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Examining South Carolina's Biggest Question Marks

South Carolina's Football staff has thoroughly retooled the roster through high school recruiting and the transfer portal, but a few positions remain thin.

Praise should be awarded to South Carolina's coaching staff for their extensive work building the roster for the 2023 season. Many of the Gamecocks' recent high school and transfer portal additions are poised to play significant roles with the team. Despite the oncoming talent, some position groups are thin and could offer South Carolina some issues this fall.

Defensive Line

None of the Gamecocks' position groups were depleted more than the defensive line this off-season. Zacch Pickens' departure to the draft was expected, but the losses of Jordan Burch, Hot-Rod Fitten, and Gilber Edmond have left the defensive line's depth thin. Despite the additions of talented players like Desmond Umeozulu and Elijah Davis, the line still lacks a lot of experience.

Tonka Hemingway, who had a breakout season in 2022, is the most experienced player in the unit and will be looked upon to lead the group.

Running Back

After the unexpected loss of MarShawn Lloyd, the Gamecocks' running back room needed direction. Beamer and Running Backs Coach Montario Hardesty have offset the loss to a certain extent, adding transfer running back Mario Anderson Jr. back in December, who combined with veteran Juju McDowell, is expected to bear most of the workload.

However, the coaching staff has kept experimenting, moving offensive playmaker Dakereon Joyner to running back for Spring practice, an interesting idea that could offer creative play-calling options due to Joyner's versatility. Regardless of whether the move sticks, the combination of McDowell and Anderson should be more than enough for the Gamecocks' backfield.

Offensive Line

After losing three starters from their 2022 offensive line unit in Jovaughn Gwyn, Dylan Wonnum, and Eric Douglas, South Carolina has multiple position battles currently ongoing to see which players can take charge. Transfer portal addition Nick Gargulio, who played 25 games in four seasons with Yale, is expected to take over the center or left guard duties for the Gamecocks. At the right tackle position, redshirt freshman Cason Henry, a young talent who the Gamecocks are high on, is pushing veteran Tyshawn Wannamaker for the starting role.

While seasoned players Trai Jones, Nick Gargiulo, and Jakai Moore are getting the first look at both guard spots, early enrollee Markee Anderson has reportedly been largely impressive in Spring practice, receiving praise from people including Head Coach Shane Beamer, who believes he's handling the moment well considering the circumstances.

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