SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
2013 College Football Early Preview
OFFENSE - 7
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 5
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Kenny Miles-TB, D.L. Moore-WR, Justice Cunningham-TE, T.J. Johnson-C, Adam Yates-K, Marcus Lattimore-TB (NFL)
DEFENSE: Devin Taylor-DE, Aldrick Fordham-DE, Byron Jerideau-DT, Shaw Wilson-LB, Quin Smith-LB, Reginald Bowens-LB, DeVonte Holloman-LB, Damario Jeffery-LB, Akeem Auguste-CB, D.J. Swearinger-FS
WR Ace Sanders
Secondary / Clowney

The secondary is full of returning veterans. Their efforts get bolstered by a defensive line that continues to be hungry for quarterbacks. Speaking of which, Jadeveon Clowney has proven to be all that he was cracked up to be out of high school. No where across the land is there a defensive end that can single-handed win football games.

Linebacker / Running Back

This has been a great defense but the linebacker unit loses all three solid full-time starters. In short, three of the top four tacklers played here and were seniors. The oft injured running back Marcus Lattimore has already declared for the NFL. Kenny Miles stepped in to cover but he too will move on. That leaves only sophomore Mike Davis, considered one of the top senior high school performers, to carry the load. The limited depth behind him won't get labeled until spring.

DE Jadeveon Clowney
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2013 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
SOUTH CAROLINA 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Connor Shaw-Sr Dylan Thompson-Jr
TB Mike Davis-So ..
WR Ace Sanders-Sr Shaw Roland-So
WR Bruce Ellington-Jr K.J. Brent-So
WR Damiere Byrd-Jr Nick Jones-Jr
TE Rory Anderson-Jr Jerell Adams-So
OT Corey Robinson-Jr Mike Matulis-Jr
OG A.J. Cann-Jr ..
C Kyle Harris-So ..
OG Ronald Patrick-Sr ..
OT Brandon Shell-So Cody Gibson-Jr
K .. ..
 
SOUTH CAROLINA 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Chaz Sutton-Sr Gerald Dixon-So
DT J.T. Surratt-Jr Phillip Dukes-So
DT Kelcy Quarles-Jr ..
DE Jadeveon Clowney-Jr Chaz Sutton-Sr
SPUR .. ..
MLB .. ..
WLB Cedrick Cooper-So ..
CB Victor Hampton-Jr Ahmad Christian-So
CB Jimmy Legree-Sr ..
SS Brison Williams-Jr ..
FS T.J. Gurley-So Kadetrix Marcus-Jr
P Tyler Hull-Jr Patrick Fish-Jr
QUICK TAKES

    12/18/12

  • Head Coach Steve Spurrier is sporting a new contract extension which means he must be doing something right after all these years in Columbia. Offense hasn't been one of them for the former Gainesville "offensive genius". The Gamecocks continue to win with defense and the scales have to be tipped more to the other side in 2013 if this team is to get better as the defensive personnel takes a few hits.
  • Quarterback Connor Shaw has been more than serviceable because he can run. His passing ability isn't going to force a defense to game plan around it. At times Shaw looks brilliant and at other times sub-par. Back up Dylan Thompson will continue to look over his shoulder.
  • The offensive line has a rare opportunity to be the rock offensively with four starters returning. This unit has been an area of massive concern and shake up in the past.
  • The top two pass catchers are back in Sanders and Ellington which should help keep this passing game moving forward. Ace Sanders is also a threat to take any punt return in for six points.
  • This defense featured one of the top fronts in the nation with veteran seniors at linebacker. They're gone now. The holes get enhanced by the fact there is little to no proven experience behind them.
  • Defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor and Chaz Sutton have been the reason the Gamecocks have amassed 40 sacks. Clowney and Sutton are back. With so much experience in the secondary the pass defense should be solid.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA 2013 SCHEDULE

Aug. 31 - North Carolina
Sept. 7 - at Georgia
Sept. 14 - Vanderbilt
Sept. 28 - at UCF
Oct. 5 - Kentucky
Oct. 12 - at Arkansas
Oct. 19 - at Tennessee
Oct. 26 - at Missouri
Nov. 2 - Mississippi State
Nov. 16 - Florida
Nov. 23 - Coastal Carolina
Nov. 30 - Clemson