The wait is over in the SEC. It’s finally game week as the conference’s adjusted schedule kicks off on Saturday. South Carolina is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 campaign. They need to start strong at home against the Tennessee Volunteers. Will Muschamp’s team has plenty of question marks heading into the year, especially on offense. The need for multiple Gamecock players to step up into bigger roles is at the forefront of this team’s agenda heading into Saturday’s opener.
Three Gamecock Players to Step Up in 2020
As far as the skill positions are concerned, only receiver Shi Smith has established himself as a reliable option on offense. For this program to get back to winning ways against a tough all-SEC schedule, some Gamecock players that are currently unknown will need to make their mark. There is talent on this roster, but consistency has been a major issue over the past few seasons. This team will need some of its young talents to prove themselves capable of being productive and consistent if they hope to get back on the right side of the win-loss column.
The run game will be making up for the loss of three senior tailbacks from last season. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has said they will use a committee approach in the backfield. This will hold true at least early in the season, until either Kevin Harris, Deshaun Fenwick, or ZaQuandre White prove worthy of being the lead option. Behind Smith, the passing game will need playmakers to rise up for an offense that ended 2019 with a whimper.
Gamecocks to Watch
Colin Hill – Quarterback
The transfer from Colorado State played in 18 games over three seasons in the Mountain West Conference. Hill was named the starter under center a week ago. He will get his first taste of SEC action against the Volunteers. Hill is a big kid with a very strong arm and knows Bobo’s offense well having run it for the Rams. His knowledge of the offense may have given him a leg up in the quarterback battle with Ryan Hilinski, but it was his consistency in practice that won him the job.
Hill completed 60% of his passes and had 23 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions during his time at Colorado State. This has been an unusual off-season, and South Carolina is trying to implement a new offense with a shortened spring practice and uncertain fall camp. Having Hill as a guiding hand to run the show could ease the growing pains early in the season. This team will need its transfer quarterback to be effective and efficient. Hill will need a few of his fellow Gamecock players to raise their game to a higher level.
Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver
As a true freshman, the former high school quarterback was able to crack the rotation at receiver. This was based mainly on his athletic ability. Now as a sophomore, he will look to apply what he has learned about the position since arriving on campus. Legette has the size at six-foot-three-inches and skill with the ball in his hands to be a very good receiver. Now in his second year at the position, he needs to improve his route running and consistency catching the ball. With Bryan Edwards gone to the NFL and Jalen Brooks transfer waiver denied, the Gamecocks will need Legette to emerge on the outside. He had just nine catches for 80 yards and one score as a freshman. South Carolina is searching for playmakers. This sophomore from Mullins will get his chance to step into that role.
Dakereon Joyner – Wide Reciever
Of all the Gamecock players to watch this season, Joyner may be the most anticipated among fans. The former South Carolina Mr. Football has yet to have the chance to showcase his talent in garnet and black. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he was forced to move back and forth between receiver and quarterback due to depth issues. The North Charleston native also battled injuries a season ago. Entering the 2020 campaign, Joyner is full time at receiver, and ready to make plays. He is still learning the position, but he has the ability to be a nightmare for defenses.
Early in the year, expect him to focus on getting comfortable with his new position. As that happens, the Gamecock staff should look to get him involved in a variety of ways. Joyner is an explosive athlete, and this team needs playmakers. Fans have waited to see his dynamic skills on display. He will start against the Volunteers, so the opportunity is there. Like many of his teammates, he just needs to step up and take it.
