SDS continues its series of predicting the game one starters for all 14 SEC teams. Next up, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

South Carolina opens the season at home against Texas A&M, and here is our projected starting lineup:

Offense Defense
QB Dylan Thompson DE Darius English
RB Mike Davis DT JT Surratt
WR Shaq Roland DE Gerald Dixon, Jr.
WR Damiere Byrd DE Gerald G. Dixon
WR Pharoh Cooper OLB Skai Moore
TE Jerell Adams MLB Kaiwan Lewis
LT Corey Robinson  Spur Sharrod Golightly
LG AJ Cann CB Brison Williams
C Cody Waldrup CB Al Harris, Jr.
RG Mike Matulis SS Chris Moody
RT Brandon Shell FS Chaz Elder

Takeaways:

  • South Carolina’s offense is set. The offensive line returns four starters, and Mike Matulis has played really well at right guard and should be the starter. Shaq Roland now becomes the biggest receiving threat, and Jerell Adams should get more involved in the offense this season, along with fellow tight end Rory Anderson.
  • Both Gerald Dixons hold down the defensive line, and rising star Darius English could be in for a breakout year. Skai Moore could be one of the biggest underrated players in the conference, and Brison Williams’ move from safety to corner is something to keep an eye on.
  • Fellow linebackers Kaiwan Lewis and Sharrod Golightly could be in for big seasons, especially if Lorenzo Ward decides to run more 3-4 than anticipated.

Predicted starters for every SEC team’s first game: