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South Carolina Football: 3 much-needed fixes to make for 2020 season

By James Bowers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after his team scores a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after his team scores a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 16: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks favors his left arm after being driven into the field by Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 16, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 16: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks favors his left arm after being driven into the field by Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 16, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

2. Ward off the injury bug

Injuries added insult to injury for South Carolina in 2019. In fact, 247Sports‘ Hale McGranhahan identified 16 Gamecock regulars who were injured before or during the loss to Appalachian State.

The wide receiver position took the biggest beating, with five players absent at that position. Ryan Hilinski  battled nicks and bruises over the course of the slate, including a sore elbow that doomed his game against Missouri and a knee injury that he reportedly suffered against Georgia. The quarterback chose not to address this malady until after the season, when he scheduled surgery to correct it.

A possible reason for all of the injuries was identified by former Gamecock Mason Zandi on Twitter following the Tennessee game. He stated that Gamecock coaches “overwork” players, requiring them to practice mere hours after the conclusion of games. This is the possible reason for the Gamecocks parting ways with strength coach Jeff Dillman, replacing him with former Ole Miss conditioning guru Paul Jackson.

Jackson’s program will focus on building durability. Football is a brutal game in general but playing in the SEC will earn a player more than their fair share of war wounds from week to week. An effective conditioning program will render South Carolina less prone to losing guys to injury. This is also something that position coaches can address.

Commentators have in the past criticized Carolina players for leading with the head when making tackles among other missteps. Also, when a player touches the football, it might help to put some blockers out in front of him. The Gamecock offense was known for screen plays when a receiver would be quickly swarmed by opposing defenders as none of his teammates were around to throw blocks. Positioning is key.