DJ Wonnum looks to build off a strong freshman season at South Carolina

Ladies and Gentlemen... presenting defensive line week! A position group much maligned since Jadeveon Clowney’s departure in 2013, we’re going to take a deep dive on the front four looking to lead a resurgence for the Gamecock pass rush. Here’s a preview of what’s to come the next week or so:

Dante Sawyer | DJ Wonnum | Daniel Fennell | Taylor Stallworth | Keir Thomas | Ulric Jones | Javon Kinlaw | Kobe Smith | Shameik Blackshear | Aaron Sterling | Brad Johnson | Aaron Thompson

#92 DJ Wonnum

Sophomore / 6’4” / 248 / Stone Mountain, Ga. / Stephenson

From the start of the season no one expected a three-star recruit from the Atlanta suburbs to make a lasting impact on the defensive line, but sure enough DJ Wonnum was there to surprise everyone.

Wonnum played in every game last season, collecting 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and led all freshman defenders with 32 tackles. Not even starting, he found his way on the Athlon 2nd team All-SEC freshman team.

Now Wonnum will get a chance to show what he can do as a full time starter and hopefully revive a Gamecock pass rush that’s been long dormant since the days of Clowney in 2013. Considering he’s only a sophomore, there’s a lot of potential for Wonnum to prove he’s great in the coming years.

Select highlight: This sack against ECU where Wonnum goes totally unblocked on a bootleg pass.

2016 Stats: 32 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks

Recruitment: Three-star; offers from Indiana, South Florida, Nebraska, Cal, Cincinnati, Memphis and South Carolina. Committed to the Gamecocks on Feb. 11, 2014.

Next Up: Daniel Fennell, another sophomore who makes up some young depth along the front.