South Carolina senior defensive end Darius English has come into his own as a pass rusher this season. He leads the Gamecocks with six sacks (he had a team-high 4.5 all of last season) and is tied for second in the Southeastern Conference with Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson.



English, who arrived in Columbia with high expectations and is just now starting to approach them, credits South Carolina’s new defensive system.



“Coach (Travaris Robinson)’s defense allows players to go make plays in the backfield,” English said. “So I am very grateful to get to play in this defensive system for (Robinson).”



English didn’t stop with the scheme. He credited Gamecocks assistant Mike Peterson, who coaches the “BUCK” position for South Carolina, with helping him develop individually.



“Having (Peterson) here to help me has really helped,” English said. “This year, I feel like I am affecting the quarterback. His league experience really helps me.”



English added that he feels the overall defense has improved, but added that there is work to be done.



“I think the defense has improved, but if you are not winning, there is still room for improvement,” he said.



South Carolina (2-4, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) is off this week. The Gamecocks play host to Massachusetts at Noon on Oct. 22.