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Basically ... It's all up to the passing game as QB Dondrial Pinkins has to be more accurate and throw more of a scare into defenses to open things up for Demetris Summers, Daccus Turman and the ground attack. The offensive line is experienced and strong with several fringe All-SEC candidates.
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter
- Dondrial Pinkins, Sr. - Pinkins is a rock of a passer who's hard to bring down and has a big arm with excellent mobility. What he isn't is accurate only completing 50.3% of his throws with ten touchdown passes and nine interceptions. While he has the line on the starting job, he'll be pushed hard by the multi-talented Syvelle Newton if there isn't an overall improvement in leadership and offensive production.
Projected Backup
- Syvelle Newton, Soph. - Newton saw a little bit of action as a true freshmen both as a quarterback and a receiver. He has tremendous speed and would be a key player if USC wanted to run some option. If he doesn't take over the starting job he'll be an effective receiver after finishing third on the team with 22 catches for 277 yards.
The Skinny: Dondrial Pinkins was able to make some big plays last year, but he couldn't consistently make the routine ones allowing defenses to ignore the passing game and load up against the run. Syvelle Newton is a great all-around prospect, but he isn't the answer if more passing production is required. Blake Mitchell and Mike Rathe can throw the ball and could each challenge for time.
Player to keep an eye on: Syvelle Newton ... Quarterback Rating: 6
Running Backs
Projected Starters
- Demetris Summers, Soph. - Summers has all the makings of a premier SEC back rushing for 638 yards and three touchdowns averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He has decent power for a speedy back like he is and can catch with 12 grabs for 146 yards and two touchdowns. His only issue was with injuries suffering a bad concussion and a groin injury.
- Brandon Schweitzer, Jr. - Schweitzer moved from fullback to defensive line and now back to fullback again. He's a 265-pound power blocker who will quickly need to become a key cog in the Gamecock running attack.
Projected Backups
- Daccus Turman, Jr. - Turman was the team's leading rusher last year with 646 yards and seven touchdowns. He's a power rusher who always seems to find the hole before gaining the extra yard needed. While he'll mostly be used as a tailback, he'll see some time at fullback paving the way for Demetris Summers.
- Gonzie Gray, Sr. - Mostly a special teamer, the lightning fast Gray has a little bit of experienced running ten times for 29 yards and a touchdowns. He'll be used as a change-of-pace back.
- Cory Boyd, Soph. - The 210-pound Boyd has USC's best combination of size and speed while also able to crank out the tough yards. He was effective last year rushing for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
The Skinny: This is an excellent group of backs that needs a little more support from the passing game and the offensive line to shine. Demetris Summers is special with All-SEC ability. However, he has to prove that he won't wear down like he did last year. Daccus Turman is an excellent number two back to bring the thunder, and Gonzie Gray and Cory Boyd provide the speed.
Player to keep an eye on: Gonzie Gray ... Running Back Rating: 8
Receivers
Projected Starters
- Troy Williamson, Jr. - Williamson had a huge freshman campaign averaging 28.9 yards per catch with 17 grabs for 491 yards and four touchdowns and followed it up with a good, but not great 31-catch, 428-yard, two touchdown season. That even included a 99-yard touchdown play against Virginia. He's a big physical receiver with the speed and talent to be a top deep threat, but he has concentration issues plagued by dropped passes.
- Noah Whiteside, Soph. - Whiteside brings the serious wheels to the receiving corps as one of the new starters to the mix. He'll come in when the offense goes three-wide and will be asked to be a field stretcher. He only caught five passes last year, but he averaged 19.7 yards per catch with two touchdowns.
- Matthew Thomas, Sr. - Thomas has had an interesting career with some big clutch catches early, a brief stint on the defensive side, and a limited, but explosive year, in 2003 finishing second on the team with 24 catches for 442 yards and two touchdowns including scoring plays from 98 and 77 yards out. Like Troy Williamson, he had a few problems with dropped passes.
- Tight end Brian Brownlee, Sr. - Brownlee played in every game last year as a reserve tight end. Now he'll take over the starting spot as the best pass catcher among the starting candidates with eight grabs for 96 yards and two touchdowns last year.
Projected Backups
- Travis Lee, RFr. - One of the team's top young prospects, the 6-1 Lee will use his speed to push for time behind Matthew Thomas. He'll be a starter next year.
- Michael Flint, Jr. - Flint was a backup last year and didn't do much. At 6-2 and 203 pounds he has the size, and now he has to make a catch backing up Troy Williamson.
- Andy Boyd, Soph. - The 260-pound Boyd is a bit bigger and a bit more physical than Brian Brownlee, but he isn't the same receiver. He was knocked out last year with a torn up knee.
The Skinny: The receivers will rarely get much action in the South Carolina offense, so they have to make the most of the plays they do get. Concentration was a problem last year as dropped passes and overall inconsistency was the issue. There are enough veterans to make the passing game go with Troy Williamson and Matthew Thomas needing to step up their overall play.
Player to keep an eye on: Noah Whiteside ... Receiver Rating: 7
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
- Tackle Jabari Levey, Jr. - At 6-7 and 330 pounds, Levey is a huge player on the left side who moved over from guard this spring to take over Travelle Wharton's old spot. While he's a dominant run blocker, he isn't all that quick and could have problems with speed rushers. Even so, he's the rising star of the line.
- Guard Chris White, Soph. - White played both center and guard last year starting six games after missing all of 2002 with a neck problem. He's 6-4, 310 pounds and a good, young run blocker.
- Center John Strickland, Sr. - The former guard took to the center job and became a top blocker in the middle even through he missed a little bit of time with an ankle injury. He's 6-5 with long arms and good power as the anchor.
- Guard Jonathan Alston, Sr. - Alston has seen time at both tackle and guard over his career settling in on the right side. He had knee problems last season but appears to be 100%. At 302 pounds he's the lightweight of the bunch.
- Tackle Na'Shan Goddard, Jr. - Goddard started out his career at center before moving over to tackle. He has the potential to be one of the SEC's best with great athleticism for a player of his size. The 6-6, 305-pound junior can really move.
Projected Backups
- T Woody Telfort, Jr. - The former JUCO transfer became a decent backup behind Na'Shan Goddard at right tackle. He brings even more size to the line at 6-8 and 320 pounds. He'll be the main backup at both tackle spots.
- G Chad Walker, Sr. - The 311-pound senior was the starting center but hurt his knee early on against UAB and was out for the year. After rehabbing and coming back, he hurt his right knee in spring ball and is out after looking like he'd be a staring guard.
The Skinny: Four starters return to what should be a tremendous line after paving the way for 161 rushing yards and allowing only ten sacks. There are several burgeoning All-SEC caliber performers highlighted by Na'Shan Goddard on the right side. The problem is depth ... there isn't any. The starting five have had injury problems in the past, and things will break down quickly if bumps and bruises start to strike
Player to keep an eye on: Jabari Levey ... Offensive Line Rating: 8.5
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