South Carolina defensive players to watch in the spring game
South Carolina is just under 12 hours away from one of the most-anticipated spring game in recent memory.
The Gamecocks cap spring practice Saturday night with the Garnet and Black game, a chance for fans to see players and the new talent for the first time.
Before things kick-off, here’s a look at a few guys on the defensive side of the ball Saturday night.
Mohamed Kaba
Kaba is someone who hasn’t seen the field maybe as much as warranted, banged up with injuries and playing behind two entrenched guys like Brad Johnson and Sherrod Greene.
He’s someone who’s been brought up multiple times as having a really good spring, and will get a chance to show it Saturday night. With Greene still on a pitch count coming off his injury, there are snaps to go around at linebacker.
Having a solid spring game could help him continue to chisel out a role in the linebacker room heading into the summer and training camp.
Gilber Edmund
The Gamecocks have plenty of snaps to go around after losing both JJ Enagbare and Aaron Sterling this offseason. Edmund’s position coach Sterling Lucas gushed about the pass rusher’s growth this spring.
He’s still young in his career and someone will need to step up behind guys like Jordan Burch, Jordan Strachan and Terrell Dawkins.
A good performance Saturday can certainly be a spring board for him into the rotation heading into the summer.
Cam Smith
Smith’s numbers were electric last season: 15 receptions, 32 targets, nine breakups, 36.5 passer rating against.
This spring, he’s stepping not only into South Carolina’s No. 1 corner spot but into a more vocal leadership role as well. Saturday’s game will be the first chance fans can see some of the growth over the offseason.
Devonni Reed
Reed is another oft-talked about newcomer. He’s a smart defensive back who can play in centerfield and come into the box to stop the run.
His play on a fourth and short in practice is one of the most-referenced stories from the spring. It’s the first chance to see the likely starter at safety and what he can bring to the defense.
Having a good day could help ease some worry about South Carolina replacing Jaylan Foster on the back end.
Jordan Strachan
This is less about his production—most everyone knows what he can do in terms of rushing the passer—but how he looks.
Strachan talked this spring about dropping some weight, down about 15 pounds, to move better in terms of getting to the quarterback.
How he looks coming off the edge and if he has some of that explosion back is certainly something to key in on for South Carolina Saturday night.
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