3 key questions for South Carolina running backs, including how good Lloyd can be

The State is previewing the 2020 South Carolina football team by position. Some key questions in the backfield.

Key departures: Tavien Feaster, Rico Dowdle, Mon Denson

Projected depth chart: MarShawn Lloyd, Kevin Harris, Zaquandre White, Deshaun Fenwick, Rashad Amos

What will MarShawn Lloyd look like in Year 1?

In five days of spring practice, Lloyd more than showed the ability to be a dynamic back in college. He’s the program’s best running back recruit since Marcus Lattimore, and he’ll likely be called upon to take on a primary role this season. The question is, can he be an 800-yard back? A 1,000-yard back? If he reaches that level, the Gamecock attack will have something it’s lacked for five seasons. If he can’t, South Carolina’s offense might be in the same boat, one rising and falling in waves on a weekly basis.

Who is the next man up?

The 2019 Gamecocks went with a two-back approach, but could go with a little more of a committee under new position coach Des Kitchings. In either case, they’ll need more than just Lloyd. Kevin Harris likely has the inside track based on his role when healthy last season, and Deshaun Fenwick is the longest-tenured back with the program. Then there’s Zaquandre White, who showed well in junior college, while Rashad Amos produced in a big way as a high school senior. No one has a built-in track record, so anyone could impress once the team gets back into gear.

Can Harris or Fenwick make a leap?

Harris had a decidedly strange freshman season. He impressed all offseason and got work as a short-yardage fullback early on. After crushing Charleston Southern, a torn ligament seemed to end his season, only for him to return for the final four games in a small role. If the talent from early last season can shine through, he could be right there high in the rotation. Fenwick has had flashes against lesser competition, and new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo did have some nice things to say about him in spring. Both have at least been around, and there will be snaps available.

2020 South Carolina football schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Coastal Carolina

Sept. 12 vs. East Carolina

Sept. 19 vs. Missouri

Sept. 26 at Kentucky

Oct. 3 at Florida

Oct. 10 vs. Tennessee

Oct. 24 vs. Texas A&M

Oct. 31 at Vanderbilt

Nov. 7 Georgia

Nov. 14 at LSU

Nov. 21 vs. Wofford

Nov. 28 at Clemson