South Carolina does not have a quarterback controversy heading into its spring game, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney remains a destructive mainstay of the defense, though he has been limited in practice by a neck sprain and is unlikely to play Saturday.
2013 South Carolina spring game TV schedule, roster battles and more
The Gamecocks must replace a total of 12 starters from a year ago.
USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina's spring game will be televised by ESPN3 beginning at 1 p.m. ET Saturday.
There will nonetheless be some things to watch during the Gameckocks' spring game, including the battle for the starting spot at Spur -- a hybrid safety/linebacker position in the South Carolina defense -- between Sharrod Golightly and Jordan Diggs. Neither player has much experience at this point in their college careers, but Golightly has the lead for the starting spot, according to defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward:
“I think Sharrod is slightly ahead of Jordan Diggs, but it’s real close. They both have done a lot of good things, but I think Sharrod has probably made more plays this spring. If we had to start tomorrow, Sharrod would be the starter.”
The Gamecocks also have some question marks to address at running back and wide receiver. Leading rusher Marcus Lattimore declared for the NFL Draft after last season and Kenny Miles graduated, leaving sophomore Mike Davis as the team's top returning running back. Beyond Davis are Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson, a pair of redshirt sophomores who saw little time on the field between them last season because of injuries.
At wideout, the Gamecocks return Bruce Ellington, who led the team with 600 receiving yards in 2012, but they must find additional options since Ace Sanders declared for the draft. The team's third-leading receiver last season, Damiere Byrd, has an opportunity to assume a larger role in 2013, and tight end Rory Anderson could see more attention from Shaw as well.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
