Predicting who plays, who redshirts, and why

South Carolina added 15 freshman scholarship newcomers to its roster for 2024 and many of them will have an opportunity to play for the Gamecocks already in their first season in Columbia.

Below we’re taking a shot at attempting to predict who plays and who redshirts this season with a quick synopsis on why.

For the purpose of this exercise, we’re picking one or the other — even if we’re unsure, there has to be a prediction logged. And staying in line with the current redshirt rules, a freshman predicted in the “plays” category means we’re projecting him to play over four games.

Let’s get down to it…

EDGE Dylan Stewart – Plays

An easy first pick out of the gate. Stewart projects to be an important situational pass-rusher and potential starter at some point this season.

OT Josiah Thompson – Plays

Another easy one. Thompson has a great chance to start at left tackle in the opener.

TE Michael Smith – Plays

Three up, three down. Shane Beamer has said Smith will play a lot this year. And we hear that internally the staff is very excited about what Smith brings to the field.

LB JayR Johnson – Plays

On paper, this isn’t quite the layup that the first three were, but I’ve heard a ton of great things about Johnson since he arrived. He’ll play.

LB Wendell Gregory – Redshirts

This is the first one I’d put in the tossup category if it was allowed. There’s probably enough depth at the position that Gregory can redshirt but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he sneaks into the mix, especially since he’s a candidate to help on special teams.

OL Kam Pringle – Redshirts

Pringle has the size but there’s a ton of experience ahead of him, allowing him to progress at his own pace. Ideally, he can get in a couple of games and maintain his redshirt status.

RB Matthew Fuller – Plays

Another tossup. There’s a lot of talent and experience ahead of him. There’s a case to be made for him getting into four games or less and maintaining a redshirt. But call it a gut feeling, I think he finds his way onto the field.

DB Jalewis Solomon – Plays

Solomon has been a little banged up but assuming he’s back and good to go, he’ll definitely play and likely play a lot.

WR Mazeo Bennett – Plays

Another easy layup. Bennett will not only play but has a great chance to be the starter in the slot.

DB Kelvin Hunter – Plays

This one could go either way but Hunter was a heck of a special teams player in high school. With the emphasis on teams at South Carolina, and the fact that he could provide depth at nickel, I’ll lean towards him playing.

OL Blake Franks – Redshirts

Much like with Pringle, Franks will benefit from a year in the system and weight room. There’s some excitement about his upside but the experience in that room will allow him to redshirt.

QB Dante Reno – Redshirts

The depth ahead of Reno, including the resourceful addition of Davis Beville and the emergency option of Luke Doty, likely allows the freshman quarterback to redshirt.

WR Debron Gatling – Redshirts

Gatling was banged up in the spring, which slowed down his early progress. He’s likely behind the transfers at the position, which will allow him to redshirt.

DB David Bucey – Plays

Maybe a surprise to some but there’s been enough quiet buzz about Bucey to think he can get on the field as a special teams contributor.

P/K Mason Love – Redshirts

With Kai Kroeger back, Love may seem like a lock to redshirt this year and have four full years of eligibility left to serve as the punter. But if the kicking game doesn’t get more consistent in the next two weeks, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to enter that battle in earnest. We’ll stick with him redshirting — for now.

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!

The post Predicting who plays, who redshirts, and why appeared first on On3.