Spring Opponent Review: South Carolina
In the second game of their November, the Gators will get a second go versus former UF head coach Will Muschamp when Florida travels to square off against South Carolina on Nov. 11 at Williams-Brice Stadium for its final game of the 2017 SEC regular-season slate.
The Gators won last year's meeting in The Swamp against the Gamecocks 20-7. However, 2016 overall was a step in the right direction for Muschamp in his first season in Columbia, as South Carolina finished 6-7 (3-5 SEC) after going 3-9 (1-7 SEC) the previous year. The Gamecocks did not lose any players to the 2017 NFL Draft this offseason, while they have found a quarterback for the future in Jake Bentley.
Inside the Gators interviewed GamecockCentral.com's Chris Clark to get his take on South Carolina coming out of spring practices, which concluded April 1. (You can follow Clark on Twitter @GCChrisClark.)
After the spring, which positions do you think South Carolina feels best about on the roster heading into the 2017 season and why? On the flip side, which positions do you see as the Gamecocks' biggest concerns?
Clark: The feeling about South Carolina's offense exiting this spring is much different that the vibe following the spring of 2016. There are several reasons for that, chief among them being that the Gamecocks will be more experienced on that side of the ball. USC was essentially the youngest offense in the country at the skill positions last season, and many of the players who will be counted on to play significant roles this season now have valuable experience under their belts this season. Secondly, USC has some legitimate high-level talent at the skill positions.
Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards are talented wideouts, and Hayden Hurst may be one of the best tight ends in the country in addition to some other capable players at tight end on the roster. Rico Dowdle had a very good freshman campaign after transitioning from high school quarterback and missing the preseason and a few games due to injury. AJ Turner also returns and Ty'Son Williams is eligible this season after posting an impressive spring. There are some youngsters who will contribute at receiver too. The Gamecocks also have a lot of confidence in Bentley, who showed flashes of his promise as a true freshman in 2016.
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