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COLUMBIA — We’re only a week away from South Carolina soccer’s season opener towards Georgia State, and the Gamecocks nonetheless have a number of positions up for grabs within the Week 1 lineup.
Coach Shane Beamer introduced in big-time transfers for his second season on the helm of this system, and the Gamecocks additionally boast skilled traces and depth at talent positions.
This is our closing prediction for the 2022 depth chart and the place the brand new faces match into it.
Quarterback
The starter: Spencer Rattler, r-Jr.
The reserves: Luke Doty, Jr.; Braden Davis, Fr.
Rattler has been the presumed starter for the reason that second he introduced his switch from Oklahoma, and Doty emerged as a transparent No. 2 throughout preseason camp. Beamer stated Tuesday that the third-string spot is an open competitors amongst Davis, Colten Gauthier (r-Fr.), Tanner Bailey (Fr.) and Jalen Daniels (Fr.).
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Operating again
The starters: Marshawn Lloyd, r-So.; Juju McDowell, So.
The reserves: Rashad Amos, r-So.; Christian Beal-Smith, Gr.
Beal-Smith was penciled into the beginning lineup getting into preseason camp, however the Wake Forest switch is coping with a foot harm and is questionable for Week 1. As soon as he is wholesome, he’ll seemingly take McDowell’s spot.
Tight finish
The starters: Nate Adkins, Gr.; Austin Stogner, Gr.
The reserves: Jaheim Bell, Jr.; Traevon Kenion, r-Jr.
The Gamecocks’ tight finish depth makes these 4 virtually interchangeable, so count on to see all of them play important snaps. Stogner, who transferred from Oklahoma with Rattler, might be a breakout star.
Huge receiver
The starters: Dakereon Joyner, r-Sr.; Xavier Legette, Sr.; Josh Vann, Sr.
The reserves: Ahmarean Brown, Sr., Antwane Wells Jr., Jr.; Jalen Brooks, Sr.
After beginning at quarterback and profitable MVP honors on the Duke’s Mayo Bowl final season, Joyner will step again into his main position at receiver alongside prime returning goal Vann. Legette made an enormous impression on the teaching workers throughout camp and can get the Week 1 begin, however count on some totally different beginning mixtures because the season progresses.
Deal with
The starters: Jaylen Nichols, Sr., Dylan Wonnum, Sr.
The reserves: Jakai Moore, r-Jr.; Tyshawn Wannamaker, r-So.
Nichols began at left deal with within the latter half of the 2021 season and within the spring after starting final 12 months at guard. Wonnum reclaims his spot at proper deal with, the place he began for six video games earlier than a season-ending again harm in 2021.
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Guard
The starters: Jovaughn Gwyn, r-Sr., Vershon Lee, Jr.
The reserves: Trai Jones, r-So.; Wyatt Campbell, r-Sr.
Each Gwyn and Lee are versatile linemen however are anticipated to fill the fitting and left guard positions, respectively. Jones is poised to be subsequent man up, and the Gamecocks will stick with Campbell’s expertise on the second group in Week 1, however redshirt freshman Colin Henrich may contend for that spot.
Heart
The starter: Eric Douglas, Sr.
The reserve: Hank Manos, r-Sr.
There is no change at heart for the Gamecocks this 12 months. Douglas is a third-year starter, and Manos stays a dependable backup choice.
Defensive position
The starters: Jordan Burch, Jr.; Zacch Pickens, Sr.; Jordan Strachan, Sr.; M.J. Webb, r-Sr.
The reserves: Gilber Edmond, r-So.; Tonka Hemingway, Jr.; Tyreek Johnson, r-Jr.; Alex Huntley, r-So.
Pickens and Strachan performed key roles within the 2021 protection, and each will tackle much more this season. Hemingway, Huntley and Webb are a coin toss on the second deal with place — all three ought to see important reps — however Webb was the strongest final 12 months with 23 whole tackles.
Linebacker
The starters: Sherrod Greene, Sr.; Brad Johnson, Sr.
The reserves: Mohamed Kaba, Jr., Debo Williams, r-So.
Coaches have had excessive reward for Williams’ growth this offseason, however Greene and Johnson are the seemingly pair for Week 1. They began collectively in 2021, however Greene hasn’t made it via a full season since 2019, so his well being would be the largest query.
Cornerback
The starters: Cam Smith, r-Jr.; Darius Rush, r-Sr.
The reserves: Marcellus Dial, r-Jr.; David Spaulding, r-Jr.
Early accolades are rolling in for Smith, who was named a first-team preseason All-American by ESPN, second group by the Related Press and to the preseason All-SEC group. Smith and Spaulding might each line up in a nickelback position at occasions, so Dial will seemingly step up as a beginning nook.
Security
The starters: Devonni Reed, Gr.; R.J. Roderick, Sr.
The reserves: Nick Emmanwori, Fr.; Tyrese Ross, r-Sr.
Central Michigan switch Devonni Reed transitioned nicely into the Gamecocks’ lineup and is predicted to fill the sneakers of 2021 All-American Jaylan Foster. Roderick began 11 video games final season and completes an skilled secondary lineup. Control Emmanwori, although — he might not begin, however coaches and teammates have had excessive reward for him for the reason that begin of camp.
Particular Groups
Kicker: Mitch Jeter, Jr.
Punter: Alex Herrera, r-Jr.
Reserves: Kai Kroeger, Jr.
Kicker is likely one of the Gamecocks’ ongoing place battles, however indicators level to Mitch Jeter because the Week 1 starter. Nonetheless, Herrera will seemingly get the beginning at punter till Kroeger, the clear No. 1, returns from a foot harm.
Contact Emily Adams at eaadams@gannett.com or on Twitter @eaadams6.
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