Position breakdown: Safeties
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 safeties.
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: It was a much-improved position for the Gamecocks last season on a defense that struggled before head coach Will Muschamp arrived. Muschamp, who is known for his secondary and defensive prowess, along with defensive coordinator and secondary coach Travaris Robinson really helped improve the secondary.
The safeties are led by D.J. Smith, who led the team with 80 tackles and had three interceptions, who played in all 13 games last year. Steven Montac, in his first season with South Carolina, also played in 11 games at safety last season and registered 39 tackles.
The Gamecocks lose two safeties listed on the two-deep depth chart at the end of last season, Chris Moody and Chaz Elder. They return Smith and Montac while bringing in two signees: Zay Brown and Jaylin Dickerson. Veteran Chris Lammons could also play safety, and could begin the season at there or nickel.
Player to watch: Steven Montac
Montac played in 11 games, filling and rotating in the secondary. The rising junior showed signs of promise last season and, with continuous development over the summer and in preseason camp, could be a big contributor on defense this season.
Montac was a walk-on who joined the team last season from Coffeyville Community College and started six games last year with some injuries in the secondary. He came on strong later in the season, picking up a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the Birmingham Bowl. While primarily playing safety, Montac can also play cornerback and nickel.
Newcomer to Watch: Jaylin Dickerson
Dickerson is a three-star commitment from Pinecrest High School in in Pines, North Carolina. An early-enrollee, he arrived on campus after the season ended and took classes this past semester. He’s a speedy defensive back who played safety for his high school team.
If Dickerson does not redshirt, he could add some depth to a safety group that is losing two players who saw significant time during their careers in Moody and Elder. He’ll be a player to watch develop during preseason camp.
Storyline to watch: Can Montac and Smith make the jump
Both showed flashes of promise during the 2016 season, but will need to continue to improve to help the Gamecocks if they want to build on their 6-7 campaign last season. Both will likely start the season as the starters at safety and will need to continue to produce throughout the season to help their team succeed.