Position battles continue as Gameco*cks near third week of preseason camp (2024)

COLUMBIA— It’s been two weeks and 12 practices. There are two weeks and 11 practices to go.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said on Aug. 1 that the Gameco*cks had several position battles to decide during preseason camp, so halfway through, have any decisions been made?

Unlikely. But getting closer to a decision?

Yes.

“Who the kicker is going to be. If O’Donnell Fortune is coming into the season as one starting corner, what does that opposite corner battle look like? Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith come into the preseason as our two starting safeties, what does the depth look like behind those guys?,” Beamer said. “How is this linebacker rotation going to shake out? We feel good about the D-line group, but what’s the rotation there? Obviously everyone wants to talk about the offensive line and the receiver position.”

Taking them one at a time:

Place-kicker

As said after the last scrimmage, this one may last until the hours before the opener. Alex Herrera, Peyton Argent, Daniel Lester, William Joyce and Mason Love are all taking reps.

“I’ve been extremely impressed with all of our guys,” said Kai Kroeger, who also competes with Love at punter. “I know no matter what, whoever’s out there is going to do a great job.”

Cornerback

Vicari Swain and Judge Collier look to be fighting for the other spot opposite Fortune, although David Spaulding could figure in. He’s started seven of his 27 games at USC despite battling injuries throughout.

Safety

Spaulding took his time with it because there were so many answers. In a meeting with the media that included umpteen mentions of depth, he listed Peyton Williams, Gerald Kilgore, David Bucey, Buddy Mack and King-Demenian Ford as bidding for time behind Emmanwori and Smith.

“We have a lot of depth. This year, we have the most depth (since I’ve been here), in my eyes,” Spaulding said. “We’re all just rotating and competing, taking it day by day.”

Linebacker

Debo Williams and Bam Martin-Scott seem to be the two most likely to start, but Martin-Scott has been banged up in practice and did not play in the first scrimmage. There’s also the question of what formation USC uses more of— the 4-2-5 or 3-3-5, which would necessitate an extra linebacker on the field.

Martin-Scott came into his own in the 3-3-5 last year, and defensive coordinator Clayton White said that newcomer Bangally Kamara is a natural in it. Another newcomer, Demetrius Knight, would also probably start in it, White said during the summer.

Mo Kaba has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt, his past performance and dogged persistence in returning from injury standing out. Wendell Gregory and Jaron Willis have also flashed in camp.

Defensive line

Beamer didn’t clarify if he meant interior defensive line, ends or the whole.

So, both.

Tonka Hemingway, Boogie Huntley and T.J. Sanders are basically a three-man tandem for the two defensive tackle spots. All will play— a lot. Sanders returned an interception for a touchdown in practice on Wednesday.

On the edge, Kyle Kennard was imported from Georgia Tech to help rush the passer, while Gilber Edmond returned to USC after being part of a tremendous season at Florida State. Throw in Bryan Thomas and feared pass-rusher Dylan Stewart and it’s a strong, strong four-man group.

“We’ve just been rotating, every day, like some kind of hockey shift— I’m sure y’all heard that plenty of times,” Kennard said. “Different guys, see who works well with each other, who works well at other places.”

Offensive line

One of the top two positions that Beamer said would be what everybody wanted to know about, the offensive line, has raised eyebrows for two reasons. First, how much of the clear talent in the room will play, and second, will it stay healthy?

Having a solid 10 men, or one strong backup for each spot instead of one man being the primary backup for two or three spots, will demonstrably help.

Josiah Thompson at left tackle, Vershon Lee at center and Cason Henry at right tackle seem to be locks, while Toricelli Simpkins has been playing well at right guard. Kamaar Bell has been plugged in at left guard.

Markee Anderson and Jakai Moore have been dealing with minor injuries but should play.

Wide receiver

If there had to be a six-man group to start a game tomorrow, it would most likely feature Dalevon Campbell, Gage Larvadain, Dre Jacobs, Mazeo Bennett, Jared Brown and Luke Doty. But the Gameco*cks like to have that group of six among a group of eight that can play as well as a few more who will dress and travel.

Nyck Harbor and Tyshawn Russell would be the two most likely candidates to separate themselves and fight for time among the top six.