South Carolina kicked off Spring practice on Tuesday. Shane Beamer and both coordinators spoke to the media about what is happening with the Gamecocks this Spring to go along with on-field practice. Fans can watch those interviews on YouTube, but we are here to break down a few key statements that lead to deeper insight into the future of the Gamecocks. Fans get excited about the potential on display each Spring. However, only so much can be discovered during this short window. Fans should remember that some position battles will be sorted out; however, with another transfer portal window looming, settling in on a depth chart early this year is not wise. To look in-depth at the offensive and defensive approaches in the Spring, search no further than the vision of the coordinators of each side of the ball.
The Sound of a Head Coach
On Wednesday, Dowell Loggains spoke to the media concerning offensive personnel and expectations for the Gamecocks this Spring. Throughout answering questions about the scheme, players, and new coaches, Loggains clarified that he is more comfortable heading into year two in Columbia. His language when discussing new hires, like adding former Alabama head coach Mike Shula as an offensive analyst, sounded like he was the head coach. While Loggains has never been a head coach, his confidence and ownership in the Gamecocks’ football program shone through his comments. This bodes well for the Cocks in 2024. A confident, bought-in coach brings more to the table.
Loggains commented on new assistants Mike Furrey, Shawn Elliott, and Marquel Blackwell. Concerning all three, Loggains appreciates their experience and energy. Again, his discussion of the assistants carried the tone of a head coach. He is poised to shift the Gamecocks’ offense and take on a new life in coaching starting this Spring, but that could lead to a short stent as a coordinator. Ultimately, Loggains’ career path leads to him being a head coach. The question is how quickly that will come to pass.
Concerning his most immediate responsibility, quarterbacks, Loggains informed us that the “guy who gets the team into the end zone the most” will be the quarterback regardless of any other quirks, skills, or lack thereof. He then did a quick overview of the quarterback room, which still includes Luke Doty from a part-time standpoint. LaNorris Sellers and Robby Ashford are the top two candidates to run with the ones. Although Loggains hedged his comments, expect Sellers to take the job by the end of Spring.
Flex Nickel
Spring 2024 begins a contract year for Clayton White as the Gamecocks defensive coordinator. In his time with the media on Wednesday, White coined the term “flex nickel” about his defensive scheme for this season. Essentially, this means he will run a nickel defense with multiple fronts. His traditional base defense, a 4-2-5, left some holes in 2023, prompting him to switch to a 3-3-5 base set. Now, the White intends to flex between the two interchangeably based on the opponent and situation. White referenced the depth of the defense as an added strength in 2024. Regarding attrition via the portal, the Gamecocks defense coordinator said he is ready to move forward with the guys here this Spring.
Specific to linebackers, the position that White personally coaches, two high-profile players left the program. However, portal additions and freshmen will make a difference in this linebacking corps. White called the names of a few corners competing to start opposite OD Fortune. Vicari Swain brings a lot to the table athletically, and Judge Collier is the most experienced returning corner outside of Fortune. However, White referenced a difference he has seen in redshirt sophomore Emory Floyd. A former track star, Floyd focused solely on football in 2024. That is the difference the coaches have noticed in him this Spring. Look for Floyd, who was recruited for his speed, to make a strong push to start at corner in 2024.
Questions Remaining
The Gamecocks will be without two primary offensive playmakers during Spring ball. Projected starting running back Rocket Sanders had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum late in the 2023 season. He is still recovering from that procedure and will not participate in Spring practice. This allows coaches and fans to better look at the rest of the running back group. Except for JuJu McDowell, who is well established in what he can do, there are many questions about how the other scholarship backs will contribute specifically. The back who gets the lion’s share of the carries during Spring will have a clear nod to be part of a one-two punch with Sanders in the fall.
Nyck Harbor, the most gifted athlete in the receiver room, is splitting time in the Spring between football and track. While this may be detrimental to his football development, he can still make the Olympic team on the track. His absence allows for further development of the rest of the pass catchers. The young group will need someone to step up and establish themselves as the alpha.
Look for more from us on Gamecock Spring Football and continued analysis of the coaching staff.
