South Carolina's PFF Defensive Grades at the bye week
South Carolina’s defense has shined in recent weeks following the blowout loss to Georgia. As the bye week has arrived, here’s a look at the highest Pro Football Focus numbers on the defense so far.
Zacch Pickens | PFF Grade: 72.4
The senior leader on the defensive line has been a force so far this season. Pickens tallied a season-high 12 tackles at Arkansas. Pickens’s highest-rated game came against South Carolina State where his three tackles earned him an 88.1 grade. He continued his momentum into Kentucky where he had four tackles and a sack to get a 74.9 grade.
Nick Emanwori | PFF Grade: 70.8
The newest face to the defense has the second-highest grade at the bye week. The true freshman was thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries. Emmanwori made himself comfortable very quickly and has surpassed all expectations for a true freshman.
The homegrown South Carolina talent has been lighting it up. His highest grade came against Georgia State which was 75.2.
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Cam Smith | PFF Grade: 70
South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith is one of the biggest pieces on this defense. The South Carolina native earned 2nd team all-SEC honors in 2021. Smith finished 2021 with a grade of 88.4 which was one of the highest in the country. The junior has 12 tackles on the season and has impressed in coverage. He has yet to get an interception and it’s probably because other teams won’t throw his way.
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Last season, Smith stepped up as a sophomore while playing cornerback and also some nickel. White has him playing in the nickel position which allows him more space to make plays in coverage. The leader of the defensive back group plays nickel and Smith has once again stepped up. He is hoping to continue his success as he is NFL draft eligible in 2023.
Darius Rush | PFF Grade: 70.5
In just four games Rush has one of the highest grades on this defense. Rush shined against Kentucky and Arkansas leading to the high grade. His career-high PFF grade was 82.2 back in 2019.
Rush has been a staple in Clayton White’s defense this season. After being held out of the two nonconference games due to injury, Rush returned in a big way against Kentucky. His four tackles and forced fumble earned him a 72.4 grade from PFF.
Jordan Burch | PFF Grade: 64.5
The Hammond talent has seen ups and downs in his South Carolina career. This season has been more of the same. Burch was given a 40.8 grade for Georgia which marks a season-low. As of late, Burch is starting to step up in big spots. His highest-graded game came against Charlotte with an 82.5.
