Position breakdown: running backs

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 the running back group.

Each week we’ll break down each position, discussing the player to watch and a newcomer who could make an impact this season.

To see a full list of GamecockCentral.com's breakdowns, click here.

The skinny: Like the rest of the offense skill groups, running back is deep with talent. They bring back two running backs that split starting time last year in Rico Dowdle and A.J. Turner while bringing in former UNC transfer Ty’Son Williams.

Also see: Practice insight from Monday's open session

Caleb Kinlaw, who transferred from Pearl River Community College, walked onto the team in the spring and will compete for playing time this spring alongside returners Mon Denson and C.J. Freeman, who is still rehabbing from a knee injury.

Dowdle and Turner shouldered most of the starter load, combining for 11 total stars with 1,323 combined yards and nine touchdowns. Dowdle started the Gamecocks’ last six games and led the team with 781 yards.

Dowdle and Williams have similar power running styles while Turner is more of the leaner, speed back.

All three backs are expected to be the top three backs in the rotation this fall with no starter named yet. They’ll likely all get plenty of carries, and each knows they’ll get their fair share of playing time.

Also see: Team scoop, including more on the BUCK position entering week four of camp

Player to watch: Rico Dowdle

Dowdle came on strong at the end of last year, having to battle through injury the first half of the season before bursting into the starting lineup against Tennessee.

He finished strong, rushing for 100 yards in three of the team’s last six games. He rushed for a career-high 226 yards and two touchdowns against Western Carolina.

It seems like he’s gained weight in the offseason before his sophomore year and is locked in a battle for the starting spot with Williams and Turner. He’s listed at 5-foot-11, 220.

If he continues to develop and play well, he could be an anchor for the Gamecock running back crops.

Also see: Inside four-star wide out Josh Vann's commitment

Newcomer to watch: Ty’Son Williams

While not a traditional newcomer, this season is Williams’s first eligible season at South Carolina.

He transferred last offseason from North Carolina, sitting out 2016 while still going through practice and weight training.

Originally from Sumter, S.C., Williams rushed for 57 yards and caught one pass in his freshman season before transferring. While working out at South Carolina, he earned the Offensive Scout Team Award.

He had a good spring game, flashing his signature one-cut, north-and-south running style for 83 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be a player who will likely get a heavy workload in the Gamecocks’ offense.

Storyline to watch: Who will get the bulk of the carries?

While the three featured backs—Turner, Dowdle and William—will all get carries in this offense, who gets the majority and who starts is still being settled in preseason camp.

Will Muschamp said after Saturday’s scrimmage each back has had his moments in camp, and he thinks the Gamecocks can win with all three.

The starting job will likely not be decided until camp comes to a close at the beginning of September, but with three viable options in the backfield it could be one of the deeper positions on the field for the Gamecocks.