of former standout NFL receiver Joe Horn. Both will be big time players for the Gamecocks. Tavyn Jackson (5-9, 185) and Korey Banks (5-11, 185) add depth at both safety and corner, respectfully. Zay Brown (5-11, 200) enters his redshirt freshman season.
Look for Keisean Nixon to play a lot at nickel. Image from USA Today.
Special Teams
Parker White struggled, and so did Alexander Woznick last season kicking the football. Shane Hynes (grad transfer from Kent State) may win the job. Stay tuned. Punter Joseph Charlton returns and should have a great year punting the football. Kick returner will be Deebo Samuel and punt returner could be a hodgepodge of players, including Jamyest Williams and Shi Smith.
Coaching Staff
The defensive side of the football returns, and the only change on the offensive side are Kurt Roper’s replacements – Bryan McClendon at offensive coordinator and Dan Werner at quarterbacks coach. Werner was the quarterbacks coach at Ole Miss when the Rebels experienced a resurrection behind the excellent play of Bo Wallace (one of Front Porch Football’s all-time favorites) and Chad Kelly. Between the up-tempo offensive approach and Werner’s tutelage, Gamecock fans are hoping this offense performs at a much higher level in 2018.
Biggest Strength: Skill Position Players – Between the wide receivers, the plethora of tight end options (KC Crosby should return to 2016 form and Jacob August, Kiel Pollard, and Evan Hinson are all great options, as well), and the hopefully healthier running backs, this offense could be lethal.
Biggest Weakness: Proven Depth on the Line of Scrimmage – A Will Muschamp team will have solid players at safety, and while there is very little experience at that position, I have faith the Gamecocks will play well at that position. The question I am intrigued by is which underclassman offensive or defensive linemen step up and contribute.
Offensive, Defensive, and Freshman Players of the Year
Offensive: Deebo Samuel. Samuel was listed as a preseason First Team All-SEC player at three different positions. That’s how good he is. Tight end KC Crosby (replacing NFL-bound Hayden Hurst) may be just as important as Deebo in terms of improving the passing attack, but nobody on this roster is as dynamic as Samuel.
