One of the top defenders in the SEC may not see the field much this spring.

South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore, third among returning SEC players in tackles from last season (111), is coping with a neck injury that may have him sidelined for most of spring practices, according to Josh Kendall of The State.

Moore averaged 9.3 tackles per game last season. Only Missouri’s Kentrell Brothers and Texas A&M’s Armani Watts averaged more.

However, Moore also showed off his versatility with 4 interceptions, two more than any other player at the position in the league, while breaking up 4 passes.

He had his best effort in the South Carolina’s narrow 37-32 loss against Clemson in the regular-season finale. He had season-highs in tackles (11) and forced fumbles (2) as the Gamecocks put a scare in their then-undefeated rivals.