For the Gamecocks’ struggles last season, the offense was still one of the best in the SEC, finishing sixth in both total offense and scoring.

Just as the defense did in 2014, the offense is suffering some big losses going into 2015. One place the Gamecocks already have their answers as they take the field for spring practice is in the backfield.

While South Carolina loses leading rusher Mike Davis, who is heading to the NFL a year early, his backup Brandon Wilds decided to return for his senior year. The bruising runner, listed atop the Gamecocks’ initial spring depth chart, decided to skip out on a chance at the NFL to carry the load for South Carolina in 2015.

After dealing with injuries in his first three years on campus, Wilds is now finally going to get his chance to shine. Steve Spurrier called him one of the best inside runners in college football last season, and Wilds will get a chance to take up the workhorse mantle previously occupied by Davis, who had 231 touches last season.

David Williams sits No. 2 on the depth chart behind Wilds after two years of waiting his turn. As a redshirt freshman, he teased Gamecocks fans with his potential, but never found a consistent role in a crowded backfield. The rising redshirt sophomore only saw double-digit carries twice all season, and there were four games in which he couldn’t find the field.

Part of Williams’ relative struggles a year ago — he did average 5.7 yards per carry — was an early-season knee injury from which it seemed to take Williams time to regain his confidence. But with his speed, size and pass-catching ability, Williams has the talent to be a perfect complement to Wilds.

With South Carolina’s quarterback depth chart totally bereft of experience, and the transfers of several scholarship receivers, Spurrier might have to make concessions to his pass-happy mindset. Despite having a good-not-great quarterback and an offensive line built for run blocking last year, South Carolina still aired it out with the best of them — and with great results. Last year’s quarterback, Dylan Thompson, was a fifth-year senior with plenty of experience.

Connor Mitch appears ready to take the reins, and Wilds and Williams will be there to make it easier on him. They’re both more than capable as receivers out of the backfield. Wilds, when healthy, is capable of pounding defenses between the tackles.

South Carolina has its share of questions on both sides of the ball heading into the spring. Quarterback, receiver and all over the defense. There’s no question about who the backfield leaders will be, which should alleviate some of the concerns elsewhere on offense.