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RBs this season, how do you see it playing out? Updated with projected depth chart ....

Posted on 8/21/19 at 11:10 am
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 11:10 am
Anyone got any guesses on who is going to start vs UNC?

Based upon what I've heard my money is on Mons. After that Feaster. No clue how they are going to work Rico in there if those two are getting it done.

I guess some people are claiming Rico is going to start out of some loyalty to him but I hear Brown doesn't care about any of that, he just wants production.

So I think, based upon today (and of course something could change but, anyways) I think the RB depth chart, strictly for this first game, is going to look like this ....

Mons (Sr)
Feaster (Sr)
Harris (Fr) (the guy is evidently an all-around freakish athlete for his size)
Rico (Sr)
Fenwick (RSFr)
Kinlaw (RSSr) (will see a lot of time on special teams)

After game one and depending upon how Mons does of course, it could change pretty quickly.

As the season progresses it'll probably turn into the Feaster, Harris and Mons show. They need Fenwick to step up too, big time, to get him ready for next season.

There is no way they are going to try to redshirt Harris this year because they have to bring him along quickly to get him ready for next year as well.

I don't think it's looking very good for Rico this year, except when the other three need a breather. He's just not durable enough for Brown. Brown has stepped up expectations big time. At the same time who knows. Sometimes coaches go with their gut feelings .... but Brown doesn't seem like the type to make big changes in-game based upon a feeling. I hear Brown really likes Mons though and he thinks Lewis has a ton of upside once he gains some game experience.

Anyways, I got all of this based upon who is getting the reps and in what order, in practice and scrimmages. Rico has missed a lot of reps. He's been absent from over a half of the reps so far.


I think they begin, in earnest, preparing for UNC tomorrow (Thursday) so I guess some things could change. Hopefully no one gets hurt between now and then.

RBs and our running game are going to be so important this season. Our entire season hinges upon establishing a respectable running game.

Edited: Lewis to Harris (again) .... who is this Lewis guy stuck in my brain?
This post was edited on 8/21/19 at 4:41 pm
Posted by Carolina_Girl
South Cackalacky
Member since Apr 2012
23973 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 11:14 am to
What about Kevin Harris?
Posted by chawk195
Spartanburg, SC
Member since Feb 2015
1174 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 11:18 am to
Rooster I think I disagree with you... based off of all the media interviews Rico is at least in the top 2. Mon is hardly mentioned unless he’s asked about by name. Rico and Feaster are our two best backs, Rico, when healthy, is a very talented runner
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 12:14 pm to
quote:

What about Kevin Harris?

Gosh what is my brain block issues with the name Harris and why do I keep calling him Lewis. It must be something Freudian. I hope I figure it out. Changing Lewis to Harris.

Arggggh
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 12:43 pm to
quote:

Rooster I think I disagree with you... based off of all the media interviews Rico is at least in the top 2. Mon is hardly mentioned unless he’s asked about by name. Rico and Feaster are our two best backs, Rico, when healthy, is a very talented runner

Rico is a decent RB when he's healthy. But no one that has watched any workouts or practices believe Rico is going to be a major contributor early this season. Everyone who has seen practices and scrimmages has commented on how much contact he's missed since camp started. Hamstring, then ankle, then bone bruise, gimpy shoulder. Now, suddenly, BMac is saying he's had his best camp yet? (I have not gotten to see a practice this camp btw). Those that have seen camp practices and scrimmages say Mons has looked much better than Rico.

I dunno, that's why I wanted to read some other opinions.

I mean I get the part about Feaster forcing everyone to raise their game along with Brown demanding more. Maybe Rico will come through. It just doesn't sound like he has a very long leash from what I'm hearing.

Good to see others have faith in him. Not so sure Brown does, in keeping him healthy and happy. But maybe this Feaster thing will force him to get with the program and live up to expectations.

Mons finished the season stronger than Rico last year and Mons improved his off season numbers in the weight room more than Rico.

Posted by SECUSC4
Member since Jun 2018
1355 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 1:02 pm to
From all the interviews and stuff, I thought it was pretty much down in the books that Rico is the starter
Posted by SOSFAN
Blythewood
Member since Jun 2018
12167 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 1:05 pm to
I think Rico starts but something Bmac said in a interview makes me wonder. It was bascially that Feaster starting game 1 is not out of the question.
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 4:22 pm to
This was just posted to the GoGamecocks website a few hours ago.

Evidently The State is getting their info from the same place I am. This is their projected depth chart for RB. I don’t know how to post, or get, a link from the app. Can’t find an app link for some reason. I subscribe to GoGamecocks, it was a one year deal, really cheap, but maybe they do it only for subscribers, I dunno.

quote:

Running back

No. 1 Mon Denson

No. 2 Tavien Feaster

No. 3 Rico Dowdle

This is more to reflect who likely starts against UNC than how carries are divided up. Feaster is playing his way into shape after transferring from Clemson, while Dowdle is dealing with a nagging bone bruise. This doesn’t mean that those two won’t ultimately end up the team’s workhorse backs. It does mean that early on, Denson will likely get at least some work as the other two round into being healthy.
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 4:30 pm to
Here’s the rest of their projected depth chart fwiw. They posted this at 1:PM ... it’s mot letting me copy in bulk for some reason.

*****************************************************************

Wide receivers

No. 1 Shi Smith, OrTre Smith, Bryan Edwards

No. 2 Josh Vann, Randrecous Davis, Chavis Dawkins

No. 3 Chad Terrell, Xavier Legette

That top three group is both experienced and productive. Edwards is chasing some all-time records, and Shi Smith has been starting since his first game. OrTre Smith was hurt last year, but has Edwards-esque skills. Behind them, Vann had a freshman year that disappointed at times, but coaches raved about his training camp. Davis and Dawkins are seasoned veterans and Legette has been praised as explosive.

Tight ends

No. 1 Kyle Markway

No. 2 Will Register

This group is a question mark and suddenly thin. Kiel Pollard, a presumptive starter, is done with football, while Evan Hinson will miss the start of the season. That takes the two best receiving threats out of the mix. Markway, as a veteran, will have to do a lot. Register is a player who will have to make a big jump. The freshmen are Traevon Kenion and KeShawn Toney. Kenion missed much of camp, so a lot might be on Toney. This group would get a big boost if transfer Nick Muse was ruled eligible to play this year by the NCAA.

Offensive tackle

No. 1 Sadarius Hutcherson, Dylan Wonnum

No. 2 Jakai Moore, Jaylin Nichols

No. 3 Eric Douglas

Those top two are pretty solid — both big, quick, athletic guys with high ceilings. Reviews of Hutcherson have been that he’s solid, and Wonnum was good enough to start as a true freshman. Douglas is likely the most seasoned option to replace either, but he’s also backing up everyone on the line. Moore and Nichols both have the talent and ability, but it’s rare for true freshman linemen to get much action.

Offensive guard

No. 1 Donell Stanley, Eric Douglas

No. 2 Jovaughn Gwyn, Jordan Rhodes

This might be the deepest and most flexible spot along the line. Either of the backups could in theory step in as starters. Stanley can back up any of the interior spots and Douglas could back up any of the spots. But those two should be solid if nothing else.

Center

No. 1 Hank Manos

No. 2 Eric Douglas

No. 3 Donell Stanley

It sounds as if Manos has that spot locked down, which is good news considering the other center options are key backups elsewhere. Eric Wolford likes to have a lot of options who can snap, and he’ll have them this season.

Buck defensive end

No. 1 DJ Wonnum

No. 2 Brad Johnson

No. 3 Daniel Fennell

This is basically the same group the team had going into last year, give or take Bryson Allen-Williams eventually taking over the position. Wonnum has the potential to be a star if he’s healthy all season. Johnson has yet to fully display his ability. Fennell is a steady presence.

Defensive end

No. 1 Kingsley Enagbare

No. 2 Aaron Sterling

No. 3 Keir Thomas

Sterling is a returning starter, but Enagbare likely offers more size and upside. Sterling is a solid second option, a hard worker with some pass-rush pop. Thomas has been a reliable player inside and outside for years, and could well see a big role depending on how things shake out. Watch out for freshman Joseph Anderson as well.

Defensive tackle

No. 1 Javon Kinalw, Kobe Smith

No. 2 Rick Sandidge, Keir Thomas

No. 3 Zacch Pickens, Jabari Ellis

This is a spot where the Gamecocks are set to have a lot of very good guys. Kinlaw could be a star. Sandidge has nice upside. Smith and Thomas are solid, and Pickens was a top 10 recruit who showed a lot in camp. In short, there will be options.

Middle linebacker

No. 1 Ernest Jones

No. 2 T.J. Brunson

No. 3 Derek Boykins

This position shows just how much cross training the staff has been doing in the back end of the defense. Jones has impressed in a big way, enough to let Brunson slide over to the weakside starting spot. Sherrod Greene and Rosendo Louis could probably get involved here.

Weakside linebacker

No. 1 T.J. Brunson

No. 2 Sherrod Greene

No. 3 Eldridge Thompson

Brunson moves over from the middle, where he started the past two seasons. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs as a player asked to play more in space. Greene gets the No. 2 nod because he started there last year, while Thompson has a lot of coverage ability. Also, don’t sleep on Jahmar Brown, a freshman who impressed all camp.

Strongside linebacker

No. 1 Sherrod Greene

No. 2 Eldridge Thompson

No. 3 Rosendo Louis

This position is a wildcard because it can be almost anything. Greene and Louis are sturdy. Thompson offers some versatility. Daniel Fennell brings pass rush with some linebacker skill. Brown could resurface here, too. Considering USC has a smattering of teams that play two backs or two tight ends on the roster, this position could be used a bit more than in past years.

Corner

No. 1 Israel Mukuamu, Jaycee Horn

No. 2 A.J. Turner, John Dixon

No. 3 Cam Smith

This group is top-heavy, with Horn and Mukuamu possibly having the ability to be among the best corner duos in the SEC. Turner only returned to defensive back late last fall, but the staff seems to trust him a good bit. The question will be depth, and really what Dixon and Smith can show this year. Both are pretty talented, but there’s still a college learning curve.

Nickel

No. 1 Jammie Robinson

No. 2 R.J. Roderick

No. 3 Jaycee Horn

Robinson has been a star in camp, getting praise just about any time someone asks about him. USC has run out true freshmen at nickel the past two seasons, and it could well continue. Roderick was a player the staff hoped to move here, but it seems safety might need him more (in theory, he and Robinson could switch at times). Horn and Jamyest Williams played there the past two years, and at least provide some interesting options.

Safety

No. 1 R.J. Roderick, Jamyest Williams

No. 2 J.T. Ibe, Jammie Robinson

No. 3 Jamel Cook, Shilo Sanders

This is where things get interesting. Roderick is a staple, a hard hitter and reliable. Ibe might get the nod had he not been battling a pec injury all August. Williams has been working a long time to reach the potential folks felt he had, and we’ll pencil him in to start, with Ibe as essentially a top rotation guy. After that, there are a few questions. Robinson might be capable, but nickel might call him. Jamel Cook has a lot of ability, but there hasn’t been much discussion of him during camp. Sanders moved here from corner and is just a young guy looking to get his feet wet.

Punt returner

No. 1 Bryan Edwards

No. 2 Shi Smith

Edwards was the guy last year, and even after special teams coach Coleman Hutzler said that could be more open, Muschamp said he still expects Edwards to do the job. He was a solid presence and occasionally showed the ability to break one, so the staff still has faith that could come.

Kickoff returner

No. 1 Shi Smith

No. 2 A.J. Turner

Turner spent most of last year throwing blocks for Deebo Samuel. The coaches said he’s the No. 1 guy here, and that might turn out to be the case, but don’t sleep on Smith as a shifty, explosive guy getting some work. He’s not Deebo (no one is), but he has some ability to move.
Posted by I Bleed Garnet
Cullman, AL
Member since Jul 2011
54846 posts
Posted on 8/21/19 at 4:32 pm to
LINK

Link works with the projected depth chart
This post was edited on 8/21/19 at 4:33 pm
Posted by jacocks53
South Carolina
Member since Jun 2018
296 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 4:56 am to
Listening to interviews from the coaches, I think Rico will start. I base this on the statements that Rico has had his best camp yet and Feaster is getting into game shape but I think this will change quickly.

1. Rico
2. Feaster
3. Mon
4. Harris
Posted by GameCocky88
Mount Pleasant, SC
Member since Dec 2015
4837 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 6:32 am to
I think what's confused everyone was bmac's interview. Came out and said 2-3 people, that muschamp's told everyone was injured, have been really good camps with rico having his Best camp ever. So the question is, is hee throwing up smoke screens or did he leery the cat out of the bag?

One thing I will say on the state's projected depth chart, will register? Nah. Chandler Ferrell coming from back up center is already over him. Idk if register is even a special teams guy at this point.

Edit: Bentley also said Rico's looked really good in camp
This post was edited on 8/22/19 at 6:39 am
Posted by SECUSC4
Member since Jun 2018
1355 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 7:49 am to
quote:

Corner

No. 1 Israel Mukuamu, Jaycee Horn

No. 2 A.J. Turner, John Dixon

No. 3 Cam Smith


Whoa. John Dixon is currently beating out Cam Smith?? Thats crazy, I would have not guessed that.

quote:

Safety

No. 1 R.J. Roderick, Jamyest Williams

No. 2 J.T. Ibe, Jammie Robinson

No. 3 Jamel Cook, Shilo Sanders


Its insane that last year our weakest and thinnest position was Safety. Now its looking pretty Deep. I would only really be nervous here if Shilo was out there.

quote:

No. 2 Josh Vann, Randrecous Davis, Chavis Dawkins



I have no idea how Chavis is here. He looked and seemed like he didnt give two shits the last time he played, and his field awareness is mind bogglingly bad. Hoping Leggette takes a big step here
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 1:17 pm to
Yeah ... I think the whole Rico Mons thing is still day to day. Mons has had a really good camp though and he's looked better than Rico since the Ole Miss game last year imho.

No clue if BMac is sandbagging or not and planning on starting Mons with the hope UNC prepares for Rico. Doesn't make a difference imho. UNC is preparing for Feaster.
Posted by TaterMashinCock
Columbia
Member since Aug 2019
117 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 3:52 pm to
I think starter will come down to Rico or Feaster. But mostly I'm just hoping Brown has meant what he said about limiting the rotations and having a go to guy, assuming we have a worthy player once the season starts. Also, I'm excited to see what Kevin Harris contributes this year. If he plays to his size, I'm hoping he gives a boost in short yardage and goal line. We were garbage in both at running, and for the goal line, the lack of a power back probably played a bigger role in Bentley's goal line interceptions than Bentley himself.
Posted by Carolina_Girl
South Cackalacky
Member since Apr 2012
23973 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 7:43 pm to
Wtf is up with all this crap from the taters saying Feaster isn't on the depth chart at all? They legit seem to believe this is the case.
Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 8:26 pm to
quote:

Wtf is up with all this crap from the taters saying Feaster isn't on the depth chart at all? They legit seem to believe this is the case.

No clue .... that’s just whack. But I forgot to tell you that yesterday at breakfast a couple of the guys said they had gotten some kind of bug or virus or something from a direct message sent to all of your followers on your Twitter account on 1 August. You want me to try to get one of them to send a screen shot or something?

Posted by I Bleed Garnet
Cullman, AL
Member since Jul 2011
54846 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 9:28 pm to
quote:

Wtf is up with all this crap from the taters saying Feaster isn't on the depth chart at all? They legit seem to believe this is the case.



What?
Posted by Carolina_Girl
South Cackalacky
Member since Apr 2012
23973 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 9:46 pm to
Already know about it. That was when those Clemson fricks hacked my acct. You should see what they texted me today. Horrible. They keep getting my cell# even thought I keep changing it. Hold on..I want yall to see this. No idea who this is other than a Clemson fan from twitter.

Keep in mind the anniversary for the death of my son is September 1st. My reply to them was edited out bc I posted it on twitter and asked if anyone could trace the #. It would have absolutely gotten me immediately suspended if I hadn't blacked it out.



Posted by scrooster
Resident Ethicist
Member since Jul 2012
37573 posts
Posted on 8/22/19 at 9:52 pm to
I deleted my Twatter account a couple of months ago and life has been better since. You should do the same Ange. There are some real scumbag losers on Twatter. I only ever lurked for the most part anyway, but even that was too much.
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