Everything Clayton White said previewing South Carolina's matchup with Kentucky

South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White spoke with the media ahead of South Carolina’s game against the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Gamecocks enter 0-2 in SEC play while the Wildcats enter 0-1. Kentucky enters Saturday’s sold-out game coming off a bye week.

Here is everything he had to say.

Opening Statement

“Obviously, recap from the game last week, didn’t take care of business like we needed to. (We) kind of fell short, obviously. We want to do a better job this week of making sure that we understand that the opponent we’re facing, Kentucky, is a physical football team, very disciplined, they’re a good football team that’s been around for a while, so we’ve got to do a good job of understanding what we’re facing this week.”

Could you detail the tackling drills that are going on in practice this week?

“Yes, the main focus is really, one, we’ve got to make sure we continue teaching some base fundamentals, just wrapping and squeezing. I feel like we were in some spots in the game, the past couple games, where we’ve just been there (and) we haven’t been able to wrap and squeeze and grab and claw off our feet like you should. So we kind of grinded on that this week and made sure that we have (taught to) hang on until multiple guys are there. So that’s kind of been the main fundamental focus that we’ve been locking in on.”

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How frustrating can it be when tackling is an issue?

“Yeah, it’s frustrating because you really feel like you work all week trying to take care of the players throughout the week, and you really want to make those plays. And obviously, I have to do a better job of coaching it, continue putting in those positions to perform so they’re not folding when we get out there.”

What is the challenge of preparing for a guy like Cutter Boley, who has limited tape out there? Are you able to work with what you’ve got?

“It’s enough tape out there just to get a feel for who he is. He’s started a game, started at Louisville last year. I want to say he came into a game last year as well, then he played, obviously, a couple of games this year. But he is a good player. He’s tall, has a big, strong arm, and is a young talent.”

What have you seen from Kentucky’s Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowen, and how important is it to improve on that tackling with those guys?

“It’s definitely the most important thing that we have to get done for sure. They have two nice-sized backs that are physical runners, run very hard, they understand their schemes, and they understand the soft spots in defenses based on the coverage and whatever defense you’re running. They do a really good job of finding those spots. That’s how I evaluate the running backs: if they can find a way to get four yards, but it’s not blocked up. They do a great job of that.”

Who is that vocal voice on defense this year? Who’s growing into that role?

“Yeah, right now it’s Nick Barrett. He’s the one that’s standing out the most, and Bryan Thomas Jr. I’ve heard his voice a lot. Those have been the main two. Some other guys need to work on their consistency in that area, but Nick Barrett is definitely the one.”

How frustrating can it be to see tackling become an issue when it hasn’t been in the past?

“It can be, we understand that’s why we’re here, so we’ve got to continue putting those guys in position first and foremost to make sure they’re there to make the tackles. And then they lean on us to focus on their weaknesses and their strengths and make sure they’re getting better at where they need to get better at. So that’s our job as coaches to continue pushing them and keeping their head up and making sure they’re confident and obviously giving them opportunities to perform (so) they’re just not waiting to do it on Saturday.”

Was Justin Okoronkwo starting on Saturday a scheme thing or something you saw that led to him earning the starting nod?

“So, to me, I’ve always felt like those three guys were starters to me. I just feel like Jay O had a really good game versus Vanderbilt, really active, he’s a strong tackler, so that’s why he was able to go out there first.”

Does Judge Collier slide back into his starting role? Is he healthy enough to slide back in?

“He’s still grinding back from the injury, trying to get back in shape. It’s been a while since he’s played, so we’re definitely trying to make sure he’s in position before we just throw him back out there.”

What have you seen from some of the guys who have had to step up in the secondary in larger roles?

“One thing about football, one thing we always tell (our guys), if you’re in the two-deep, you’re basically one snap away. Those guys have been doing a great job for years; one or two years just studying our system, understanding how we do it, whenever their number (is) called, there can’t be blinking or any hesitation by the staff and them. I thought they did a really good job going in and playing and being in the right spots and tackling when they had the opportunity.”

Beamer mentioned Donovan Darden getting on the field for special teams. Is he closer to getting on the field more for defense as well?

“He is definitely getting better for sure. To me, that’s one of those things where, sometimes, it takes kids longer as freshmen to showcase what they can do. He’s one of those dudes who’s showing it very rapidly right now and we like it. So we will definitely give him more opportunities as the season goes. The open can be big for a guy like him next week.”

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