South Carolina Football: Way-too-Early Projected 2022 Depth Chart

South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back R.J. Roderick (10) and South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Darius Rush (28) celebrate after a play against North Carolina Tar Heels during the DukeÕs Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Thursday, December 30, 2021.Jg Mayobowl 123021 032 /

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Defensive Line

Starting Defensive End: Jordan Burch

Backup: Terrell Dawkins

Starting Defensive Tackles: Zacch Pickens and Tonka Hemingway

Backups: Rick Sandidge and Alex Huntley

This is a unit that is going to be missing Jabari Ellis and Aaron Sterling, but the rest of the front is going to return intact. It could be a group that might look to add a transfer or two, but this is how it is going to look for now.

Jordan Burch is the most talented defensive linemen that the Gamecocks have, but he has not lived up to the five-star rating that he had coming out of high school. Burch has the talent to put together a big season, but it remains to be seen if he will. NC State transfer Terrell Dawkins is a new addition to the end group and he could push for time as a rotational player at the least.

At tackle, Zacch Pickens is going to be the most experienced guy returning, but his backups have had time as well. Expect Tonka Hemingway, Alex Huntley, and Rick Sandlidge to be involved in the rotation pretty heavily.