The Gamecocks’ defense has never before been this deep and talented under Shane Beamer’s leadership, which is why expectations are high for this side of the ball. It’s easy to see why there is so much excitement for them this season with a healthy blend of returning starters, portal additions, and highly rated freshmen at all three levels. With the pieces in place to play at a high level, let’s take a look at some bold predictions for the defense this season.

‍South Carolina will be in the top six for rush defense in the SEC

Gamecock fans know better than anyone how abysmal the rush defense has been recently due mostly to subpar play along the defensive line. Since Beamer took over in 2021, the Gamecocks have surrendered on average 174 yards per game on the ground and have never been in the top half of the conference in rush defense despite having talented players. 

I questioned recently whether or not the return of last year’s starters along the defensive line would automatically boost their level of play. At first glance, their return may not seem like a positive due to the struggles they had a season ago, and I would argue that it does not inherently mean the d-line takes a step forward.

After all, how much impact will an extra season of experience have on a group that already possesses a significant amount of playing experience with underwhelming stats?

That said, I think the issue along the defensive line over past seasons has not been one of talent. Rather, it’s been an issue of depth which the Gamecocks addressed this offseason. Through the portal and high school recruiting, South Carolina is legitimately five to six deep at both DT and edge which should help keep guys fresh and reduce the risk of injury. 

To be within the top six of the conference of rush defense, the Gamecocks will likely need to be flirting with a 120-130 yard/game average. This seems a little daunting considering the level of competition they’ll face. However, the defense made significant improvements against the run last season as they saw their per game average reduce by nearly fifty yards. 

I think with the return of most starters combined with the newly added faces, the Gamecocks have the combination of talent AND depth to be a force along the defensive line. 

‍Dylan Stewart will lead the team in sacks with at least five

The beginning of any strong pass rush is having a stout rush defense. The reason why South Carolina has been pathetic in generating consistent pressure on the opposing QB is in large part due to the porous run defense. I think that changes this season. Stopping the run consistently will put opposing offenses in longer down situations necessitating a passing play. I think this is where a strong pass rush starts- getting the opposing offense into an obvious passing situation. 

The next part of the equation is having the athletes who can actually get to the QB quickly. You can have a world-class recipe, but without the ingredients it does not matter. For South Carolina, I think they finally have the guys on the edge to cause havoc for the other team’s offense. 

There is nothing that players with supreme athleticism and a knack for getting to the quarterback love more than being able to pin their ears back and do what they do best. I can’t think of anyone on the roster who is better equipped to live in the opposing offense’s backfield than Dylan Stewart. As a five star freshman, he is a freak of nature athletically with a diverse skill set to get to the QB with ease. 

With the help around him, not just from their likely improved ability to stop the run, but having other skilled pass rushers like Kyle Kennard, I expect Stewart to thrive from day one. A season ago, Kennard tallied eleven tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. His presence will help prevent offenses from providing more help blocking Stewart, which should create more favorable matchups for him, and I expect him to take full advantage of this.

Nick Emmanwori will lead the team in turnovers with at least six

I feel confident that the defensive line will take a major step forward both against the run and in generating a consistent pass rush. I think this ultimately means that the secondary will thrive, specifically Nick Emmanwori.

His unique combination of size and athleticism gives him both range in pass coverage and physicality in run support. That is why I believe he is in store for a big year. As the d-line wreaks havoc, it stands to reason that a versatile athlete like Emmanwori will benefit the most. 

As a freshman, he led the Gamecocks in tackles at eighty-five with sixty-two of them being solo stops. Last season, we saw the pass defense skills on display as he logged eight pass break ups and two interceptions.

I think this coming season, the junior will put it all together and showcase both his pass coverage ability along with his physicality in run support. The result will be creating multiple turnovers. I could see him logging four interceptions and two forced fumbles/fumble recoveries at least. I believe a big year is ahead for Emmanwori.

Once the season starts, one thing will be clear: this defense will be much better than any of the last three seasons. It starts up front with the defensive line. I predict they’ll emerge as a force in run defense, with a top six finish in the SEC as well as in pass rush ability with Dylan Stewart leading the way with at least five sacks. The secondary will take advantage of a disruptive d-line with Nick Emmanwori forcing at least six turnovers.