The Gamecocks are trying to build off last year’s 7-win season by the time they’re ranked in the preseason polls, and coming off the Garnet and Black Game, South Carolina has plenty of potential to do just that.

They’ve obviously added a franchise QB in Spencer Rattler. The line play will be critical as the defensive front has as much talent as any group in the SEC with multiple 5-stars in the group. Meanwhile, the offensive line gave up 5 sacks in the spring game, a bit of an alarming development for a unit that returned every starter, and is as veteran as any coach would want.

The other major question is how the Gamecocks take the next step, and become more of a legitimate challenger in the SEC East, beyond a flash-in-the-pan dark horse.

Here are 6 questions I have as the Gamecocks enter the offseason:

Transfer portal All-Stars

Spencer Rattler gets a vast majority of the attention, but South Carolina is ready to enjoy the dividends of cleaning up in the transfer portal once again. Antwane “Juice” Wells and Christian Beal-Smith were a couple of the potential breakout players who shined in the spring game. Wells, a wide receiver, and “CBS,” a running back, happen to play positions the Gamecocks have wanted to hit their potential for years. Kevin Harris broke a long drought of 1,000-yard rushers, but the Gamecocks have struggled to have a feature back and a complimentary receiver for several years.

Those 3 are only a trio of a bevy of portal additions. There’s also pass rusher Terrell Dawkins, S Devonni Reed, RB Lovasea Carroll, WR Corey Rucker, TE Austin Stogner and RB Dante “Lil Turbo” Miller.

“Last year when we brought in all these transfers, we didn’t miss on any of them,” Beamer said after the spring game. “And we feel confident saying the same thing this year with this group. We haven’t missed on any of them. They’re all going to have very impactful roles on our team this upcoming season.”

Wide receiver depth

It’s still up in the air for the Gamecocks to show a deep threat, but Wells could fill that role, and Josh Vann is capable, though he’s awfully valuable on more consistent throws. The Gamecocks have several candidates to support Vann and Wells, including versatile veteran Dakereon Joyner, Jaheim Bell, Austin Stogner, Corey Rucker and big-time recruit Landon Samson.

Capable contributors also include Xavier Legette and Ahmarean Brown, who has veteran experience, and Beamer believes was the most consistent receiver of the spring. And don’t forget about former walk-on Trey Adkins, who caught 2 touchdowns in the last scrimmage before the spring game.

In recent years, South Carolina hasn’t had trouble finding a No. 1 receiver, it’s the second and third options that have appeared elusive. That needs to change.

Mo Kaba’s development

It’s time for Kaba to take the next step into an impact player at linebacker. He has been on the cusp for the past year or so after he was named an SEC All-Freshman player from the league’s 14 coaches in 2020. Kaba has appeared in 22 contests over the past 2 seasons. As Sherrod Greene gets back to 100% after being limited in the Garnet and Black Game, it’s time for Kaba to fill those shoes.

He made 7 tackles against Texas A&M last year and 5 against Clemson; it doesn’t get much tougher than those teams on the schedule. Kaba was 10th on the team last season with 38 tackles, and he would do well to double that total and be in the top 3 this season.

Cam Smith, the next great DB

Smith has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks for the Gamecocks the past 2 seasons, especially when there was major turnover at the position. Smith has transitioned to nickel this spring, but don’t be surprised to see him mentioned among the best cover corners in the SEC, if not the country. He has a chance to be the next great player in a long line of NFL-bound cover corners. Of course, there’s Stephon Gilmore, Rashad Fenton, Chris Lammons, Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu.

“We moved Cam into that nickel position and after 15 practices it is like, ‘Oh my God, why didn’t we do this before?'” Beamer said. “There is a reason he was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Spring by our staff tonight along with Zacch Pickens. To have that flexibility where he can play nickel and also go back on the outside. Proud of Cam and excited to see how he will continue to progress heading into the season.”

Atmosphere to pay dividends

Beamer has certainly changed the culture at South Carolina, and it has probably the most momentum of any non-SEC heavyweight outside of Arkansas entering the season. Beamer said there were 32 recruits at the spring game, and South Carolina put on a big show with a good crowd. Now it needs to close on some of those, and follow through on this fertile recruiting landscape the Gamecocks have fostered the last year.

“There is a lot of energy and excitement about South Carolina football,” Beamer said. “We tell recruits all the time, it is a great time to be coming into this program. I can’t tell you how many people tell me every single week how they have never been more excited about South Carolina football than what they are right now. I think that is very evident from the environment (at the spring game).”

All that sounds good, but the Gamecocks were 11th in the SEC in recruiting last cycle, and have not yet landed a commitment for the class of 2023, according to 247Sports.

Spencer Rattler

The quarterback has fairly high expectations, and the Gamecocks need continuity at quarterback for the first time in a while. They used 4 quarterbacks last season, which was among the most in the country. While production is most important, stability and leadership will go a long way. Beamer also pointed out that his mobility is something to keep in mind, as he didn’t offer much of a running threat at Oklahoma.