South Carolina largely exceeded expectations in 2021 as Shane Beamer implemented his culture and vision for the program.

Between a host of under-the-radar transfers and players who had surprising breakout years, the Gamecocks delivered a 7-6 record and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over North Carolina.

Still, stability at quarterback was not something the Gamecocks enjoyed. And the running back position was inconsistent behind an uneven offensive line. The defense largely overperformed and, somewhat surprisingly, got several key players back who put off the NFL for 1 more season.

Here are the 5 biggest areas of concern, and possible solutions for the Gamecocks in 2022:

Offensive line

Despite the experience and the talent of Kevin Harris, the offensive line never generated a top-shelf running game in 2021, and several games set off alarm bells. Texas A&M had 3 sacks, and Georgia and Kentucky each had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for a loss against the Gamecocks. Then the Tennessee game was almost over before it started. Offensive line coach Greg Adkins was 1 of 3 assistants who didn’t receive a raise recently. What will be different in 2022? Experience, for starters.

Senior center Eric Douglas will be back, and he’s the leader of the line. Senior left tackle Jaylen Nichols, junior left guard Vershon Lee, senior right guard Jovaughn Gwyn and sophomore right tackle Tyshawn Wannamaker are all in line to return. For backups, Dylan Wonnum (who is coming off of surgery), Jakai Moore, Hank Manos and Wyatt Campbell will push for time.

Wide receiver

Finding multiple options at wide receiver has been an issue for the Gamecocks for several years. As a key player emerges, others who are expected to fill out complementary roles seem to have trouble generating consistent contributions.

There’s a line of thinking that Jaheim Bell could be moved to receiver, as he’s arguably the program’s most dangerous receiving weapon to start the season. After all, Bell showed plenty of potential as a potent threat.

Josh Vann announced his return, and he’ll be a big target for Spencer Rattler. Xavier Legette had 8 catches for 63 yards and 1 touchdown in 2021, and he should be counted on to grow into a larger role in 2022.

Defensive secondary

Last year, Jaylan Foster was so good that he masked some of the concerns about the secondary. Will there be a similar breakout player this time?

R.J. Roderick is a candidate, and he’ll pair with Tyrese Ross, who couldn’t break through consistently in 2021, on the back end. Jaylin Dickerson and Cam Hardy likely will be the backups.

One positive is at cornerback, where Cam Smith and Darius Rush bring back a boatload of experience, including a combined 19 pass breakups in last season alone.

Kicker

Parker White was one of the most consistent kickers in the country for more than a season, and last season he became the program’s all-time leading scorer. Now the Gamecocks must replace him. Mitch Jeter, who previously held kickoff duties for the Gamecocks, will likely take on the primary role as the field goal kicker after he was on call for long attempts. But the Gamecocks have other options as well.

Arizona State kicker Jack Luckhurst transferred to South Carolina in the fall of 2021, but he didn’t join the team until earlier this year. In 2020, he made all 9 extra-point attempts and converted his only field goal try of 49 yards. Another possibility is Alex Herrera, who has been a backup punter and kickoff specialist.

Marcus Satterfield

The offensive coordinator took significant heat, especially early in the season, about the team’s lack of production. And recently, when several Gamecocks coaches received raises and/or contract extensions, Satterfield was not one of them. If Satterfield’s unit or performance is contrasted with defensive coordinator Clayton White’s, South Carolina’s offense was behind the curve in several games.

The Gamecocks finished the regular season No. 13 in the SEC in scoring offense, No. 12 in rushing offense, No. 13 in passing offense and No. 13 in total offense. And that led Satterfield to make this comment to Rattler after the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite was benched and later transferred from Oklahoma.

“I told him, ‘Everybody in the country thinks you stink,'” Satterfield said. “‘Everybody in the country thinks I stink. Let’s go at this with the biggest possible chip on our shoulder.’”

In his 2nd season in the program, and with a veteran offensive line and QB, Satterfield has a chance to make huge strides in his effectiveness as the OC.