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South Carolina Football: 5 reasons why Gamecocks can win SEC East

By Terrance Singleton

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 28: Skai Moore
COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 28: Skai Moore /

1. The return of Skai Moore

To say that the South Carolina defense missed Skai Moore would be an understatement. If Moore wouldn’t have gotten injured before the 2016 season, he would be in the NFL right now.

In 2015, he was top five in the SEC total tackles, solo tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions. He also became the first Gamecock since 2006 to record 100-plus tackles in a season.

The 111 tackles he recorded are second-most in over 25 years at South Carolina.

If he can come back and play at his 2015 level, he will be a linebacker taken in first two rounds of the draft. Hopefully he and fellow linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams can turn the Gamecock defense into the feared unit it used to be.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

Moore and his Gamecocks’ first test of the 2017 season will Sept. 2 against the N.C. State Wolfpack in Charlotte, N.C.