South Carolina Defensive Players to Watch vs Mizzou

The Missouri Tigers will welcome SEC opponent, the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 8 of their schedule.

The Gamecocks completed simply over .500 final season at 7-6, which earned them a spot within the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the place they got here out victorious towards North Carolina.

A big a part of the Gamecocks’ success within the 2021 season was because of their sturdy protection, holding groups like Florida to 17 factors, Auburn to 17 factors and North Carolina to twenty-eight factors, all wherein they got here out victorious.

The Gamecocks made strikes on the offensive aspect of the soccer this offseason, but when they wish to proceed their success into the 2022 season, their protection goes to want to step up its efficiency. Right here’s a preview of a number of the major gamers to look out for when the Tigers go to the Gamecocks.

LB Brad Johnson

Johnson, the sixth-year senior and captain, is the Gamecocks’ main returning tackler after notching 74 stops in 2021. After making the place change from defensive finish to linebacker, Johnson was named one of many workforce’s most improved gamers by the teaching workers. If he information the same season to his final, look to see Johnson on NFL prospect radars.

CB Cam Smith

The Gamecocks had 24 interceptions final season. That’s the excellent news. Nonetheless, with the lack of Jaylan Foster and his 5 interceptions to the NFL, guys like Smith must choose up a number of the slack and look to have a giant season. Within the 2021 season, Smith recorded 41 tackles and three interceptions and earned All-SEC Second Crew.

He’s able to taking part in even higher than he did final fall, and the South Carolina teaching workers will depend on that occuring. Of all of the gamers Mizzou must be cautious of on Oct. 29, Smith is probably going the one that may price them the sport the quickest with a pick-six landing.

S Devonni Reed

The Gamecocks landed Reed from the switch portal from Western Michigan, the place he was All-MAC Second-Crew. Reed completed the 2021 season with 74 tackles and two interceptions.

Reed recorded a season excessive 16 tackles towards Northern Illinois. Reed’s dominance on the defensive aspect of the ball helped lead the Chippewas to a victory within the Solar Bowl. Reed’s expertise must be a great match for the Gamecocks’ protection, the place he’ll look to copy his success at his former college.

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