6. SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Strength: Linebackers
Weakness: Defensive line
Best Player: LB Skai Moore
South Carolina’s taken the necessary steps to ensure another pass-rush embarrassment doesn’t happen this season, an SEC-low number of sacks that nearly cost veteran defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward his job. Defensive end Marquavius Lewis is one of several newcomers who will make an early impact (and start) on the Gamecocks’ restructured defensive line and pass rush scheme under first-year assistant Jon Hoke. Without a consistent rush, South Carolina’s secondary could struggle.
The silver lining on defense comes at linebacker where South Carolina’s blessed with speed, power and strength. Moore’s the proven All-SEC competitor while Bryson Allen-Williams expects a standout sophomore season and Jonathan Walton moves into a full-time starting role after breaking out during the latter half of the 2014 campaign. The Gamecocks should be much-improved against the run in season and as a result, fare better as a unit on defense.
Strength: Linebackers
Weakness: Defensive line
Best Player: LB Skai Moore
South Carolina’s taken the necessary steps to ensure another pass-rush embarrassment doesn’t happen this season, an SEC-low number of sacks that nearly cost veteran defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward his job. Defensive end Marquavius Lewis is one of several newcomers who will make an early impact (and start) on the Gamecocks’ restructured defensive line and pass rush scheme under first-year assistant Jon Hoke. Without a consistent rush, South Carolina’s secondary could struggle.
The silver lining on defense comes at linebacker where South Carolina’s blessed with speed, power and strength. Moore’s the proven All-SEC competitor while Bryson Allen-Williams expects a standout sophomore season and Jonathan Walton moves into a full-time starting role after breaking out during the latter half of the 2014 campaign. The Gamecocks should be much-improved against the run in season and as a result, fare better as a unit on defense.
