There is plenty of optimism at South Carolina this preseason as the Gamecocks return 8 starters on offense and 6 on defense. What’s more, they return even more players who have gained experience during the Will Muschamp tenure as this is the most talented roster in the three seasons since he took over.

But there still are some positions to sort out.

Tight end: K.C. Crosby vs. Jacob August

Skinny: The challenge here is replacing first-round pick Hayden Hurst, who was a reliable/explosive target the past two seasons. Another issue is Crosby has dealt with multiple injury issues. Last season, he appeared in seven games, but suffered a broken leg against Arkansas and missed six games. Still, with Hurst in the picture two years ago, Crosby totaled 23 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. August, meanwhile, a former walk-on, had six catches last season, and five catches in 2016.

Both are more than established, and Crosb was expected to contribute in 2016 when he burst on the scene with 15 catches in the first six games. He has 10 catches since. August is better known for blocking, but Crosby has also struggled to overcome a frame that doesn’t fit the tight end mold.

Who wins? Crosby

Defensive tackle: Keir Thomas vs. Kobe Smith

Skinny: The defensive line has drawn plenty of attention as the unit has struggled with production, and Muschamp has publicly called it out for a step up if the team is to contend.

Thomas, who has played multiple positions along the line, returns to the interior this season, and is listed at 276 pounds, which is on the light side for an SEC tackle, but heavier than he was earlier in his career when he first played tackle. Smith, meanwhile, is listed at 293 and is a veteran presence the coaching staff is counting on to make a contribution with 24 games of experience.

Who wins? Thomas

Running back: Rico Dowdle vs. Ty’Son Williams or A.J. Turner

Skinny: The Gamecocks have had plenty of backs the past two seasons, but nobody has established himself as the go-to guy.

Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Dowdle (above) appears to have the most potential, and production, but he’s struggled to stay on the field. He appeared in nine games two years ago and eight last season. Turner led the team in rushing with just 531 yards in 2017 with just 3 TDs in 13 games. Williams played in 12 games, but had 471 yards and one score.

Of course, the staff will use three, or more, backs, but a point of emphasis will be getting the program’s first 1,000 rusher since Mike Davis in 2013.

Who wins? Dowdle

Cornerback: Keisean Nixon vs. Korey Banks

Skinny: Nixon drew praise from staff in the spring, while Banks made strides as a converted wide receiver who redshirted last season to transition.

Nixon, a JUCO transfer, had 2 interceptions last season, and is an odds-on favorite to win one of the three openings left by last year’s starters in the secondary.

This is somewhat complicated in that Nixon is also the best option at nickel, while Nick Harvey, a Texas A&M transfer, one of several options, didn’t practice in the spring. Banks hasn’t been mentioned recently by the staff, but one would think he would at least get a chance to earn something of a shot at outside corner or nickel, depending on where Nixon is the best fit. Banks should also be more accustomed to the speed of the game that the newcomers.

Who wins? Nixon

Safety: Jamyest Williams vs. Jaylin Dickerson

Skinny: This is a case of one player (Williams) being out of position because of a necessity, while the other (Dickerson) is returning from injury.

This also became complicated with the announcement of Tavyn Jackson moving to safety from cornerback as he’s coming off a hamstring injury. Dickerson had arguably the most impressive spring in 2017, but a shoulder injury and further nerve damage has stunted his development.

Williams is more valuable at his natural position, cornerback, so one would think the coaching staff would like to stabilize at least one position before trying a newcomer at the other. If Jackson or Dickerson proves capable, the no-brainer move would be send Williams back to corner.

Who wins? Williams