Donovan Westmoreland set to expand role, positions this spring
With South Carolina looking for answers at its EDGE position this spring, Donovan Westmoreland is seeing an expanded role and new opportunity.
The sophomore linebacker played seven games in 2022 for South Carolina, mostly on special teams, without recording a stat. His biggest impact, however, came on the practice field.
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After joining the program in January 2021, he found himself on the fringes of the linebacker rotation. The coaching staff used his ability to step up into the defensive front as a vital resource to prepare the offense for different opponents.
Westmoreland was selected as the defensive scout team award winner for the Fall and his effort didn’t go unnoticed by his head coach.
“He’s a really good football player, he did some things last year and he was on the scout team for us for the most part and there was quite a few times last year where we used him as like an edge rusher against certain teams,” Shane Beamer said Tuesday during a press conference.
Versatility is a key trait for defenders and Westmoreland’s 6-foot-1 frame can translate to success both on the edge of the defensive line and in his natural linebacker role. Defensive coordinator Clayton White’s defense is retooling this spring – creating openings that Westmoreland’s multi-positional skillset could fill.
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Beamer praised the Griffin, Ga. native’s natural ability and explained why Westmoreland gaining experience on the edge is mutually beneficial.
“He did a good job of that rushing the passer, he’s got some twitch and some knockback and he’s a really strong young man, so it was a natural transition for him,” Beamer said. “Part of it was, you know, let’s take a look at him and see how he best fits out there and then part of it was we’re thin at that position and we need some guys that can play the edge.”
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With a year of experience in Columbia, on the field and in the weight room, already under his belt, Westmoreland will have the opportunity to solidify himself in the defensive rotation during the spring session.
“Donovan is a flex player and we knew when we recruited Donovan there was always the opportunity based on his body and his growth potential that he could play in my (linebacker) room or up front in the EDGE room,” White added on Wednesday. “Obviously, we’re in a situation where we probably need to put some bodies there to help us get to the spring. But to me, he’s a role player, a third-down guy, a special teams player who’s trying to find where he wants to be at.
“He seems happier rushing the quarterback, which I get it, but at the same time, we’ll do what’s best for the team. But he’s developing and he’s happy, he’s doing what he wants to do, he wants to rush the quarterback.”
The Gamecocks, who held their first practice of the spring on Tuesday, are back on the field on Thursday at 9:20 a.m.
The annual Garnet and Black spring game at Williams-Brice Stadium is set for Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m.
