Gamecocks Player Power Rankings: Bye Week 1 Update

Emmanwori is on the cusp of being dominant in all phases of the game. I’ve been really impressed with Emmanwori’s coverage thus far this season and we already know how good he is as a hitter. 

The nation’s sack leader is proving to be one of the most valuable players on this year’s squad. Kennard is a menace against the pass and has a knack for throwing off the timing of opposing quarterbacks.

The best true freshman in the entire country, Stewart has been stellar thus far this season. Stewart is about as disruptive an edge player as you’ll find and he’s already becoming a more polished pass rusher. 

Sanders has been borderline dominant this year and has proven to be the most complete defensive tackle on this team. Sanders has really improved in his rush defense while his knifing ability as a pass rusher is still at a high level.

Fortune is looking like a sure-fire NFL Draft pick next year and what a reliable corner he’s become for the Gamecocks. Fortune is always on the hip of his receiver and has a knack for making big plays. If Fortune can shore up his tackling, he could climb even higher.

Kilgore’s stock continues to rise and I think he’s going to be a player we continuously see step-up in the bigger matchups. Kilgore is a bit isolate at Nickel and I’m curious to see if and when we may see a switch to Safety.

Huntley is the fourth defensive linemen in the top-7 and that speaks to the identity of this year’s squad. Huntley is one of the glues of the defensive front and he’s been as consistent as you’d want from an interior defensive lineman.

Our first offensive player checks in at 8 on this list. Sanders is every bit as capable a rusher as he was in 2022 at Arkansas and can be a bell cow, volume-type of back. Shoulder-injury looks to have hampered Sanders blocking abilities but he’s been excellent elsewhere. 

The nation’s number 4 Punter in terms of yards-per-punt at 47.7. When you talk about maintaining or creating an advantage in field position and setting up the defense for success, Kroeger has been a weapon for the Gamecocks. With more consistency, Kroeger could get even higher.

Hemingway was my top defensive lineman heading into preseason camp and he still deserves to be in consideration in the top 10. The switch between three and four-man fronts doesn’t seem to be smooth for Hemingway but he’s still been able to be disruptive getting after the quarterback and batting passes.

Just missed: LaNorris Sellers, Mazeo Bennett, Vershon Lee, Torricelli Simpkins, Joshua Simon