Position breakdown: cornerbacks
Gamecock Central is breaking down each position on the football field heading into the 2017 season, with a new position each Monday. This week’s position is cornerbacks.
Each week we’ll break down each position, discussing the player to watch and a newcomer who could make an impact this season.
The skinny: The Gamecocks released their two-deep depth chart Sunday, with JaMarcus King and Rashad Fenton occupying the starting spots heading into preseason camp. King started the last 10 regular season games of the season while Fenton started six of the team’s 12 games.
Chris Lammons, who’s listed as the No. 2 corner at each position, was another corner who saw significant time, starting all 12 games at nickel corner. He and King were tied for the team-lead with three interceptions last season and Fenton picked up one pick.
The three totaled 113 tackles last season and were part of a secondary that gave up 208.7 passing yards per game last season, which was sixth best in the SEC.
Also see: Monday morning recruiting notes
Player to watch: JaMarcus King
King, who’s in his second season after transferring from Coffeyville Community College, came on strong at the end of the season last year. After not starting the first two games of the season, he started the remainder of the season as one of the Gamecocks’ primary options in the secondary.
He was usually placed on the opposing team’s best receiver, and picked up 51 tackles and tied a team best with three picks on the year. He was thin last season, but comes into this year listed at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, up six pounds from the beginning of last season.
King still has to develop and continue to add muscle throughout preseason camp, but could be poised for a breakout season as the Gamecocks No. 1 corner.
Also see: Breaking down the Gamecocks' depth chart
Newcomer to watch: Keisean Nixon, Jamyest Williams
He was a highly-touted cornerback from Arizona Western Community College that was recruited by five other SEC programs before eventually choosing South Carolina. He should be enrolling for fall camp and will compete for playing time this season.
He should be a player who could compete with King, Fenton and Lammons for playing time in the secondary and could see time in sets when offenses play multiple wide receivers.
Williams was one of the lynchpins of the Gamecocks’ 2017 class that chose South Carolina over Georgia. He’s a versatile player with speed, returning kicks in high school and could also see time at wide receiver.
He’s a high-profile, four-star defensive back that can make an impact early at different positions around the football field in all three phases.
Also see: GamecockCentral panel on what's next for the Gamecocks in recruiting
Storyline to watch: Who will be the No. 2 corner?
Fenton is listed as the second corner right now heading into preseason camp, but it could change as practice starts in late July. Lammons has more starts and registered more tackles and more interceptions than Fenton.
If Lammons comes on strong during camp, he could move into the other starting spot alongside King. The Gamecocks also have a good recruiting class coming in with Nixon and Williams with corners Kaleb Chalmers and Tavyn Jackson also coming to campus.