Danny Fennell stepping up big with Wonnum out
Danny Fennell’s in his third year at South Carolina. In 26 career games, he’s only picked up two starts despite being a part of the heavy rotation at the BUCK and linebacker spots.
That could change this weekend.
With D.J. Wonnum out with a ligament injury, Fennell is one player stepping up to fill that void.
“I’ve been extremely proud of him right now and what he’s able to do,” Will Muschamp said. “He’s our starter at SAM backer right now with Dennis going out and Bryson being basically our primary buck right now. I’ve been proud with how Danny’s played.”
Also see: Insider notes, observations from Wednesday's baseball scrimmage
Wonnum will miss about three more games potentially rehabbing the ankle injury. For that time, Bryson Allen-Williams will slide over to the BUCK spot, leaving Fennell to fill the vacated outside linebacker spot.
And with him sliding over to that spot, it brings one of the most highly graded players on the Gamecock defense more into the fold than he already was.
He’s the third-highest graded player with at least snaps, behind only J.T. Ibe and Allen-Williams, both of which are starters.
Fennell comes into this weekend’s game against Vandy with a 68.7 grade overall and the team’s second-best pass rush grade (79.8) with J.J. Enagbare the only player who’s grade out higher.
Also see: USC pledges already making highlight-reel plays
Through two seasons, Fennell’s numbers have been solid—29 tackles and three sacks in 19 games—but he only has a couple starts to show for it.
He already has three tackles this season, including a sack over Georgia, but over the next few weeks he’ll get significantly more snaps to make more plays.
“He’s a steady player; he continued to improve every year since we’ve been here,” Muschamp said. “He’s a dependable player; you know what you’re going to get out of Danny all the time. You’re going to get great effort. You’re going to get mental toughness on how he approaches the game.”
Also see: Six things to know about Vanderbilt
Fennell is a jack-of-all-trades in the Gamecock defense. He’s split time over his over two-year career so far between the BUCK and linebacker spots, playing both in games.
Through it all, he’s been one of the most constant performers on the team and now gets a big opportunity filling in with Wonnum out.
“Danny’s just Danny,” Javon Kinlaw said. “He’s going to do him. He’s going to do what he’s got to do regardless.”
*** Current subscribers: To discuss this story, head over to The Insiders Forum, our private, members-only message board!
*** Not a subscriber? Get in-depth and insider coverage of the South Carolina Gamecocks with a subscription to GamecockCentral.com!