Marcellas Dial embracing the role of primary Cornerback for South Carolina
Marcellas Dial had a coming-out party in South Carolina’s win over Clemson, and now the Gamecocks will ask him to do a little bit more in the Gator Bowl later this month.
With Cam Smith, Devonni Reed and Darius Rush off to NFL pastures, Dial is the team’s most experienced cornerback and will be tasked with anchoring the Gamecocks’ secondary.
“Obviously, you saw Dial in the Clemson game expand his role,” Clayton White said. “Everybody has to step up their play.”
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In the 2021-22 season, he played in all 13 games and started seven of those. He finished with 33 tackles and one forced fumble with six deflections.
The good thing for Dial is that he’s been getting plenty of reps as a starter for South Carolina.
Dial made an even more significant jump in 2022. He has played in all 12 games and started nine of them. He’s tallied 41 tackles, 14 deflections, and three interceptions so far.
“I would say my confidence has went up tremendously,” Dial said. “Whenever I am targeted or whenever a team does try me I am not timid or afraid to go make a play or go for the ball.”
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Dial’s PFF numbers skyrocketed in the second half of the year, his best game coming against Clemson. He landed a 72.2 grade because of his game-sealing interception.
With Cam Smith and Darius Rush declaring for the NFL draft, Dial is now the go-to guy for Clayton White’s defense.
“I don’t feel any different than when Cam and them were here,” Dial said. “I still think I’m going to get the same amount of attention and the same amount of throws my way.”
Dial will get the chance to make his first impression as the go-to guy in the Gator Bowl against Notre Dame. The Irish will be without their leading target, tight end Michael Mayer as he declares for the NFL draft.
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“The big thing was their tight that was like the most targeted receiver on their team so I know they’ll be getting their other receivers the ball more,” Dial said. “That’s really the only thing, their tight end, it really changes their whole offense because they not targeting one guy the whole time.”
Dial will have to line up against Notre Dame wideout Lorenzo Styles. Styles has 30 receptions for 340 yards and a touchdown on the year. He possesses a lot of speed from the outside and will certainly give Dial his money’s worth.
As the bowl nears closer, Dial has one goal in mind.
“Coming out with a win, simple as that, coming out with a dub,” Dial said.
