Newcomer report: freshman defenders see extended time
After getting almost all of their freshmen snaps last weekend, the Gamecocks used a much limited rotation in a 41-17 loss to Georgia. But that doesn't mean freshmen didn't play.
The Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1 SEC) used a handful of freshmen Saturday with a lot of young defenders coming in and making the stat sheet during a 41-17 loss to No. 3 Georgia.
Jaycee Horn, one of the few freshmen to start an opener over the last decade, picked up his second start of the year at the nickel back spot. He had five tackles, which was tied for third on the team, including a team-best one for a loss.
Also see: What to make of Saturday's loss to Georgia
Not a freshman, but graduate transfer J.T. Ibe started at one safety spot and picked up five tackles as well.
Freshmen linemen J.J. Enagbare, Rick Sandidge both got significant snaps in the defensive line rotation, finishing with a tackle apiece. Sandidge's lone takedown came as a tackle for loss.
Rosendo Louis played sparingly on defense, picking up three tackles, as T.J. Brunson's backup at middle linebacker.
Also see: Full updates, analysis from Williams-Brice
Josh Belk also saw some action, coming in later during the Gamecocks' 24-point loss, and not registering on the stat sheet.
After seeing extensive time in last week's win, defensive backs Israel Mukuamu and R.J. Roderick both saw action Saturday with the second-team defense and combined for five tackles.
Both are starters on the special teams units as well.
The lone newcomer on offense to see any snaps was Josh Vann, who had a lot of snaps in the Gamecocks' receiver rotation. He was targeted twice, making the catch both times, for 29 yards.
Also see: Which prospects took in Saturday's game?
Full list of newcomers to see action Saturday:
Jaycee Horn, cornerback
R.J. Roderick, safety
Josh Vann, wide receiver
Israel Mukuamu, cornerback
J.T. Ibe (graduate transfer)
Rosendo Louis, linebacker
J.J. Enagbare, defensive lineman
Josh Belk, defensive lineman
Jabari Ellis, defensive lineman (JUCO transfer)