Five Gamecocks defensive breakout candidates to watch this spring
South Carolina’s defense carried it through most of the 2019 season. Several key pieces of that front seven have also moved on to the NFL.
The Gamecocks have a wide range of options ready to step up. The recruiting has been strong there, and the pieces are in place to reload what was a talented defensive line.
Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens
Arguably the top question mark on the Gamecocks roster this spring is also its top talent. Pickens has all the tools to be one of the best linemen in the SEC. He’s big, quick and explosive, but that didn’t translate to big stats or consistent dominant play a year ago. He put up 16 tackles and one hurry in 2019. Tackle is one of the most developmental positions in the sport. If he can move farther along that curve, he could be close to growing into an impact player.
Defensive tackle Rick Sandidge
Another guy on the line, Sandidge showed flashes last season but has yet to consistently deliver on his considerable talent. He was the top recruit in South Carolina’s 2018 class and has seen playing time each of the past two seasons. With Kobe Smith and Javon Kinlaw vacating both tackle spots, there are opportunities and snaps to be had. And this will be a big chance for him under new line coach Tracy Rocker.
Linebacker Jahmar Brown
The freshman flashed last season, showing a combination of coverage skills and play-making ability at times. He added more than 20 pounds between arriving on campus and the start of spring, but he was also sharing a position with defensive stalwart T.J. Brunson. The senior has now moved on, and Brown, who was a dynamic but undersized playmaker on the high school level, will have a say in replacing him.
Defensive back Cam Smith
From a recruiting and upside perspective, he probably has the most raw talent of any defensive back not already established in the rotation. Smith is tall, fast and possesses a lot of ability, but a later enrollment and coming in a little skinny played a role in him not getting more work. He’s had a full season in the weight program and with the coaching staff, and it wouldn’t be the first time a corner who started later than planned took a step in Year 2.
Buck lineman Rodricus Fitten
He’s a candidate here because he arguably has to be. Behind projected starting Buck defensive end Brad Johnson, the team seems short on natural players at the position (it only has two listed scholarship players at the spot). Perhaps Jordan Burch or another bigger end could help here. In either case, the Gamecocks will need more bodies as at the edge spots, and he’s in line to fight for one.
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Five Gamecocks defensive breakout candidates to watch this spring."
