Several Gamecocks met with the media via Zoom, Wednesday, and the phrase for the day was “turnover.” Cornerback Cam Smith detailed how aggressive the defense has been about forcing both fumbles and interceptions, “I feel like we’re doing a better job now of going after the ball. We’re stripping at it after the whistle. If the ball is in the air, we’ve been attacking, making sure we come down with it or no one comes down with it.”
BUCK defensive end JJ Enagbare echoed Smith’s thoughts, “We have to think about it every day and attack it. We think, ‘get the ball, get the ball.’ “
Smith also shared his insights on what it will be like for opposing defenses this season as they prepare to face new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, “Really, it’s a lot more motion and a lot of checks. They check a lot based on our alignment. We have to make sure we stay honest and stick to our rules.”
Safety Jammie Robinson has been especially impressed with transfer quarterback Collin Hill, “Collin has impressed me as a competitor. I think he’s torn his ACL three times. I know guys that would be scared, but not Collin … One day he’s running with the 1’s and the next day it’s Ryan (Hilinski).”
Defensive tackle Jabari Ellis, who has drawn praise throughout fall practice, is ready for a breakout season, “I’m built for this. I’m mentally strong. I look adversity straight in the eye … I had to gain the coaches’ trust. That’s behind me now and I’m focusing on the future. I trained this offseason with Syvelle Newton and I put in the time to invest in myself physically.”
