Up front on the defensive line for the South Carolina Gamecocks this spring it has been a time for rehabbing and evaluating.
This past Spring Football session, USC’s defensive line was weak because DT Travian Robertson and DE Cliff Matthews sat out to fully heal from past injuries. Plus DT Ladi Ajiboye sat out contact drills so USC Coach Brad Lawing provided extra reps to a host of guys and had to use some walk-ons just to provide depth during scrimmages.
Going into next season this line is going to be strong, just have to heal up. The anchor of this group is senior DE Cliff Matthews and remember this name because by the end of the year he will be first team All SEC – write it down. In 2009, he was named second-team All-SEC by the league’s coaches and an honorable mention selection by the Associated Press. Cliff recorded 47 tackles, had 10 tackles for loss including 7.0 sacks. He ranked in the SEC’s top 5 in sacks, led the league with four fumble recoveries and was tied for second with three forced fumbles. 2010 will be better. Cliff Matthews was recently named to the Lott Trophy Watch List.
At the other end spot, Devin Taylor (RS/So.) will get the nod as he too had a very good 2009 season. As a redshirt freshman last season, Devin earned third-team Freshman All-America honors by CollegeFootballNews.com and was a Freshman All-SEC performer according to the league’s 12 coaches. He logged 28 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 blocked kick and had 2 forced fumbles.
Behind those two are Chaz Sutton (RS, Fr), Byron McKnight (RS, Jr) and Aldrick Fordham (So.) competing for two deep spots.
In the middle, look for Kenny Davis (RS, So) and Melvin Ingram (Jr) to push for playing time. Ladi and Travian may have the first team role locked up but Kenny and Melvin provide excellent depth at this position.
Two redshirt freshmen could also surprise come fall – Chaun Gresham and Ronald Byrd – and get some field experience as both have shown some promising things to Coach Lawing this spring.
One thing to point out, if you have not noticed, is this DL is young and will have four newcomers this fall that could also be in the mix. Coach Lawing has stated that each of the four new guys will have a chance to compete for playing time. So look for Byron Jerideau, Corey Simmons, JT Surratt and Kelcy Quarles to come out swinging. I do not think all four will beat out the older guys but one kid could be in the hunt – Mr. Quarles.
Kelcy is a beast up front and coming out of Greenwood was a four star recruit. He stands 6’4 and weighs in around 265. He is big and athletic. Could easily come in and give the other DTs a run for playing time as he is too good to keep off the field of play.
May prove wise to redshirt Jerideau, Simmons and Surratt.
So as you can see Coach Lawing has a good group to work with up front and should by start of camp know who the playmakers are. I am really encouraged by the mixture, athleticism and how young this group is. Coach Lawing has playmakers at the end posts and a strong core at DT to stop the run. Big thing I want to see from this group is push up front against the big SEC OLs. Get the push and let strong secondary go to work.
As I stated before, the USC defense will be Top 25 again as they are solid in 2010 in each position. The DL at Carolina may not scare anyone going into the season but I feel they will be highly respected by the end of the 2010 SEC campaign.
Other LOHD Spring Position Reports:
Gamecocks Spring Position Report: Quarterbacks
Gamecocks Spring 2010 Position Report: Offensive Line
Gamecocks Spring 2010 Position Report: Defensive Backs
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