When running back Mon Denson (LaGrange, Ga./LaGrange) looked around on his official visit this weekend, he felt like a little guy. There were five offensive linemen who absolutely dwarfed Denson, who measured in at 5-foot-9.5 and 225 pounds.

South Carolina running back Mon Denson

The Gamecocks could have an entire offensive line from left to right in this recruiting class with tackles Blake Camper and Christian Pellage, guards Zack Bailey and Trey Derouen (uncommitted) and center Cory Helms. Denson looked around and knew that running behind that offensive line would provide him some great opportunity.

“They are pretty big,” Denson said, with that trademark smile, following his official visit. “I am looking forward to lining up behind them and being able to run behind them. Linemen will have a tough time being able to see me so I am looking forward to that.”

Running backs coach Everette Sands says there’s an opportunity next year for Denson to be on the field. The Gamecocks do return three running backs - Brandon Wilds, David Williams and Shon Carson - with some experience but there’s a chance Denson could play some as well.

“They see me as coming in and getting a little bit of playing time,” Denson said. “They were telling me that with the depth chart, I could get some plays but they did not just want me to play running back. They also think I could make some plays and be a key factor on special teams.”

Denson, who said he was hosted by Wilds and Williams, said the best part of the official visit was all of the food they got to eat.

He also enjoyed spending time with Sands and head coach Steve Spurrier.

“Coach Sands is a father figure to me,” Denson said. “He is very cool and laid back. We talk and he comes by and sees me a lot. I know he is very interested in me which makes me feel good.”

Denson never wavered in his commitment to the Gamecocks, even when Spurrier made his two or three years comment. The three-star tailback said Spurrier called him shortly following those comments and smoothed things over.

Denson added that as long as Spurrier coaches him part of the time he’s at Carolina, he’s OK with that.

Spurrier did had one more message for Denson.

“He is just ready for this class. He told us he is looking forward to having all of us guys here, building on the team and winning the SEC Championship.”

