South Carolina football is less than two weeks away from kicking off spring football, the second part of its offseason regimen.
And with it, some players can make statements about the type of seasons they have ahead of them in 2017 with big spring campaigns. We take a closer look at 5 players who need big offseasons:
Jamarcus King
King had a nice first season as a Gamecock, making the impact necessary for USC in the secondary. King had his best game against Tennessee, coming up with 2 big interceptions in the upset win. But it also was a season with some struggles, as King was picked on against Clemson. He needs to bulk up, which is why this offseason matters so much for King, who has the height, speed and skills to be a shutdown perimeter defender.
A.J. Turner
Turner began the 2016 season as the starting running back, a spot he held for much of the first half. But Rico Dowdle claimed the starting spot when he returned to health near midseason and was the main running back. Now, transfer Ty’Son Williams is eligible and looks primed to be an impact playmaker in 2017. Turner has an important offensive role as the speed and a change-of-pace back. A big spring statement would serve him well heading into what figures to be a healthy running back battle.
RELATED: Updated offensive depth chart after national signing day
Dante Sawyer
Sawyer flashed on the defensive line in 2016, making some big plays against the run and slicing through the offensive line. His playing time could increase in 2017, but there will be pressure from a lot of newcomers and young players. Sawyer, who will be a senior in 2017, should get a crack at one of the starting defensive end spots. It’s up to him to make the most of it in his first look this spring.
D.J. Smith
South Carolina’s secondary exceeded expectations in 2016 and Smith was one of the players consistently in the lineup. He had a nice junior season, making 80 tackles to lead the Gamecocks. His name being on this list is less about the need for improvement and more about his potential impact for the Gamecocks in 2017. If he takes a big jump this spring, South Carolina will have three of its defensive back spots likely locked down by experienced players in King, Smith and Chris Lammons.
Cory Helms
The left side of the South Carolina offensive line proved to be the dominant side in 2016, led by left guard Zack Bailey. Helms was a freshman All-American at Wake Forest and could bring that dominance to the right side, the half that had more ups and downs a season ago. The Gamecocks return 10 starters on offense, including Helms, and a nice spring for the senior would bring an even brighter picture to that side of the ball. Like Smith, Helms is a player who could have a big say in how the Gamecocks perform in 2017.