Ahead of South Carolina’s season opener Saturday, defensive coordinator Clayton White discussed with the media the rotation and depth on defense. As the future of the Gamecocks lurks ahead, fighting through the fourth quarter remains the defense’s goal.
The Gamecocks have a loaded and vigorous schedule ahead of them. Facing teams like Ole Miss in Week six, Alabama in Week Seven and Clemson in Week 14, the Gamecocks will need the depth they have on defense.
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“This is a long road, it’s not really about what’s right now,” White said. “I’m really more interested in which players are going to finish the ball games for us. Obviously every game we’re to play this year is going to come down to the fourth quarter. You guys see the schedule.”
On defense, some players have separated themselves from the rest as clear starters. However, players who start the game aren’t always the ones to finish it.
“Obviously some guys are deserving of starts and some guys aren’t,” White said. “But I think all of our guys have put the work in to deserve reps and deserve some significant playing time. And as the game goes on as we evaluate as coaches, that is really up to us to make a dessert on who’s going to finish the game for the Gamecocks.”
Perseverance is the name of the game for South Carolina, a team that has struggled with injuries in years past. However, rotation will allow for less reps and more recovery time for players.
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“Talking about the word rotation really is a good feeling,” White said. “Normally we don’t have a big rotation but now we have to have those conversations and that’s fun as well.”
Undoubtedly, the depth seen on South Carolina’s defense will prove an advantage as the season progresses. Splitting time and allowing multiple players reps and opportunities in smaller games has its advantages, as well.
Despite a changing rotation, defensive players still have a family-like bond and understand the importance of putting the team first.
“Whenever you have a strong family, I mean you really know what’s going on. There should be no surprises. No ‘I thought this’ ‘I thought that.’ So really our coaches have done a good job of preparing our guys and informing them of where they stand.”
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