David Spaulding talks return from injury, role on defense
David Spaulding found himself in an unenviable position in March and April: watching South Carolina practice instead of being out there for it.
The Gamecocks’ nickel back was still recovering from shoulder surgery and couldn’t be out there. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t locked in, he said.
Spaulding spent that time taking mental reps and, now that he’s back in the fold as preseason camp starts, it’s “full speed” ahead.
“Since spring, it was basically rehabbing and taking mental reps. I was making sure every day counted. Coaches helped me along the way and stayed engaged,” Spaulding said. “When fall camp started, everything was full speed. It’s like I never left.”
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And South Carolina needs him to be the Spaulding of old and be a factor in the Gamecocks’ secondary this season.
Spaulding, who transferred in last offseason from Georgia Southern, played 348 snaps last season. Most (262) came at the nickel position.
Quarterbacks targeted him 25 times, allowing 17 receptions for 11.1 yards per reception. He also had a forced fumble and a pick-six in a win over Troy.
This year, South Carolina will have him at nickel along with Cam Smith, and the two are splitting reps there as practice continues.
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“Coach Gray is doing a great job. Everyday we’re just getting reps, reps and reps. You can’t tell the difference,” Spaulding said. “Coach Gray does a great job of making sure everybody gets reps in. depth is important.”
Spaulding also said he’s playing safety as well during the preseason as well.
The Gamecocks have depth questions at safety and Spaulding could help there. But playing safety gives him a better conceptual idea of what the defense is doing.
“Seeing it from different areas and positions makes the defense easier and more fluent,” he said. “If you know a different position from your primary one, you can help, “ “You communicate better and make sure people are in the right spot.”
Regardless of where he plays, Spaulding just wants to help the team.
“Wherever coach has me go will be best for us,” he said. “Depending on if I’m at nickel or safety, if I know whatever the task is I can help out the defense.”
He’s part of a secondary that had a much better year compared to what 2020 was.
South Carolina ranked in the top half of the SEC in opponent completion percentage, yards per attempt and quarterback rating against.
“The defense, (Clayton White) bases it off us and makes it fun,” Spaulding said. “Players want to play in the defense because it’s based off what they can do.”
