The 2017 Final Cockdown is in its final stage as we preview the Gamecocks secondary! From the next two weeks we’ll preview the defensive backs that will make up the back-end of the Carolina defense.

Chris Lammons + Jamarcus King | MJ Webb | D.J. Smith | Steven Montac
Rashad Fenton | Jamyest Williams | Kaleb Chalmers | Tavyn Jackson | Keisean Nixon | Antoine Wilder + Chris Smith | Zay Brown + Javon Charleston | Jaylin Dickerson | Griffin Gentry | Hassan Belton

#3 Chris Lammons

Senior / 5’10” / 190 / Lauderhill, Fla. / Plantation

After starting every game last season, Chris Lammons will be expected to start in the secondary for the Gamecocks in every contest again this season. His play picked up last season in his first full year as a starter. Aside from his ejection against Tennessee, he proved reliable to at least stay on the field. He was one of only eight players on the Gamecocks to start every game last season.

He finished in the top ten in the SEC with three interceptions last season. He also improved on his tackling numbers, racking up 29 more than the season before. Lammons can play at any of the corner positions, outside or at nickel-back. On the two-deep he was listed as the starting nickel and the number one back-up at both corner slots. That will change after camp but Lammons likely will still be out there with the starters in Charlotte, either at nickel or on the outside.

2016 Stats: 13 starts, 53 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Nine punt returns for 71 yards.

Recruitment: Four-star; 14 offers including Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State. Visited Wisconsin and South Carolina. Committed to South Carolina on Feb. 5, 2014.

#7 Jamarcus King

Senior / 6’2” / 186 / Mobile, Ala. / Blount (Coffeyville CC in Kansas)

King arrived in Columbia as one of the top JUCO defensive backs in the 2016 class. He played in all 13 games for the Gamecocks, including 11 starts. His best performance came in the win against Tennessee when he picked off Josh Dobbs twice en-route to being named SEC defensive player of the week. He flashed potential last season but was held back due to his lack of strength. He broke his arm in the spring game but has had no issues with the injury in camp.

He probably has the best ball-skills of the unit but if he was unable to add strength in during the off-season then he will be unable to reach his full potential. He’ll play every game when healthy and likely start most contests on the outside for the Gamecocks secondary.

2016 Stats: 13 games, 11 starts. 56 tackles, nine pass break-ups, three interceptions and a forced fumble.

Recruitment: Four-star; 16 offers including Auburn, Nebraska, Tennessee and Utah. Visited Baylor, Florida and South Carolina. Committed to South Carolina on Dec. 16, 2015.