Rocket Sanders, 4 other South Carolina football players who’ve stood out for Shane Beamer in 2024

COLUMBIA — Looking at South Carolina football’s roster in August, there were question marks. With lots of underclassmen, transfers and position battles to be sorted out, it wasn’t obvious who would stand out.

South Carolina holds a 3-1 record heading into its first open date of the season after defeating Akron 50-7 on Saturday.

With four games played, including two SEC, here are five players who have stood out on offense, defense and special teams.

Offense: Mazeo Bennett Jr.

Mazeo Bennett Jr., a freshman wide receiver from Greenville, leads the Gamecocks with 159 receiving yards. He had his coming out game against Kentucky, scoring a touchdown and catching a 32-yard pass. Bennett had 71 receiving yards on five catches against Akron, and scored his first touchdown in Williams-Brice Stadium.

Top skills: Route running, hands and confidence, especially in big moments

Offense: Rocket Sanders

Rocket Sanders, a transfer running back from Arkansas, has played well coming off a season riddled with injuries. His best game was against LSU in which he scored twice and logged a 66-yard run. Though he was injured early in the win against Akron, Sanders has 286 yards on 57 carries.

Top skills: Strength, speed, leadership

Honorable mention: LaNorris Sellers, quarterback

Defense: Kyle Kennard

Kyle Kennard, a transfer edge rusher from Georgia Tech, is tied for first in the country in sacks with 5.5. Kennard is explosive, disruptive and thus far the most impactful defender for South Carolina. At 6-foot-5, his size poses a challenge to most offenses, and he’s established himself as a strong presence no matter the opponent. He has seven solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and 8.5 tackles for a loss of 53 yards.

Top skills: ability to get off the ball, dependability/consistency, leadership

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Defense: Nick Emmanwori

Nick Emmanwori, a defensive back, was sort of drowned out by the hype for freshman Dylan Stewart in weeks 1 and 2, but the junior has been huge for the Gamecocks. He leads the team with 18 solo tackles — eight against LSU — and has two interceptions. Against Kentucky, he jumped to intercept a pass and maintained his balance to return the ball for a 24-yard touchdown. He had another pick against LSU and showcased that he runs like a receiver when he catches the ball.

Top skills: Size, strength, anticipates well, IQ

Honorable mention: Dylan Stewart, edge

Special teams: Alex Herrera

Alex Herrera hadn’t kicked field goal before the opener vs. Old Dominion, but he nailed three to keep South Carolina in the game. The 49-yard kick he missed to tie the score against LSU doesn’t take away from his dependability on field goals and extra points. What’s most impressive is he won the kicker battle shortly before Week 1 and has stepped into a huge role with little experience.

Top skills: Short memory, doesn’t dwell on the negative, after LSU he went 6-6 on extra points against Akron

Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger, punter

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin