Lorenzo Ward shouldered much of the blame for this season’s dismal performance defensively, but the Gamecocks aren’t ready to give up on one of their top recruiters who has his finger on the pulse of the greater Atlanta area.

South Carolina’s veteran defensive coordinator patrols the central and north Georgia recruiting area on Steve Spurrier’s staff and has landed several key contributors — 15 overall — over the last four seasons. An expert teacher, Ward’s ability to simplify once-complicated schemes benefited the Gamecocks during three consecutive 1-win seasons from 2011-13.

Ward’s top all-time commits at South Carolina

  • Four-star RB Mike Davis, Stone Mountain, Ga. (2012 class)
  • Four-star LB Bryson Allen-Williams, Ellenwood, Ga. (2014 class)
  • Four-star S Chaz Elder, Atlanta, Ga. (2012 class)

Primary current targets

  • Five-star WR Preston Lovejoy, Hampton, Ga. (2015 class)
  • Four-star DE Arden Key, Atlanta (2015 class)
  • Four-star DT Natrez Patrick, Atlanta (2015 class)

Salary

  • 2014: $655,000

Notable coaching stops

  • 2008: Arkansas, secondary
  • 1999-05: Virginia Tech, secondary

History with Gamecocks

Ward, a Greensboro, Alabama native and Crimson Tide alum, is finishing up his third season as South Carolina’s defensive coordinator and sixth on staff under Steve Spurrier. Before the debacle (6-6, 93rd total defense in FBS) this season, Ward’s defense was ranked in the top half of the SEC with a penchant for sacks thanks to the stellar play of Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles up front.

Most thought Ward’s days were numbered  on defense after 2014’s disappointment, but Spurrier reiterated after a season-ending loss to Clemson that he did not expect any changes on staff. Ward’s leash is expected be short next fall if the Gamecocks continue to struggle with basic fundamentals on his side of the football. Inexperience and a lack of depth is to blame this season.