Midseason standouts
At 2-4, South Carolina hasn't had the start to the season that it hoped for, but that doesn't mean there haven't been some bright spots. Here's a look at several of them.
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Most improved (Offense)
TE Hayden Hurst - The sophomore tight end added some good weight this offseason and has become a focal point of the Carolina offense as he's one of the few targets in the passing game who has managed to remain healthy and consistently provide big plays. The Gamecocks' leading receiver, Hurst is seventh in the league with 30 catches for 388 yards. Hurst will look to improve his blocking in the second half of the season, but he's been a consistent force in the Carolina passing game and will likely continue to be.
OG Zack Bailey - The sophomore from Summerville played solid as a true freshman, but has taken his game to a new level this season. The Gamecocks have struggled on the offensive line, but Bailey has been their best, most consistent lineman and looks to have an NFL future.
Most improved (Defense)
BUCK Darius English - English came into his senior season with 6 career sacks to his name and has already racked up 6 in the first half of the season, good for second in the SEC. English has provided some much-needed pass-rush juice to a defense that lacks consistent pass-rushers and has worked hard to play the very important BUCK position in Carolina's scheme.
CB Chris Lammons - A former four-star prospect, Lammons is playing the best ball of his career as a junior. With two interceptions, Lammons has looked comfortable and confident in the Gamecocks scheme. Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson has also brought out a physical side in Lammons that wasn't previously a part of his game. Carolina will need Lammons to continue to excel in the second half of the season.
Top newcomer (Offense)
WR Bryan Edwards - The freshman from Conway announced his presence on the scene with a huge leaping grab against Vanderbilt, and while a hamstring injury has slowed him down, he's made a major impact already. Edwards has 20 catches for 258 yards in his first five games, but it's not just the stats that are impressive. The 6-foot-3 receiver has shown an incredible catch radius and a knack for making big plays on the ball.
Top newcomer (Defense)
CB Jamarcus King - King has steadily improved as the season has progressed and has looked more and more like the top-rated JUCO prospect that he was. The first thing you notice about King is the length he brings to the position, but he also has appeared to play more physical as the season has progressed. King has been a huge addition to a razor thin South Carolina secondary.
Most likely to succeed in second half of season (Offense)
WR Deebo Samuel - South Carolina fans got a glance in the Georgia game at what a healthy Samuel can do and if he can stay healthy, he's poised to have a huge second half of the season. Samuel gives the Carolina offense a different dynamic when he's on the field and has the type of open-field ability that you have to have to run a successful spread offense. Getting him the ball should be a major priority for the staff moving forward.
RB Rico Dowdle - Dowdle has only played in two games after missing the first four due to injury, but he quickly earned a start in just his second game healthy. Dowdle did have a fumble in that contest, but he's also provided a spark to a struggling Carolina running game. Dowdle's explosiveness, vision and knack for making defenders miss should be on full display during the final half of the season.
Most likely to succeed in second half of season (Defense)
Bryson Allen-Williams - The junior is South Carolina's leading tackler (37 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss) through the first six games and has appeared to play his best ball in the last couple of weeks as he's gotten more comfortable in the system. The coaches have done a good job of using Allen-Williams' skillset as a linebacker on early downs and as more of a pass-rusher on third and longs. He looks poised to have a big finish to the season.
