Gamecock staff looking for Zacch Pickens to make an impact

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

When Zacch Pickens stepped onto the Gamecocks' practice field for the first time on Wednesday, the opening day of Will Muschamp's fourth spring in Columbia, he was one of the players watched the most by observers.

The now-former five-star prospect was the crown jewel of the Gamecocks' 2019 class, and someone being counted on to play as a true freshman. Speaking with the media after practice on Wednesday, defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson made it clear that Pickens has big potential, but he's a freshman just the same.

"He’s a freshman, guys," Robinson said. "He’s learning the plays. He doesn’t even know what we’re doing right now. He’s running around like a chicken with his head cut off."

Pickens, of course, has the added benefit as a newcomer of having enrolled in Columbia in January and as such has the opportunity to go through spring drills whereas many other freshmen do not arrive until the summer.

The Anderson native was wearing a band and wrap around his right leg on Wednesday, but nothing that will hold him back from participating. Robinson believes Pickens is capable of playing multiple spots in the Gamecocks' scheme.

"He’s a little limited but he’s fine," said Robinson. "I’m excited about him playing inside as well as outside. Our swing guys would be Keir (Thomas), Jabari Ellis, and probably a little bit with Zacch."

When asked the best case for Pickens' development at South Carolina, given his talent level, Robinson went big before reminding the media that he's a first-year player going through his first week of real practice.

"You ever seen Fletcher Cox?" he asked. "Probably something like that guy. That’d be my ideal dream scenario. Just disrupt everything. Aaron Donald and those kind of guys. He has the capability to do that one day."

While the staff loves Pickens' talent level and upside, there's a clear recognition that he will need time to adapt to the scheme. Robinson seems to believe he will have every chance to make a significant contribution in year one.

" I want him to be really good and be the best in our conference and have a chance to help us up front," he said.

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