The South Carolina football team’s defense is getting smaller and quicker.
Former end Keir Thomas is now primarily a tackle. Likely starting defense end Aaron Sterling is 245 pounds. The team projects to regularly play a pair of Bucks against spread out teams.
But even in that context, there’s always room for a specific pass-rushing unit.
“You’ve always got to have that package,” Gamecocks defensive ends coach Mike Peterson said. “That’s where Shameik Blackshear can come in. We move him inside. A guy that plays with a lot of energy.