7 observations about South Carolina’s updated football roster
South Carolina football posted its new roster Thursday night, revealing a few number changes, a slew of new walk-ons and the arrival of the rest of the freshman class. Seven key takeaways:
1. Some bigger tight ends
The Gamecocks in their signing class added a set of skinnier high school tight ends in Jaheim Bell and Eric Shaw. On this roster, Bell is up to 230 listed pounds and Shaw is at 220. Bell made a point of bulking up during the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic. The pair were in the 210-215 range as recruits. Former wide receiver Keveon Mullins also added a dramatic amount of weight, going from 227 pounds to 245. He played at 220 last season.
2. A few number changes
A trio of Gamecocks went with new numbers, all single digits. Wide recevier Dakereon Joyner switched from No. 7 to No. 5, which was vacated by Rico Dowdle. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens switched from No. 26 to No. 6, T.J. Brunson’s former number, and linebacker Jahmar Brown took D.J. Wonnum’s No. 8 after wearing 40.
3. Other big weight gains
A total of 12 Gamecocks either lost or gained more than 5 pounds
TE Keveon Mullins - Up 18 to 245
LB Jahmar Brown - up 10 to 215
BUCK Rodricus Fitten - up 10 to 255
OL Vershon Lee - up 8 to 313
WR Mike Wyman - Up 8 to 200
LB Mohamed Kaba - Up 7 to 227
TE Chandler Farrell - down 6 to 278
QB Collin Hill - down 8 to 222
RB Deshaun Fenwick - Down 10 to 220
DL Devontae Davis -Down 10 290
K Parker White - Down 10 to 195
BUCK Brad Johnson - Down 20 to 235
It’s worth nothing the quality of any gained or lost weight might be iffy as players were working out on their own for so long.
4. A notable walk-on from track
A total of 17 walk-ons were added, mostly freshmen, but one interesting name is mixed in there. Elisha Brooks, a member of South Carolina’s track team, also joined the roster. The 6-foot sprinter/runner will play wide receiver and is the son of Gamecocks great Robert Brooks. He’s the second incoming freshman with NFL ties, joining Fabian Goodman, son of former Gamecock Andre Goodman.
5. These three are walk-ons ... for now
The trio of punter Kai Kroeger, kicker Mitch Jeter and fullback Adam Prentice are all listed as walk-ons for the moment. All are expected to go on scholarship when camp starts.
6. Another year of eligibility
Safety Jaylin Dickerson is a veteran just trying to stay healthy, and he’s still considered a junior in the eyes of the NCAA. Dickerson has been granted a waiver for a sixth-year of eligibility in 2022, USC announced.
7. Incoming scholarship freshman numbers
Ger-Cari Caldwell 89
Jaheim Bell 23
Jordan Burch 3
Gilber Edmond 55
Tonka Hemingway 91
Joey Hunter 14
Alex Huntley 95
Mitch Jeter 98
Kai Kroeger 39
Rico Powers 84
Mackius Scott 96
Eric Shaw 35
(JUCO RB Zaquandre White will wear 11)
This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 9:10 AM with the headline "7 observations about South Carolina’s updated football roster."
