Key to SC's hopes for a trip to Atlanta is a continually improving defense. The 'Cocks not only return 9 starters from last year's unit, they have a good bit of talent coming in, especially on the line. Last season's unit wasn't spectacularly effective, finishing in the bottom half of the conference in most categories:
Category | Rank |
Scoring Defense | 6th |
Pass Defense | 8th |
Rushing Defense | 9th |
Opponent 1st Downs | 8th |
Red Zone Defense | 5th |
Total Defense | 9th |
They managed to keep opponent's scoring low enough to keep things close (allowing only 18.7 ppg), but this year they should be able to win with defense as well as offense. 15 of the top 16 tacklers return, including All-SEC MLB Jasper Brinkley:
![]() LB Jasper Brinkley |
Brinkley led all tacklers last season with 107 (5 sacks, 9.5 TFL), and returns for his senior season as an All-conference (and All-American?) candidate. |
And speaking of embarassment of riches, the line looks to be stacked with new blood this season, so much so that Casper Brinkley was moved to LB after starting every game last year at DE and Ryan Brown, who started eight games, was moved to FB. Highly touted DE recruits Clifton Geathers, Travian Robertson, and Jonathan Williams, along with Hargrave Military School transfer DT Ladi Ajiboye, all enrolled early to participate in spring drills and are expected to make an immediate impact for the 'Cocks. Ajiboye, rated the #21 prep school prospect by Rivals, was a clear stand out in the spring, and he'll be joined in the middle by returning starter Nathan Pepper.
While the secondary loses veteran CB Fred Bennett (2nd Team All-SEC), there is still plenty of starting experience in the backfield. Captain Munnerlyn, Stoney Woodson (led the team in picks with 3), and Carlos Thomas all return at CB. Though none could really be considered "stars" (yet), Munnerlyn in particular should develop into an excellent SEC corner after playing in 12 games last year (started five) as a freshman, especially with a stronger front seven to lean on. The safety positions are manned with experience as well, with the top two SS returning. Sr. Chris Hampton had 36 tkls and 2 picks last season, while Freshman All-SEC SS Emmanuel Cook had 47 tkls (5 for loss). The likely starter at FS is Brandon Isaac. Though he missed last season with an injury, he started two games in '05 at FS and also played CB.
As strange as it might seem for a Spurrier coached team, the defense could very well be the key to a great season for SC. Most have them pegged as a dark horse contender for the east because of the Evil Genius's offense as well as what should be a much improved D, though a brutal road schedule is what keeps them a "dark horse." Tomorrow we'll take a look at the schedule and see what needs to be done for the 'Cocks to get to Atlanta.