Gamecocks release depth chart for Gator Bowl

The South Carolina Gamecocks’ Gator Bowl matchup with Notre Dame is just five days away.

As the team made its way to Jacksonville on Christmas in preparation for its final game of the year, the program also released its official depth chart for Friday’s game.

As one would expect, there are several changes to this week’s release which should give a decent idea of what the Gamecocks’ plans are at positions where there were opt-outs or transfers.

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— While there will obviously be some major changes to the starting lineup on offense due to MarShawn Lloyd, Jaheim Bell and Austin Stogner transferring out and Dylan Wonnum opting out, their replacements on the depth chart look exactly like one would expect based on the rotation this season.

— Tyshawn Wannamaker, who started three games this season, is not surprisingly listed as the starter at right tackle with Cason Henry, who played in two games as a reserve, is listed as the backup.

— Juju McDowell or Christian Beal-Smith will get the start at running back.

— It seems likely, based on the depth chart, that Juice Wells, Ahmarean Brown and Dakereon Joyner will get the start at receiver. Josh Vann is also listed as a possibility but Shane Beamer has said that he’s questionable for the game. Jalen Brooks is not listed on the depth chart.

— Nate Adkins is the only tight end listed on the depth chart. Offensive lineman Wyatt Campbell was back practicing during the open workout last week — Campbell has also played as a tight end or “sixth lineman” this year. One would think that he would continue to have that role in the bowl game and might have a chance to play a bunch with the losses at the position.

— Bryan Thomas Jr. is listed as starter at the EDGE spot in place of Gilber Edmond, who transferred out.

Tonka Hemingway and M.J. Webb are listed as the starters at defensive tackle since Zacch Pickens opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.

There is, of course, the chance that Hemingway could start at one of the EDGE spots which would likely slide Alex Huntley into a starting role at DT.

— The secondary will also feature some major changes due to the losses of Darius Rush, Cam Smith and Devonni Reed as they prepare for the draft.

As expected, Marcellas Dial and O’Donnell Fortune are listed as starters at cornerback and Nick Emmanwori is a lock to start at safety.

DQ Smith and B.J. Gibson are listed as co-starters at safety while DQ is also listed as a co-starter with Keenan Nelson Jr. at nickel. It’s a lock for DQ to start at one of those spots with Gibson or Nelson filling in at whichever one he doesn’t.

Emory Floyd and Kajuan Banks slide into backup roles at cornerback, according to the depth chart.

— Ahmarean Brown will fill in at punt returner if Josh Vann indeed can’t go.

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South Carolina depth chart

Offense

QB

Spencer Rattler

Luke Doty

RB

Juju McDowell

OR

Christian Beal-Smith

WR

Juice Wells

Xavier Legette

WR

Ahmarean Brown

OR

Dakereon Joyner

WR

Josh Vann

OR

Dakereon Joyner

LT

Jaylen Nichols

Jakai Moore

LG

Jakai Moore

Vershon Lee

OR

Trai Jones

OC

Eric Douglas

Hank Manos

RG

Jovaughn Gwyn

Wyatt Campbell

RT

Tyshawn Wannamaker

Cason Henry

TE

Nate Adkins

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Defense

EDGE

Jordan Burch

Tyreek Johnson

DT

M.J. Webb

T.J. Sanders

DT

Tonka Hemingway

Alex Huntley

EDGE

Bryan Thomas Jr.

Hot Rod Fitten

MLB

Sherrod Greene

Stone Blanton

WLB

Brad Johnson

Debo Williams

NICK

DQ Smith

OR

Keenan Nelson Jr.

CB

Marcellas Dial

Kajuan Banks

SS

Nick Emmanwori

Peyton Williams

FS

DQ Smith

OR

B.J. Gibson

CB

O’Donnell Fortune

Emory Floyd

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Specialists

PK

Mitch Jeter

Alex Herrera

KO

Mitch Jeter

Alex Herrera

P

Kai Kroeger

Alex Herrera

LSN/SSN

Hunter Rogers

Matthew Bailey

H

Kai Kroeger

William Joyce

KOR

Xavier Legette

Juju McDowell

PR

Josh Vann

OR

Ahmarean Brown

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