The buzz in South Carolina continues. The faithful have been counting down the days until their Gamecocks take the field.

Head coach Shane Beamer took over a program last year that had slid off the rails the previous 2 seasons with an overall 6-16 mark. It was believed Beamer could rejuvenate the program with a handful of wins and the thought of a long-range plan in place.

However, he took it a step further. Beamer’s squad found its way by midseason, and the Gamecocks finished with a 7-6 mark. They capped their season with a win over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

Now that Beamer has regenerated the passion and excitement, he can build on last year’s foundation and raise the level in Year 2.

The Gamecocks have most of their positional players back, along with a cast of transfers. It should be a smoother road ahead with rising expectations. Still, there are plenty of players who have to prove themselves.

Here’s a look at how each position group stacks up as we draw closer to the season opener.

QB: A

Spencer Rattler has been projected as the starter since he announced his transfer from Oklahoma. Rattler has fulfilled the assumption with a solid summer, and there even has been some whispers of a possible Heisman run. He first has to show it on the field.

He has all the tools, and he should receive the protection he needs. Rattler’s early showing and his high competition percentage have raised expectations, but he’ll have to break the bad habit of interceptions. Luke Doty and Braden Davis Jr. are capable backups.

RB: B+

Like Rattler, MarShawn Lloyd will need to prove that he can be a workhorse back. Lloyd also had a good spring, and he should get his share of carries.

Juju McDowell brings speed, and he will be a threat out of the backfield. Christian Beal-Smith, a Wake Forest transfer, was thought to be an impact player, but he has been slowed with a foot injury. Once healthy, he will be a factor. Rashad Amos and Dante Miller will also be in the mix.

WR: A+

This is the Gamecocks’ best offensive position, with depth and experience.

Dakereon Joyner, who saw time at quarterback last season, is back into his main role. Xavier Legette was one of the biggest surprises of the summer, and he’ll get an early nod.

Josh Vann, Ahmarean Brown, Antwane Wells Jr. and Jalen Brooks round out the impressive unit.

TE: B+

Austin Stogner, an Oklahoma transfer, could have a breakout year, and he has had previous connections with Rattler.

Jaheim Bell and Nate Adkins bring experience to the position. Traevon Kenion will see some snaps.

There is a good chance that all 4 tight ends will be interchangeable contributors.

OL: A

There is depth and experience here, but how will they perform? The line showed some late-season progress last year, and it needs to extend its consistency.

Jaylen Nichols and Dylan Wonnum will start at tackle, and Wonnum had 2021 cut short due to a back injury. Jakai Moore and Tyshawn Wannamaker are capable backups.

Jovaughan Gwyn and Vershon Lee had versatile spots last season, but they now have permanent roles. Wyatt Campbell and Trai Jones have impressed and should see time.

Eric Douglas will be a 3-year starter at center, and Hank Manos can step in at any time.

DL: B

The question here is whether Zacch Pickens and Jordan Strachan can step up their game to provide an effective pass rush.

M.J. Webb, Tonka Hemingway and Alex Huntley should all see significant time at the tackle position. Tyreek Johnson should also get some reps.

Overall, the production of the line will depend on its development along the way.

LB: B

The bar could be raised here, but like a few positions, it will depend on its early performance.
Sherrod Greene and Brad Johnson have the potential to be game-changers if they reach their potential. If they do, it will elevate the unit.

Mohamed Kaba and Debo Williams can make their mark to tighten the defense.

DB: A+

Like the receiving corps to the offense, the secondary is the sterling centerpiece of the defense. It was the top-ranked unit in the league last year.

Cam Smith was named to the preseason All-SEC team and the Associated Press second team as a defensive back. Darius Rush should line up on the other side, and Marcellas Dial will log many minutes.

Devonni Reed, a Central Michigan transfer, has transitioned well at safety, and he’ll team with seasoned R.J. Roderick. Nick Emmanwori has been a pleasant surprise, and Tyrese Ross is a veteran here.