Q1 Recap: Position Grades

QB: C

LaNorris Sellers’ dual-threat ability makes this a C instead of a lower grade. The passing game production overall at quarterback is near the bottom of the SEC in just about every category statistically. Inexperience (or lack of ability) with taking care of the football in key situations is an area of concern moving forward.

RB: B+

Rocket Sanders’ play inflates the score for this group as the Arkansas transfer looks close to his 2022 form. Sanders’ blocking ability still looks to be shaky with his shoulder injury recovery but he’s a bonafide SEC tailback and he’s in position to compete for the rushing crown this season. To keep Sanders healthy, we’ll need to see better utilization of Juju McDowell and Oscar Adaway, who have combined for just 24 rushing yards through three game.

WR: D

The South Carolina wide receiver group has almost been a non-factor through three games. The unit’s highest producer, Jared Brown, ranks 43rd in the SEC with just 98 yards. The coaches absolutely need to figure something out here because the current plan just isn’t working.

TE: B-

Joshua Simon proves to be a consistent performer for the Gamecocks, while true freshman Michael Smith seems to get more comfortable each week. This group has a nice blend of blocking and receiving capability, and should be more utilized in the passing game if the coaches can’t get a spark going at receiver.

OL: C-

The interior of the line has been playing okay this season, while we’ve seen below par play at tackle. The positive here is that true freshman tackle Josiah Thompson looked his best in week three against LSU and the unit collectively now has two SEC games under their belts ahead of a lighter opponent in week four; which is a timely corrective game.

DT: B+

This interior of the defensive line has been consistent, balanced, and deep so far this season. TJ Sanders, Alex Huntley, Deandre Jules, and Tonka Hemingway all deserve their names called out here. As the defense switches between four-man and three-man fronts, versatility and depth are key at defensive tackle and this group has delivered thus far.

Edge: A-

What a difference a year makes. Newcomers Kyle Kennard and freshman phenom Dylan Stewart are two of the best edge defenders in the SEC; particularly against the pass. Kennard is currently leading the nation in sacks (5) while Stewart also ranks in the top 7 in the conference with 2.5. The main area of improvement to see is run defense but the pass rush is good enough to be in the A grade category. 

ILB: C-

This is the weakest group on the defense so far this season, which speaks to the defense as a whole being improved from 2023. Despite having better speed than last year, the linebacker group has really struggled being balanced against run and pass. This is due to switching between two and three-man sets, and each player being proficient in just a couple of skill traits. To me, this group is the reason we should see more four-man fronts with two linebackers; especially against SEC competition where opponents can pick on the LBs in coverage.

S: C+

Nick Emmanwori keeps this grade from being a D. Similar to linebacker, this group really struggles at being able to balance between run and pass. SEC opponents now have multiple games of film where Gamecocks give up chunk plays over the intermediate to deep middle. We will see one of two things by the middle of the season; one being a change in starting personnel between safety and nickel, or the second being opposing quarterbacks lighting us up.

N: B-

No sub tweeting here.. This is exclusively focused on Jalon Kilgore. The sophomore continues to show he’s a rising star in the SEC. After two weeks of elite play, Kilgore looked a little bit less than stellar against LSU but I do firmly believe the specific matchup and play calling had a big effect here. If it were up to me, Kilgore would be my starting safety next to Emmanwori and I’d plug DQ Smith at Nickel or work in an alternate.

CB: B-

O’Donnell Fortune is playing his way into being a firm 2025 NFL Draft pick, while young guns Judge Collier and Vicari Swain have shown promising flashes. This group’s main area of improvement absolutely has to be in tackling and run support, which is why I think we could see Swain playing more as he’s been fun to watch as a hitter. I would even go as far as to say that Swain could be the top nickel candidate if Kilgore makes a switch to safety. Either way, this group is solid overall and has proven to deliver against SEC competition so far.

P: B-

Kroeger looked in true form against Kentucky, booming an average of over 50 yards per punt, but a little less-than in the other two matchups, being closer 42 yards per punt. The difference there is huge in close matchups and the Gamecocks could use some more from Kroeger in order to win on special teams in tight games.

K: C+

Alex Herrera has been 75-percent so far in his field goal attempts, while being a perfect 9-for-9 on his extra points. The game-tying miss against LSU lingers but Herrera has been solid overall. On kickoffs, Herrera is asked to kick it high into the beginning of the end zone or close to, to prompt a return, and has been pretty effective. Opponents start at the 24 yard line on average, which is one yard better than a touchback for the defense. 

 

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