John Gutekunst will be in charge of the cornerbacks for the fifth straight season. Gutekunst is regarded as one of the best secondary coaches in the country and has a strong track record of developing players.
Last season, the Gamecocks struggled to find a consistent starter opposite Dunta Robinson. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior had a good season after moving over from spur last spring, recording 47 total tackles, four interceptions and 10 passes broken up.
Robinson had two interceptions in USC’s Homecoming victory over Mississippi State, and a key interception on Kentucky’s first drive in USC’s 16-12 victory last season. Robinson started all 12 games and will be counted on to be a leader on USC’s defense in 2003.
Last year, Robinson was the player moved to cornerback. This year, it’s going to be Deandre Eiland. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior will make the move after spending his first three years at free safety.
As a true freshman, Eiland was forced into action after an injury to Antoine Nesmith during the 2000 Mississippi State game. Eiland responded admirably and was named to the All-Freshman SEC and All-American teams. Eiland also had two interceptions in USC’s first Outback Bowl victory over Ohio State.
In 2001, Eiland split duty with Nesmith and had four starts, recording 46 total tackles and two interceptions. This past season, Eiland’s first as a full-time starter, he responded with 70 tackles, returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown in USC’s early season victory over Temple, and had two fumble recoveries.
Eiland’s natural position is cornerback and that could be his best position for the NFL. He has great speed and is a national caliber track performer.
Robinson and Eiland should form a solid tandem for USC at cornerback. Behind them will be a blend of veteran and younger players competing for playing time.
Tremaine Tyler is one player to keep an eye on this spring. The coaching staff is extremely high on this 5-foot-11, 180-pound sophomore. Last season, Tyler had one start at cornerback and was called upon early in the Clemson game when Dunta Robinson was forced to leave with an ankle sprain. Tyler filled in admirably and essentially took away one-third of the field. His development will be a key this spring.
One player who could play at either cornerback or wide receiver is Taqiy Muhammad. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior started five games for USC at cornerback last season, and had 34 tackles, but was hampered by a shoulder injury. The physical-play and run-support aspects of the cornerback position may limit his effectiveness, as his shoulder problem is recurring.
Muhammad has great hand-eye coordination and excellent ball skills, so the coaching staff continues to contemplate moving Muhammad to wide receiver where his speed would be an asset and the risk of shoulder problems would be less. The decision will be Muhammad’s.
One newcomer the coaching staff is extremely excited about is Fred Bennett. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound native of Manning was a member of USC’s 2002 class, but came up just short of freshman eligibility requirements and spent last fall at Hargrave Military Academy. Bennett led Hargrave in interceptions with eight, and will definitely be one to watch this spring. The former All-State and Shrine Bowl member could push for early playing time.
Bennett has the size that USC’s coaches are looking for at cornerback. In the SEC, teams are using big, tall, physical wide receivers that are, quite often, just too much for smaller cornerbacks to handle. He has added 20 pounds and gained a step according to his caches at Hargrave. Bennett is a great athlete; if he’s not in the mix at cornerback, look for him to get a look at free safety or wide receiver.
Ted Crawford, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior was also one of the cornerbacks that started opposite Robinson last season. Crawford has primarily been a special teams player for USC over the course of his career, and should provide depth at cornerback. Last season Crawford had 24 tackles and two pass breakups. Crawford had one start, that coming against Georgia.
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
Dunta Robinson
Fred Bennett
Ted Crawford
Deandre Eiland
Tremaine Tyler
Taqiy Muhammad
