Nov 22, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Brandon Wilds (22) rushes past South Alabama Jaguars cornerback Devon Earl (7) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran running back Mike Davis is off to the NFL, but South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier welcomes back a talented group of ball carriers with plenty of experience and production under their belts.
Brandon Wilds, a 6-foot-2, 222-pound rising senior, had 570 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2014 on 106 carries as Davis’ primary backup. Wilds saw extended playing time in a handful of games as Davis nursed injuries and ran for 93 yards in the 38-35 upset win over Georgia and had 143 yards and two touchdowns (including a 70-yarder) in the 45-42 overtime loss to Tennessee.
Shon Carson is also a capable running back, and could challenge Wilds for the top spot on the depth chart. The 5-foot-8, 201-pound rising senior had just 141 yards and two touchdowns last season, but had 256 yards on 61 carries in 2013. Carson has very good speed and also served as the top kick returner for the Gamecocks last season. David Williams had 110 yards against Furman as a freshman last season and 256 yards overall and should factor in to the running back competition as well.
With Spurrier starting a brand new quarterback in 2015, expect the running back trio to carry the football early and often as Connor Mitch or Perry Orth gets their legs under them behind center.
Next: 7. Texas A&M