Muschamp details the plan for J.J. Enagbare

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS FOOTBALL

J.J. Enagbare came to South Carolina as a defensive end and, after spending a year at defensive tackle, is making the switch this spring back to his original position.

The sophomore defensive lineman, who became a big piece of the Gamecock rotation as a freshman, is going to bump out to start spring practice and could split time at both defensive line spots this year.

“We’re going to play him at end,” Will Muschamp said. “But he’s obviously a guy that’s got some versatility that can rush inside, especially when you get into one-minute, third down or situational type things.”

Also see: Full recap from Will Muschamp's 40-minute press conference

Enagbare played in 12 of the Gamecocks’ 13 games last season, only missing one game because of injury—at Clemson—during his freshman season.

Playing primarily at defensive tackle, he picked up 20 tackles, three for loss, and had one sack for minus-seven yards.

Enagbare stepped on campus as an earlyr enrollee and started impressing the coaching staff quick, getting characterized as a fast-twitch athlete that could cause havoc against offensive linemen.

Coming into his second spring practice with the Gamecocks, he’s a little bit stronger and faster and, with a lot of defensive tackle talent returning, he may be a better fit primarily playing at defensive end.

But, Muschamp said he could still play some at the tackle position in special circumstances like third downs or obvious passing situations. Then, Enagbare could bump inside to create mismatches inside.

“You can match him up on a guard inside and he’s got a good feel as far as blocks inside,” Muschamp said. “He really progressed as the year went on and did a nice job rushing the passer inside. We’re going to start him out at end this spring.”

Also see: An insider's impression after the second weekend of baseball season

Enagbare’s able to make the jump outside because of some of the weight he’s shed in the Gamecocks’ offseason program.

After gaining a bunch of weight before his freshman year, getting up to 285 pounds at his peak playing weight, he’s shed about 20 pounds heading into spring practice.

The official team roster has Enagbare down to 265 pounds.

“He’s a guy we feel like has his weight in a good situation,” Muschamp said. He’s moving well in the offseason program and we’re excited about seeing him progress during spring.”

Also see: What could the offensive depth chart look like?

Enagbare is one of a few guys that will learn both the tackle and end positions that include two of the Gamecocks’ new signees also doing so this spring.

Five-star Zacch Pickens and junior college lineman Devontae Davis will also rep at both this spring with the hopes the two can play both once the season starts.

Junior college transfer Jabari Ellis, who played sparingly last season with the Gamecocks, will also rep at both.

“Zacch’s going to play both. He can play both end and tackle and is athletic enough to slide outside and play the end position. He can play both and will play both spots. We’ll cross train Devontae Davis, Jabari Ellis and those three guys.”