 "Photo: Juan Blas / The Gamecock")
"I think it's now that we need to give some other players a chance, and also, we've got to tell our players who have been playing that we've got to play with a better effort level," Steve Spurrier said.
With that, USC football coach Steve Spurrier put Gamecock Nation on the lookout for some new faces, and that is just what they will see Saturday.
Defensively, transitions will be made all over. Sophomore Jordin Lindsey and senior Charles Silas will start at the defensive ends, replacing senior De'Adrian Coley and sophomore Josh Johnson.
Highly touted true freshman Dakota Walker, who practiced all preseason at outside linebacker, will suit up and play some at the bandit, or rush end, position, Spurrier said.
Members of this secondary led the team in tackles two of its three games. Usually that means the play of linebackers is less than superb.
As a result, true freshman Marvin Sapp will also trade his redshirt for a game jersey this weekend against Troy.
"I've always felt that you red-shirt all your freshmen unless they can help your team contribute right away. We are at the point where we think Marvin Sapp, Dakota Walker, we think they can contribute," Spurrier said.
Multi-functional freshman Carlos Thomas has proven to be one of those talented freshmen. The Georgia native has already accumulated 154 all-purpose yards receiving, running and returning punts, with an interception to ice the cake.
Thomas has transferred his focus to cornerback and will start there for the Gamecocks this weekend. At Banneker High School, the speedster said he basically never came off the field.
He also added that, before the Georgia game, he had only played a few plays in practice on defense, but now he is learning more of the packages on defense.
Thomas will start alongside senior Tremaine Tyler, replacing juniors Fred Bennett and Johnathan Joseph.
His mental preparedness is similar to the confidence of many cornerbacks as well.
"I still think we could go 9-2," Thomas said. "We've got Tennessee, they can be beat. Anybody can be beaten on any given Saturday."
The defensive changes come in the wake of a 338-yard-rushing outburst by Alabama on Saturday and a similar domination the week before against Georgia. Troy is slotted one spot ahead of Carolina in national rushing rankings at a not-so-astounding 51.67 yards per contest. The newly aligned defense should be able to maintain similar numbers, but if not, rest assured that an allotment of changes will follow once again.
The defense is not alone though, as several changes will be made on the offensive side of the ball as well. The play of senior guard Freddy Saint-Preux and senior offensive tackle Jabari Levey is still hindered by injures.
The theme has been to go to inexperienced talent, so Spurrier has. Sophomore offensive linemen Jamon Meredith and James Thompson will start, or see significant time against Troy as a result.
A Second Team USA Today High School All-American, Thompson played a mere three games last year as did Meredith, but has not played yet this season.
Junior wide receiver Syvelle Newton will move into the "Z" position on offense this weekend, while redshirt freshman wide out Sidney Rice will make a second start against Troy, maintaining his position.
Rice has competed against Georgia and Alabama, garnering 11 catches, two touchdowns and an average of 72 yards per contest. Alabama's defense ranks No. 4 in the nation in total defense with Georgia close behind at No. 12.
"Sidney is doing very well," Spurrier said. "He's only played two games and he's a redshirt freshman. But he's not afraid to play."
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