South Carolina Football aiming to build off last season’s success
By Shane Lunnen
Defense
In 2021 the Gamecocks had the best pass defense in the SEC, only allowing 180.8 yards per game through the air. The defense as a whole also was a turnover machine, causing 24 turnovers which led the conference.
The problem for the defense was their opponents decided to run the ball against what was a porous rush defense, allowing 175 yards per game on the ground which ranked 94th in the nation. The Gamecocks finished in the middle of the conference pack in points allowed (24 per game).
Two time all-SEC edge rusher Kinsley Enagbare is now a Green Bay Packer and the Gamecocks only have one starter returning to the defensive front, Zacch Pickens. However defensive tackle Rick Sandidge returns from injury and they added defensive end Terrell Dawkins as transfer from NC State.
Sherrod Greene returns to linebacker after missing a lot of time the last two years nursing injuries. As long as he can stay healthy, he should be a big contributor. Brad Johnson also returns at linebacker after starting all 13 games a year ago and finishing second on the team with 74 tackles.
The secondary loses safety Jaylan Foster, the team’s leading tackler a year ago, but three other starters return. Cam Smith moves over to the nickelback position, after finishing second in the SEC in passes defended. Seniors Darius Rush and RJ Rodgerick also are back and through the transfer portal they added second team all-MAC safety Devonni Reed from Central Michigan.
The secondary should be the defense’s strength once again. If the Gamecocks can improve their run defense, this should be a better unit than a year ago.