The world is currently in an uncertain state, but it’s never too early to look forward to the 2020 football season.
I would say this team is one of the most mysterious teams in recent history due to the fact we haven’t seen the freshmen play at all. However, Muschamp still brought in a hell of a recruiting class.
So, who are the freshmen who could make the biggest impact this season?
RB Marhsawn Lloyd
This seems like an obvious answer because South Carolina has struggled so much lately with establishing the run game.
I feel like this is one of the best running back rooms in awhile. I believe Kevin Harris will start this season because he’s the most proven running back on the roster, but Lloyd has a lot of talent for a freshman.
His combination of physicality and speed will be dangerous for any defense.
The Gamecocks have been known to use multiple running backs in each game, but I think Lloyd will establish himself as the RB1 by the end of the year.
LB Mohamed Kaba
🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/0TdRlgvo51
— Mohamed Kaba (@mo_kaba3) May 10, 2019
South Carolina lost a really good linebacker in TJ Brunson. The linebacker unit is the one defensive unit I worry about heading into this year.
Think of Kaba as a Brunson with a higher coverage capability. I like to think of him as a Roquan Smith type player because he’s an all around MLB.
He specializes in stopping the run and will be a great replacement for Brunson.
If I had to describe him as one thing it would be a brick wall. His ability to blow through blocks is insane and I’m excited to see him play.
WR Mike Wyman
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9IJ4bAA2p8/
It seems like every year South Carolina loses an absolute stud of a receiver to the draft.
The Gamecocks lost about 44 % of their receiving production to the NFL last year.
Their leading returning receiver is Shi Smith, who had 489 yards last year. Smith will be the biggest playmaker this year, but the Gamecocks need help on the outside.
Josh Vann will help and Chavis Dawkins is recovering from an injury, so Wyman should get plenty of playing time as a freshman.
Wyman is a physical receiver who has pretty good footwork as well. His most impressive aspect is his route running.
At 6’4” and 197 pounds, he’ll be a good replacement for Bryan Edwards. If he gets a little stronger, the sky’s the limit for Wyman.
Conclusion
I’m very excited to see how this freshman class turns out because I see a lot of potential.
I didn’t even mention Luke Doty, who could end up competing with Hilinski for the starting job. I also didn’t even mention the fact that this class consists of three four-plus star defensive linemen.
This is easily one of Muschamp’s most talented classes, and I don’t see any reason why this team won’t make a bowl game this year.