Much of the preseason anticipation around South Carolina was about the skill players on offense and the ability they have to take the next step following a strong second half of the 2016 season.

There’s also the return of linebacker Skai Moore, and the hire of offensive line coach Eric Wolford, who was last with the program in 2009, as the Gamecocks look to take the next step in Will Muschamp’s second season. All of the continuity that comes with keeping the coaching staff largely together, and adding more depth with another recruiting class is anticipated.

What’s left to be decided is the state of the linemen as the Gamecocks struggled to run the ball and were 13th in the SEC in rushing. The pass rush was also a concern as they were 11th in the league in sacks.

Some of these issues have been addressed, but others remain up in the air.

Here’s a look at what has been solved at South Carolina, and which issues remain.

What’s been solved:

1. Bryson Allen-Williams is playing Buck: With Moore’s return and the sub-par pass rush, Allen-Williams was moved to the hybrid defensive end that’s designed to rush the quarterback. Coaches have been vague about Allen-Williams’ role, The State reported, but they have admitted that he’ll be at the position where Dennis Wonnum was at the top of the preseason depth chart.

“He’s definitely going to be on the field,” Bucks coach Mike Peterson told The State of Allen-Williams. “We have packages for him, but I don’t want to tip my hand too much on what we’re doing, but he’s with the Buck position right now.”

Allen-Williams was second on the team with 75 tackles in 2016, and had two sacks.

2. The left tackle position is settled: A battle between two 300-pounders, Malik Young and Dennis Daley, was settled in recent days with Young expected to start the season, Wolford said.

Young, a redshirt junior, played in every game last season and started nine at right tackle. Daley is a JUCO transfer.

“Dennis has been inconsistent, which you would expect from a new player,” Wolford said, according to the Post and Courier. “At times, he flashes like the guy we expect him to be. A lot of players flash. The thing is, who can consistently play for 75 snaps, 80 snaps when you are going fast and you’re tired and it’s hot out. This is a detail-oriented position.”

3. A newcomer emerges: Having a freshman excel early should be expected for the Gamecocks, especially given last season. That player this year might be wide receiver Shi Smith, who has drawn a lot of attention from coaches and players.

He’s only listed at 5-10 and 179 pounds, but Smith will line up at slot to start the season. As a junior in high school, he played for Gamecocks legend Steve Taneyhill. The final two years of high school, he combined for 27 touchdowns and 2,244 receiving yards. South Carolina has several established receivers and tight ends in Deebo Samuel, Bryan Edwards and tight end Hayden Hurst, but Smith offers a change of pace and a wrinkle in the offense.

What’s left to fix:

Linebacker depth: Lost in Moore’s return, the Gamecocks don’t exactly have a lot of options beyond the starting group. Moore, Allen-Williams and T.J. Brunson are as about as experienced as it gets in the SEC at linebacker as a group. But look across the depth chart, and they often back up each other. Allen-Williams is a starter, and backed up by former safety Antoine Wilder. But Allen-Williams is a backup to Moore, and Moore backs up Brunson.

Though the Gamecocks signed four linebackers in the most recent class, there is a steep dropoff in experience. JUCO transfer Eldridge Thompson and freshmen Damani Staley, Davonne Bowen and Sherrod Greene are among the players filling out the roster. There’s also defensive lineman Brad Johnson at the Buck position.

Peterson, the position coach, admitted the concerns.

“But the thing is, you get those young guys in and you got to bring them along fast. That’s college ball,” he was quoted as saying by the Post and Courier. “The bad side of it is there’s no free agency in this thing, we can’t go hit the waiver wire and go find another one. You got to play the hand you’re dealt, and that’s where we’re at with it.”

2. Jake Bentley’s development: Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper will have plenty of eyes on him as Bentley is given more responsibility at the line of scrimmage. Muschamp regularly praises Bentley and it appears he has taken control of the team.

Accolades are pouring in, as some analysts view Bentley as the best QB in the SEC.

Building off last season will be difficult, especially considering against Clemson and South Florida at the end of 2016, he threw a combined three interceptions. His nine touchdowns came in seven games, but he also went three games without a single touchdown.

All indications are that Bentley will have a strong season, but if things go sideways early, how will he and Roper handle it?

3. How will Shameik Blackshear contribute? A 4-star defensive line prospect, Blackshear has experienced plenty of adversity in his career, not the least of which came in December 2015 when he was shot multiple times. Earlier in his career, he suffered a knee injury, and last week dealt with a concussion.

Blackshear played in nine games in 2016 but recorded only two tackles, one each against Mississippi State and Clemson. In 2015, he played in two games, but was later granted a redshirt.

It appears the coaches will continue to give him chances to make contributions, so his production is largely centered on his health to stay on the field.