After an abysmal 2015 that saw South Carolina out manned and out schemed, the Gamecocks showed signs of promise last fall.

The Gamecocks were able to add JUCO transfer Jamarcus King, who came in and started immediately. Chris Lammons also showed signs of improvement last fall, becoming a leader on the field through his emotion and play as well. Rashad Fenton got off to a slow start but is a player with a ton of upside for South Carolina. The Gamecocks return both starters from last year and add a couple of talented youngsters along the way.

Meet The Cornerbacks…

CB – #7 Jamarcus King, Sr / #3 Chris Lammons

CB – #16 Rashad Fenton, Jr / #9 Keisean Nixon

*Bold denotes starters

Most To Prove…

Rashad Fenton. Fenton was described by one anonymous SEC head coach as “a walking millionaire if he can figure it out”. Fenton has the tools to be one of the best corners in the SEC with his skill set. His speed and athleticism separates him from the other corners on the roster and should help him covering quick receivers in the slot. He also isn’t afraid to go up against bigger, more physical receivers as well. He got off to a slow start last year before stepping up in the second half of the season. The coaching staff has raved about his performance over fall camp thus far. If he can translate that into 2017 and get off to a fast start, he has a chance to be one of the best corner-backs in the SEC.

Best Overall…

Jamarcus King. The JUCO transfer proved to be a solid addition to the Gamecocks secondary last fall. He showed a knack for the big play, picking off Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs twice in the Gamecocks upset win over the Vols late in 2016. King did show some vulnerability, however, getting pushed around by bigger, more physical receivers at times. He has put on 15 pounds this off-season, which should help him match up with the bigger guys on the outside. Look for King to improve in his second season in Will Muschamp’s offense and to improve upon his numbers from a year ago.

Season Will Be Successful If…

Lockdown. While much of this unit’s success depends on a solid pass rush, the Gamecocks have the talent to be one of the better units in the SEC. Depth will be a concern with lingering injuries to DB Tavyn Jackson and DB Steven Montac. King and Fenton should make big strides this year. DB Chris Lammons will be the third corner behind Jamarcus King. Lammons is slated to start at safety this fall but showed his ability to thrive at the CB position last fall as well. Also, highly touted freshman DB Jamyest Williams should have a big impact and will play early and often for the Gamecocks. Look for the Gamecock corners to show improvement and become one of the better pass defending teams in the SEC.

Overall Grade…

C+. All the potential is there. King got his feet wet last fall after going from junior college to the SEC. The extra weight he put on this off-season should help against bigger receivers and he should be improved. Rashad Fenton is poised for a breakout year in year two of Will Muschamp’s defense. The Gamecocks also picked up a solid addition by adding JUCO transfer Keisean Nixon. Nixon has garnered high praise from the coaching staff and coach Muschamp has said he will contribute right away. Freshman DB Jamyest Williams will get every opportunity to show why he was was such a highly touted recruit. He will need to mature quickly, as coach Muschamp has made it clear he will play against NC State. If the Gamecocks can get players like Clemson transfer Kaleb Chalmers to step up, this could be a very solid unit. Getting DB Steven Montac and DB Tavyn Jackson back from injury will help as well.

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