Despite a disappointing 7-6 finish this season, there’s no reason to panic at South Carolina. Several key players return for 2015 as the Gamecocks try and bounce back to compete for an SEC Championship:

5. Gerald Dixon, DL: One of the lone bright spots along a defensive front four that struggled throughout this season, Dixon assumes a veteran leadership role in 2015 since many expect several new starters in the trenches. Maybe Dixon can teach incoming defensive ends Marquavius Lewis and Shameik Blackshear a few things about technique and what to watch for pre-snap.

4. Brandon Wilds, RB: He’ll likely split carries with David Williams, but Wilds’ decision to return to Columbia for his senior season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft will pay dividends on a new-look offense next fall. Wilds runs hard when given opportunity and has made several plays in the receiving game over the last three years.

3. Elliott Fry, K: Fry was nearly automatic the first half of the season, connecting on 12 of his first 13 field goal tries as one of the SEC’s most reliable weapons on special teams.

2. Skai Moore, LB: South Carolina’s leading tackler overcame a slow start to respond down the stretch, posting his best games over the final six weeks of the season. Moore recorded three interceptions, accumulated 93 total tackles and gave the Gamecocks stability in the middle of a oft-criticized defense. He was named South Carolina’s defensive MVP in the Independence Bowl after notching a team-best 11 stops.

1. Pharoh Cooper, WR: Mr. Everything on the Gamecocks’ offense, Cooper averaged 13.9 yards per touch this and was one of only two players in the SEC to surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark. As South Carolina’s most dangerous receiver, Steve Spurrier could count on Cooper for a big play when needed. He absorbed several bone-jarring hits, only to get up and burn the opposition on the ensuing drive. The All-SEC wideout is an early All-American candidate for 2015.

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