W
Wes Mitchell
Guest
With South Carolina releasing its depth chart today, here are some insights and notes I've gleaned.
** Obviously the big news here is the fact that Zeb Noland gets the nod at quarterback. That should come as no surprise to anyone here on the site and it's really been trending that way for about a week and a half. As we reported, Jason Brown did step up and make it interesting enough last week, but Noland has been pretty consistently taking the first reps leading up to this announcement and as we reported took the first reps in Saturday's walkthrough.
This really comes down to South Carolina picking the QB with the most experience, particularly in a scheme similar to this one, and Noland's ability to command the huddle and stay out of bad plays. Brown is a playmaker for sure, but Noland provides a calm, steady hand at the position that rubs off on others. Noland also throws a great deep ball, I'm told.
We won't put any ridiculous expectations, but is Noland fully capable of going out there and leading South Carolina to wins over Eastern Illinois and ECU (if needed)? Absolutely.
In case you missed it, Noland will shift to wear the No. 8.
** South Carolina goes with the four ORs at the running back position which speaks to what ZaQuandre White, MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell have done this preseason (and to the respect for Kevin Harris and what he's already accomplished). We will get an injury update on Harris later today, but I don't think it's a situation where South Carolina will ask him to do a whole lot on Saturday even if he's cleared. My guess is you see White or Lloyd get the first snap on Saturday with both playing a ton with McDowell getting several opportunities too. If you really made me pick one, my guess is that they'll reward White for an excellent offseason start to finish.
** Jalen Brooks, Josh Vann and Dakereon Joyner get the nod at wide receiver as expected. There's a slight surprise in Ger-Cari Caldwell pushing his way into the mix on the second-team. As we've reported, both Xavier Legette and Ahmarean Brown have had some good moments as of late.
** No real surprises on the offensive front, but a positive development that Jakai Moore is officially listed as a backup after missing the spring and start of camp with an injury. He's got a bright future.
** As we've said all offseason, the tight end room is deep and talented. You'll notice Traevon Kenion getting the nod at one of the second team spots. I've been told that not only has Kenion been coming on as of late, but he's probably the tight end on the roster other than Nick Muse who can best attach to the line and handle the traditional tight end blocking responsibilities on top of being a pass-catcher. That should allow him to carve out a niche with both Jaheim Bell and EJ Jenkins carving out their own unique roles as pass-catching tight ends.
** No surprises on the defensive line. Debo Williams pushing Damani Staley at linebacker as a first-year player should be considered a positive sign in my opinion. I think Williams will end up playing quite a bit this season.
** RJ Roderick is listed as an OR at safety with Jaylin Dickerson which is an interesting development considering the strong camp Roderick has had.
** Dakereon Joyner gets the nod at kickoff return with Juju McDowell listed beyond him, but it's still likely you see McDowell get some opportunities there and the potential for both of those guys to be on the field at the same time.
** I'm happy to answer any depth chart questions you may have in this thread.
** Obviously the big news here is the fact that Zeb Noland gets the nod at quarterback. That should come as no surprise to anyone here on the site and it's really been trending that way for about a week and a half. As we reported, Jason Brown did step up and make it interesting enough last week, but Noland has been pretty consistently taking the first reps leading up to this announcement and as we reported took the first reps in Saturday's walkthrough.
This really comes down to South Carolina picking the QB with the most experience, particularly in a scheme similar to this one, and Noland's ability to command the huddle and stay out of bad plays. Brown is a playmaker for sure, but Noland provides a calm, steady hand at the position that rubs off on others. Noland also throws a great deep ball, I'm told.
We won't put any ridiculous expectations, but is Noland fully capable of going out there and leading South Carolina to wins over Eastern Illinois and ECU (if needed)? Absolutely.
In case you missed it, Noland will shift to wear the No. 8.
** South Carolina goes with the four ORs at the running back position which speaks to what ZaQuandre White, MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell have done this preseason (and to the respect for Kevin Harris and what he's already accomplished). We will get an injury update on Harris later today, but I don't think it's a situation where South Carolina will ask him to do a whole lot on Saturday even if he's cleared. My guess is you see White or Lloyd get the first snap on Saturday with both playing a ton with McDowell getting several opportunities too. If you really made me pick one, my guess is that they'll reward White for an excellent offseason start to finish.
** Jalen Brooks, Josh Vann and Dakereon Joyner get the nod at wide receiver as expected. There's a slight surprise in Ger-Cari Caldwell pushing his way into the mix on the second-team. As we've reported, both Xavier Legette and Ahmarean Brown have had some good moments as of late.
** No real surprises on the offensive front, but a positive development that Jakai Moore is officially listed as a backup after missing the spring and start of camp with an injury. He's got a bright future.
** As we've said all offseason, the tight end room is deep and talented. You'll notice Traevon Kenion getting the nod at one of the second team spots. I've been told that not only has Kenion been coming on as of late, but he's probably the tight end on the roster other than Nick Muse who can best attach to the line and handle the traditional tight end blocking responsibilities on top of being a pass-catcher. That should allow him to carve out a niche with both Jaheim Bell and EJ Jenkins carving out their own unique roles as pass-catching tight ends.
** No surprises on the defensive line. Debo Williams pushing Damani Staley at linebacker as a first-year player should be considered a positive sign in my opinion. I think Williams will end up playing quite a bit this season.
** RJ Roderick is listed as an OR at safety with Jaylin Dickerson which is an interesting development considering the strong camp Roderick has had.
** Dakereon Joyner gets the nod at kickoff return with Juju McDowell listed beyond him, but it's still likely you see McDowell get some opportunities there and the potential for both of those guys to be on the field at the same time.
** I'm happy to answer any depth chart questions you may have in this thread.
