South Carolina Football Recruiting: 5 Positions Gamecock Can Pass on in 2012

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Every year, a team uses recruiting to fill in major gaps, build depth and attempt to find that home-run player that can make an instant impact. 

While it is always important to try and grab the best recruits at each position every year, the Gamecocks have a few positions the team can live without recruiting in 2012.  These positions are already deep enough and solid enough to make a splash this season without the freshman boost. 

Running Back

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South Carolina is absolutely loaded at running back.  They have four starting-caliber 'backs (in theory) that can make an impact.  In fact, they may be the deepest running back group in the SEC. 

With Marcus Lattimore, Kenny Miles (who still may transfer, but as of now is still on the team), and Brandon Wilds finding success as starters, and Shon Carson waiting in the wings after injury, the team won't need any new blood. 

However, the Gamecocks still have a top recruit verbally committed in Mike Davis. The rich get richer.

Defensive Tackle

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One of the signs of how far South Carolina has come as a program is the fact it can redshirt top talent from year to year. 

2011 brought some talented defensive tackles into the fold—Philip Dukes and Gerald Dixon, Jr. come to mind.  The team also has some returning talent, including potential All-SEC players in Byron Jerideau and Kelcy Quarles.

Quarterback

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South Carolina is set at quarterback for now.  With Connor Shaw and Tanner McEvoy on board, they don't need much help here. 

However, it's always a good idea to have a quarterback enter the fold, and they grabbed a doozy in Parade All-American Brendan Nosovitch from Pennsylvania. 

Defensive End

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I know many fans think this is a position of need for 2012.  In terms of depth, sure.  However, the team can survive with Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor starting, and a rotation of Aldrick Fordham, Chaz Sutton and Gerald Dixon.

However, 2013 will be a different story. 

Tight End

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South Carolina has two very good tight ends in Justice Cunningham, who is a traditional power tight end, and Buster Anderson, who is a speedy, receiving tight end. 

They have more than enough power there to carry the position.  They do have a couple of good tight ends on the 2012 recruiting list, but they could survive without them for now. 

Good thing they won''t have to.