Gamecock Digest

Key Position Battles to Watch Out for as South Carolina Begins Spring Practices

As spring practices began this week, South Carolina has a few key positions up for grabs for next season. Here's a look at what positions to watch out for and who to keep an eye on.
Alex Joyce|
Tennessee defensive lineman Caleb Herring (31) celebrates after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 13, 2025.
Tennessee defensive lineman Caleb Herring (31) celebrates after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 13, 2025. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Spring practices are underway in Columbia, South Carolina and there are a few positions ripe for the taking. Which positions need players to step up and who could fill those positions?

Interior Offensive Line

Darius Gray during a South Carolina visit.
Darius Gray during a South Carolina visit. | @dariusgrayy_ X account

First up is the interior of the offensive line. All three spots are up for grabs this spring.

The interior of the line has several talented players competing for three spots. Shed Sarratt Jr. played well as a true freshman after appearing in 10 games with nine starts. He is in line for the starting left guard gig. Apart from him is the uber talented five star true freshman Darius Gray, returning junior Markee Anderson, transfer Emmaunuel Poku, and transfer Hank Purvis. At the center spot, Nolan Hay, a starter before injury, returns this spring and will be battling against transfer Carter Miller for that role.

Offensive Tackle

South Carolina Gamecocks prospect Zyon Guiles.
Zyon Guiles X Profile

Josiah Thompson and Jacarrius Peak were penciled in to be your bookends at the offensive tackle spots, but injuries to both over the last few weeks have created a whole at those positions. Thompson is expected to miss the entirety of the 2026 season, however there is optimism around Peak being available near the beginning of the year. True freshman Zyon Guiles, redshirt senior Armando Nieves, redshirt senior Dayne Arnett, redshirt senior Seth Smith, andredshirt junior Ebubedike Nnabugwu will all get opportunities this spring to win one of those jobs or at minimum create quality depth should Peak or Thompson be able to return.

Defensive Tackle

Four star DL Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams on his OV to South Carolina | Caleb Williams on IG

This spot hurt the Gamecocks in 2025 as the defense struggled to stop the run. The Gamecocks ranked 11th in the SEC last season giving up 136.67 yards per game. The staff brought in several new players who could turn that unit around next season.

Returning players include Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy who has position versatility, Troy Pikes, and a couple of redshirt freshman in Christian Ingram and Caleb Williams. From the high school ranks four stars Noah Clark and Aiden Harris were big recruiting wins for Clayton White and the defense. And out of the portal, Tomiwa Durojaiye, Kelby Collins, and Jordan Thomas are looking to make an immediate impact this offseason.

Edge Rusher

Finally one position to be on the lookout for is an edge rusher oppposite of Dylan Stewart. Transfer Caleb Herring who showed flashes at Tennessee last season, George Wilson Jr., Anthony Addison, transfer Drew Collins, Jaquavious Dodd, Kobby Sakyi-Prah (limited in spring), and incoming freshman Julian Walker will all get opportunities to grab the reins of that position this offseason.

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Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.

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