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You don’t have to look very far to find one of South Carolina’s biggest weaknesses this season.
The defensive line got virtually no pressure on opposing with just 12 sacks and 44 tackles for lost, both good for last in the SEC. And no pressure up front left the Gamecocks’ secondary hanging out to dry, which led to 219 passing yards per game through the air.
With defensive line being an obvious concern this offseason, it’s no surprise that it’s a need quickly addressed by the USC coaching staff in the 2015 recruiting cycle.
And by the looks of it, it figures to be an impressive defensive end class for the Gamecocks and full of players who could solve some of South Carolina’s biggest defensive issues.
As of now, South Carolina has seven defensive end commitments, including two that have already signed letters of intent — JUCO defensive ends Marquavius Lewis and Ulric Jones.
Even if South Carolina doesn’t add any more defensive ends, the Gamecocks are set up well for the future at that position.
Lewis, Jones and prep star Dexter Wildeman will likely be the instant impact impact players for next season.
All three are more polished at the position than the highly regarded high school commits South Carolina has in this class like Arden Key and Shameik Blackshear.
Wildeman was an All-American and originally committed to Florida State, but was forced to take a year at prep school. Now, he’s the No. 1 prep school recruit in the country.
Both Lewis and Jones dominated the JUCO levels. Lewis is perhaps the most impressive prospect out of the entire group. In 12 games last year, he racked up 11.0 sacks on his own, nearly matching the season total for the entire Gamecocks defense in 2014.
Wildeman, Lewis and Jones are all planning on early enrolling, which will be huge for the three of them in acclimating to SEC football and the chance to participate in spring camp should only help their chances of cracking the top of the depth chart sooner rather than later.
As a whole, the Gamecocks are bringing in top defensive line recruits from different levels and with that kind of talent on its way to Columbia, the defensive line issues plaguing South Carolina should be on their way out.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
