South Carolina Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.

Spring Summary

One major positive coming out of the spring was the overall solid play of the offense, even with a few key players such as Connor Shaw and Damiere Byrd out with injury. In particular, South Carolina is looking good at runningback despite the loss of All-American Marcus Lattimore.

Both Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds had excellent springs. Davis looks to be the starter as of right now and has that extra bit of quickness and field vision that could make him an All-SEC caliber back, but Wilds should get plenty of carries in what will likely be a platoon system.

Offensive line play also projects to be improved.

Name a few players who could have breakout seasons

I’ll go with TE Jerrell Adams. Adams didn’t get a lot of snaps last year behind Justice Cunningham and Rory “Busta” Anderson, but when he got in the game, he made some big catches. He’s a big target who runs routes and catches the ball like a WR.

With Cunningham gone and Carolina looking to sport a two-TE pistol look as part of its base of formations, look for Adams to get more targets this fall. He had some big catches in the spring game and looks capable of becoming one of the nation’s best pass-catching TEs.

Position group grades

QB–B+  Carolina has two excellent options with Shaw and Thompson. However, neither of these guys is in the A-range, meaning an elite QB.

RB–A-   I’m very optimistic about this duo. Davis looks like an elite back in the making, and Wilds has the potential to be an NFL backup.

WR–B+   I’m including the TEs here, which are A quality. The wideouts, though, are a question mark. Carolina is hoping that Shaq Roland and/or Shamier Jeffery step up big in the fall. Bruce Ellington, Damiere Byrd, and Nick Jones are all good players, too, particularly Ellington, but they need Roland or Jeffery to serve as a bigger target.

OL–B+   Good group that has the chance to become elite if a couple of starters reach their potential and the depth comes through if there are injuries.

DL–A+  This group is strong at every position and has depth, and it likely has the nation’s best overall defender in Clowney.

LB–C  Big question mark for the team. Talent is there but no one has major game experience. Got eaten alive by the TEs in the spring game.

CB–B  One very good corner in Victor Hampton and an experienced counterpart for him in Jimmy Legree. Safety play may depend on whether T.J. Gurley is able to return to full speed from his injury quickly.

ST–C  Main flaw right now appears to be poor kickoff units. The kickers struggle to get it into the end zone and coverage is spotty.

What “surprises” can we expect from this team?

I think this team is about what people think it is. Compared to last year, the offense should be better, but the defense may not be as good due to the departure of the entire two deep at LB.

However, the schedule this season is easier than last year, meaning that there’s a good opportunity to not only match but exceed last year’s eleven wins. The game at UGA in week two is key, of course. If the Gamecocks win that one, they will likely be favored in all of their remaining regular-season games, although obviously Florida will be tough, as might the road game against Tennessee.

An undefeated regular season will be a distinct possibility. The SEC Championship against Alabama, LSU, or TAMU will obviously be tough, but if you get there and can figure out a way to win, you have a shot at the national championship. Not saying that’s likely for Carolina, but the schedule sets up nicely for the possibility.

---

John Havard of Garnet and Black Attack provided the information for our South Carolina Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Gamecock football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow John on Twitter @GABAttack.

---