SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021
By Dante Pryor
13. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina also introduced a new head coach this season after firing former head coach early in the 2020 season. Shane Beamer takes over as the new head coach of the Gamecocks. Though the Gamecocks did not suffer the Volunteers’ attrition, there are some glaring holes on the South Carolina roster, especially at quarterback with Ryan Hilinski’s departure.
As of right now, Luke Doty is the only experienced quarterback on the roster. The Gamecocks lose 11 players to the portal. The Gamecocks could use some frontline starters, but they also need some depth. Here are some players who could contribute this season.
- Jahkeem Green (transfer), DT: The Nebraska transfer gives the Gamecocks some added depth to their defensive front. Though they did not lose much upfront, you can never have too many defensive linemen, and with the offense looking as if it will struggle this season, they’ll need to develop a rotation of linemen to stay fresh. Green did not get much playing time at Nebraska; that could change for Green at South Carolina.
- Jason Brown (transfer), QB: Since the Gamecocks have just one scholarship quarterback on their roster right now, either Brown or enrollee Colten Gauthier would make this list. Brown gets the nod over Gauthier because he’s a bit more of a finished product. Both are freshmen, and Luke Doty will likely start, but Brown and Gauthier give the Gamecocks some depth and possibly competition for Doty.
- E.J. Jenkins (transfer), WR/TE: Jenkins follows Brown from St. Francis (PA) through the portal. Jenkins is an intriguing prospect because he’s 6-foot-7, 242 pounds, and listed as a wide receiver. Jenkins could move to tight end because of his size when the Gamecocks play eleven personnel. However, Jenkins is a good athlete with great hands and can move. Jenkins can use that big frame to put space between the defender and the ball.