With spring football and the first summer session now over, certain changes are expected in programs throughout the country. On the eve of SEC Media Days, the South Carolina football program released the team's latest depth chart, revealing a few changes to the team's current state.
The most obvious and discussed change involved one of South Carolina's biggest players. Rising senior Brandon Shell has been moved from right tackle to left tackle. Shell, who missed all of spring practice after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn right labrum, is now expected to protect Connor Mitch's blindside. Shell has played right tackle for the vast majority of his life, extending back to his years at Goose Creek High School. He had a brief stint at left tackle for the Gamecocks in 2012 that didn't go so well and eventually moved back to his comfort zone on the right. Shell will bring his 35 consecutive starts into the season opener, when he'll likely make his debut as Corey Robinson's replacement.
There was more shifting along the offensive line as Cody Waldrop was moved from right guard to left guard so he'll be lined up alongside Shell. According to the depth chart, Waldrop will still serve as the back-up center to Alan Knott.
On the outside, there is a battle for the third wide receiver position. Senior walk-on Carlton Heard and redshirt freshman Terry Googer are penciled in for a share of that top spot. Entering the spring, Shamier Jeffery held that position but he is now listed the back-up to Deebo Samuel.
Another walk-on, Rivers Bendenbaugh, has taken the starting role at fullback for the Gamecocks. He replaces Clayton Stadnik, who is now listed as a tight end. Stadnik's fit will likely be the blocking tight end role that Cody Gibson provided last year for South Carolina.
On the defensive side of the football, the depth chart reflects co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke's new 4-3 scheme and the flip T.J. Gurley and Jordan Diggs did at their respective positions. Diggs is now listed as the starting strong safety where he will be lined up in the back with junior Chris Moody, who passes D.J. Smith on the depth chart at free safety. Gurley is now listed as the starting SPUR, a position that will evolve into more of a nickelback in the scheme Hoke is implementing.
This depth chart does not include the incoming freshman class or Kansas transfer Isaiah Johnson so it is not close to a finished product.
Steve Spurrier, Skai Moore, Pharoh Cooper and Elliott Fry will speak tomorrow morning in Birmingham as they represent South Carolina at SEC Media Days.