As the college football season approaches, we're previewing every team in the SEC. We last looked at the Ole Miss Rebels. Our next preview is for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and Shane Beamer's squad needs improvement across the board if they're going to bounce-back from last year's 5-7 season.
Examining the South Carolina Gamecocks' offense
The Gamecocks simply haven't had much to be excited about offensively in recent years, and they look for a fresh start on that side of the ball in '24. Freshman QB LaNorris Sellers takes over for Spencer Rattler at QB. Sellers has great physical tools and is a good runner. Alongside him in the backfield is former Arkansas RB Rocket Sanders, who transfers in as the best RB Carolina's had in a long time.
Much of the receiving corps is gone, including stud WRs Xavier Legette and Juice Wells. But Miami (OH)-transfer Gage Larvadain is an explosive slot receiver, and if sophomore Nyck Harbor can match his insane recruiting hype, Sellers will have plenty to work with.
Nothing is more vital to this offense improving, however, than the OL making big strides. They've been horrendous up front for two years now. They have more experience this season, but that group has to improve.
Examining the South Carolina Gamecocks' defense
South Carolina's defense has been problematic recently as well. But they did play well late last season, albeit against bad offenses, and have a lot back. So perhaps this is the year real improvement is made.
The Front 7 could be strength. TJ Sanders, Alex Huntley, and Tonka Hemingway are a fantastic trio of DTs. They need to find more pass rush, but Georgia Tech-transfer Kyle Kennard should help in that area. Debo Williams is a very good LB, and Charlotte-transfer Demetrius Knight is a nice addition to the room.
Pass defense was shaky in '23, but more experience returns this year. Starters in NB Jalon Kilgore, CB O'Donnell Fortune, and safeties Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith are back and will look to take steps forward this season.
Thoughts on the South Carolina Gamecocks entering 2024
South Carolina is a tough team to peg in 2024. There are several talented players on both sides of the ball worth being excited about as well as a good bit of experience. But having those players on the field hasn't previously resulted in wins.
Sellers could become a special QB, but he's still very young. And I still have my doubts about both the OL in front of him and his offensive play-caller, Dowell Loggains. Defensively, how much better does that group get simply with experience? There's potential on the roster, but I'm not totally convinced there'll be major improvements. They might make a bowl, but I don't see much more than that.