Shane Beamer provides positional outlook at EDGE
During Tuesday’s post-practice press conference, Shane Beamer listed a number of positional battles he plans to observe closely during South Carolina’s spring practices.
Among those positions of note was edge rusher.
“(At) defensive end, we’ve lost a lot of guys there,” Beamer said. “How does that shake itself out?”
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South Carolina’s personnel situation at EDGE is vastly different than it was the year before. The Gamecocks lost Jordan Burch, Gilber Edmond and Hot Rod Fitten to the transfer portal during the 2022-23 offseason.
Burch and Edmond left the program after serving as impact starters on the South Carolina defensive line last year. Burch, a Columbia native and former five-star recruit, started all 13 of the Gamecocks’ games and earned career highs in total tackles (60), tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (3.5). Edmond started 10 games and earned 39 tackles, nine tackle for loss and two sacks.
This past winter, Burch transferred to Oregon, while Edmond joined former South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell at Florida State. Fitten, who appeared in 11 total games over four seasons with the Gamecocks, remains in the transfer portal.
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While the unit may have lost some star power, Beamer is optimistic that new players will fill the roles Burch and Edmond left behind. He said a number of them have been “flashing” in spring practices thus far.
Tyreek Johnson and Terrell Dawkins, both redshirt seniors, are among the upperclassmen looking to claim a starting job at EDGE. Johnson, a four-year veteran with the Gamecocks, has appeared in 15 games (including 12 last season) in his career. Dawkins, who spent three years at NC State before transferring to South Carolina, is in the process of returning to full strength after suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s game against Georgia.
South Carolina’s roster also features youth at the position in the form of Bryan Thomas Jr. and Donovan Westmoreland. The two combined to appear in 17 games for the Gamecocks last season. While Westmoreland did not record any statistics, Thomas totaled six tackles.
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Beamer said there is also an opportunity for a true freshman to make an impact at the position. 4-star and No. 149 nationally-ranked recruit Desmond Umeozulu has already been showing flashes of potential in practices this spring.
“Desmond’s a true freshman that looks the part and is just learning what to do,” Beamer said. “Once he knows what to do, we’ll be really excited about what Desmond is going to be able to bring to the table.”
As with other positions, Beamer said potential starters will emerge as spring practices continue.
“All those guys have flashed, and we’re trying to get them a lot of reps and continue to see who separates themselves from that group.”
