South Carolina Football: Can Gamecocks save Will Muschamp’s job in 2020?
By Shane Lunnen
Youth movement on defense led by experienced secondary
The Gamecock defense a year ago was not great. They could not stop the run well and lacked in getting into opponents backfields. They also managed to only force 17 turnovers. The offense did not help their counterparts by leaving the field quickly so the defense got worn down. It will need to improve this season.
The defensive line will be dealt a huge blow with the loss of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, a first round NFL draft pick. They also lose DJ Wonnum and Kobe Smith on the front.
In their place is a youth movement.
The top defensive tackle in the 2019 class, Zacch Pickens, is expected to step up into a larger role this season. Will Muschamp landed another star in the 2020 class with tackle Jordan Burch. He should be a future stud at the position as well.
South Carolina’s defensive strength will be their secondary. Junior cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu will be a solid tandem. Mukuamu made himself a name in the upset at Georgia last season with three interceptions. The safeties will also be good, with Jammie Robinson coming off a 62 tackle season and veteran R.J. Roderick manning the other spot.
The secondary will be relied upon early to keep the Gamecocks in games. Forcing more turnovers this season will go a long way in determining South Carolina’s season fate.