When the Gamecocks released their depth chart Tuesday, Shameik Blackshear found himself in a place he hadn’t been in three years: in the two-deep rotation.
Blackshear is the backup at defensive end behind Aaron Sterling and, after a long, winding road at South Carolina, is expected to see significant snaps in the Gamecocks’ defense.
“The thing I like about Shameik is he plays with a lot of effort. It matters to him; football matters to him,” ends coach Mike Peterson said. “He’s playing some three-technique in our pass situations. His role is increasing. The more he gets better and the more he produces, his role will increase even more.”
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Blackshear played in two games his first year, and was granted a medical redshirt for that season. Then, in December 2015, he was left in serious condition after being shot twice outside of an off-campus apartment complex.
It took a lot longer than maybe Blackshear wanted, but he made a full recovery. Now he’s ready for the next chapter in his twisting and turning journey at South Carolina.
“I’m very proud of Shameik. He came in and he had all the stuff going on when he first got here,” defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson said. “He cleaned up his life and he’s doing a lot, lot better. I’m excited about him. We’re going to need him to play well for us.”
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Heading into his redshirt junior season, Blackshear is now ready to take a step forward in his game after some inconsistencies over the last two seasons post-injury.
He’s played in 17 games out of a possible 26 over the last two years with no starts, compiling just eight tackles, and one for a loss.
This year he’s worked harder in the weight room to change his physique, head coach Will Muschamp said. In doing so, Blackshear has had a really good camp and played his way into the defensive line rotation.
“The thing I will say about Shameik is he has changed his body, he’s gotten stronger and he plays with a high motor,” Muschamp said. “He is also going to play inside for us some as well.”
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And now Blackshear will likely see action at two different spots this fall.
He’s already taking reps behind Aaron Sterling at defensive end, and the Gamecocks could opt to use him on third down more this season than in the past.
South Carolina uses a faster “rabbits” package on third down, putting more speed on the field to rush the passer. That usually features more defensive ends on the field instead of bigger, slower tackles.
In that package, the Gamecocks haven’t ruled out putting Blackshear inside at that tackle spot, giving them some speed inside, too. Plus, at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, he’ll be able to hold his own against bigger offensive linemen.
“He’s a guy who gives us position multiplicity. I’ve got all the confidence in the world that he’s going to play well for us. He also in some pass rush situations gives us more speed inside which we need.”
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