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Five players who should make a big impact on the USC football team

Willie T. Smith III
wtsmith@greenvillenews.com


COLUMBIA – After three consecutive 11-win seasons, the University of South Carolina football team took a step back in 2014.

The Gamecocks had to win three of their last four games, including a come-from-behind win over Florida on the road and a season-ending Independence Bowl victory over Miami, to post a 7-6 record.

That kept Steve Spurrier's streak of never having a losing season since taking over as the Gamecocks' coach in 2005 intact.

For that string to continue and the team to return to the upper echelon of the Southeastern Conference, several things will have to go USC's way in 2015.

Several players who have flown under the radar will have to play bigger roles this season.

Here is a list of five athletes who must make big contributions for the team to improve:

Jerell Adams, TE

After entering USC as one of the most highly regarded high school tight ends in the country, Adams played well enough to earn a berth on the Southeastern Conference coaches' all-freshman team.

He has played second fiddle to Rory Anderson for most of his career with the Gamecocks. He was most productive in the second half of his junior season, however, during which he caught 13 passes and scored a touchdown.

With Anderson on the San Francisco 49ers' preseason roster, Adams will have to step up his performance: He is the only tight end on the roster with substantial experience.

Brandon Shell, RT

Greatness has been predicted for Shell since he signed with the Gamecocks five years ago out of Goose Creek High School.

The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder leads the team with 36 career starts, including 35 straight.

The nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell, Brandon Shell has been a constant on a talented offensive line. With guard A.J. Cann and tackle Cory Robinson now competing on NFL rosters, he must also become a leader on a relatively inexperienced front.

Deebo Samuel, WR

Samuel caught the Gamecocks' attention as he came on strong during his senior season at Chapman High School. He then stood out immediately after getting on campus.

But, with several veterans returning at wide receiver, the USC coaching staff redshirted all the freshmen in 2014.

This fall, Samuel gets his chance. Considered a player with game-breaking moves and speed, Samuel must become more consistent at catching the football.

With most opponents will be intent on stopping All-SEC selection Pharoh Cooper, the player Spurrier recently likened to Bruce Ellington should become the team's second passing option.

Jordan Diggs, DB

Diggs, a junior, has spent most of his USC career playing the hybrid linebacker/defensive back position of spur.

While he could continue in that capacity in the new 4-3 scheme that will be employed by USC co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke, Diggs appears destined to receive a lot of time at safety.

Diggs impressed Hoke in the secondary during spring practice. Safety was one of many defensive weaknesses a year ago, and Diggs could provide more toughness there.

Bryson Allen-Williams, LB

One of the Gamecocks most talented newcomers in 2014, Allen-Williams was forced to play out of position for most of the season.

Because of the team's lack of a pass rush, Allen-Williams was moved to defensive end. Spurrier even called him the team's best pass rusher at one point last year.

Allen-Williams moves back to being a full-time linebacker in Hoke's 4-3 scheme. While Skai Moore and Jonathan Walton are slated to be the starters, Allen-Williams brings a toughness and tackling ability to the position that was a lacking a year ago.

That alone means he will get significant time playing both beside and in place of one of the starters this season.