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Ladies and Gentlemen... presenting The Final Cockdown’s 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.
Dante Sawyer | DJ Wonnum | Daniel Fennell | Taylor Stallworth | Keir Thomas | Ulric Jones | Javon Kinlaw | Kobe Smith | Shameik Blackshear | Aaron Sterling | Brad Johnson | Aaron Thompson
#90 Taylor Stallworth
Senior / 6’3” / 310 / Mobile, AL / Murphy
A big play that set the tone, sort of, for last year was the sack Taylor Stallworth and Darius English had on the Vandy QB to pretty much end of their chances of beating us last year. Another big play he made came on 3rd and 11 against Missouri, and his pass deflection forced a big punt in that game. Taylor is one of the best returning players on USC’s defensive line, and will probably be one of the leaders heading in to this season on defense. This senior quietly and constantly makes big plays for our lackluster defense.
Being named one of the starters at DT, there are a lot of expectations for Stallworth this year. He had 41 tackles (three TFLs) and should honestly have an even better year this year. Starting every game last year at defensive tackle, the chances of him losing his starting job is slim to none. The only improvement that would be nice for Stallworth would be for him to become more of a presence in the pass rush attack. He has only one career sack, and hopefully that number will vastly improve this season.
2016 Stats: 41 tackles, three TFLs, one sack
Recruitment: 3 star recruit with multiple SEC offers; visited USC in January of 2014 and committed the next month.
Next up: Daniel Fennell keeps the Cockdown going.