Will Muschamp's South Carolina team doesn't have a lot of experience heading into the season, but that isn't true of the specialists. With the likes of Elliot Fry, Sean Kelly and Rashad Fenton returning, South Carolina features an extremely reliable special teams unit that could make up for other shortcomings that the team may have.
With his strong leg and accuracy, Elliott Fry will be crucial if the Gamecocks are to be successful. With his longest converted field goal being 52 yards, he gives a solid cushion for an offense that many predict will struggle next year. His value last year to the team was obvious as he led the team with 85 points scored, converting on 20 of his 28 field goals and all 25 of his extra point attempts. This year, the team needs him to continue with this consistency.
Sean Kelly is another key returner for the Gamecocks. Last season, Kelly was excellent at pinning opposing teams deep in their own territory. In his 55 punts last year, Kelly successfully pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 25 times. It will be important that he continues this kind of play so that the Gamecocks can more easily withstand offensive drives that stall early and so that less pressure is put on the defense.
The biggest and most exciting feature of this coming season's special teams unit comes in the 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame of Rashad Fenton. Last season, Fenton was not used in the return game until the LSU game. Yet, upon his first kick return of the season, he was able to bring the ball to the house on a 96-yard kickoff return. Fenton offers the Gamecocks a much-needed lightning rod, a player that in one return could instantly flip the momentum of the game and allow for points to go up on the board without the offense ever having to touch the ball. Even if he is not returning every kick for a touchdown, he will be extremely important in providing good field position for the offense to begin drives.
It is behind these players that South Carolina could provide much support for their offense and defense. This unit will provide stability for the team and, day in and day out, take the pressure off both the offense and defense.