Secondary Breakdown: The Cornerbacks

If Brad Lawing has his work cut out for him with USC's defensive line, it could be argued that secondary coach Ron Cooper faces an even greater challenge. With the early departures of Jonathon Joseph and Ko Simpson to the NFL, and the three game suspension faced by safety Brandon Isaac, the Gamecock secondary will be the most inexperienced unit within the defense.

Today Cockfather Illustrated takes an in-depth look at the players that will man the cornerback positions.

Fred Bennett 6'1 198 Senior - The good news for Gamecock fans is that senior Bennett returns to anchor one side of the field. The 6'1 198 pound senior has been rated as the top returning cover corner in the SEC by several media publications, and was named a pre-season All-American by The Sporting News. The Manning, SC native is a 3 year starter, and will need to play the best football of his career if the Gamecocks are to build upon last season's 7-5 record.

In pre-season camp, Bennett has been extremely impressive and has been mentioned by both defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix and head coach Steve Spurrier as the unquestioned leader of USC's defense, and one of the top leaders on the team. Last season Bennett had 3 interceptions, one coming in the first half of USC's 13-9 loss against Clemson. The rising senior also had 13 pass breakups and recorded 31 total tackles.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Bennett will have an excellent senior season and garner post-season SEC honors. He will lead a young but talented secondary that will be the surprise of the Gamecock defense.

Carlos Thomas 5'10 179 Sophomore - Thomas was one of the most highly decorated signees in Steve Spurrier's first recruiting class at USC. The 2005 Rivals 100 selection was recruited as a two-way player, and Steve Spurrier wasted no time inserting Thomas into the line-up in defense, as the College Park,GA Banneker High School star intercepted a DJ Shockley pass in the end zone at the conclusion of the first half in USC's 17-15 loss at Georgia. The former rivals.com 4 star rated prospect bounced back and forth between receiver and cornerback last season, in addition to handling USC's kick off return duties.

There is no denying Thomas natural talent, as even last year, USC's receivers hated going against Thomas in practice, as he possessed the best coverage skills on the team, including first round draft choice Jonathon Joseph. However, Thomas has not been known as a workout warrior, and his work ethic has not been the best. His tackling skills have also been called into question, or perhaps his desire to tackle. On the other hand, with the arrival of newcomer Captain Munnerlyn, and the emergence of red-shirt sophomore Stoney Woodson, Thomas has been forced to work extremely hard in practice to re-gain a starting position.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Thomas will have a solid, if not spectacular season. He is a special talent, and secondary Ron Cooper is the man to get that talent out of him.

Captain Munnerlyn 5'9 174 Freshman - Perhaps no freshman defensive player recruited in the Steve Spurrier era has raised as much attention as the diminutive Munnerlyn. From USC's first practice, the Mobile, AL native has shinned brighter than the braces he wears on his teeth. In one on one drills, Munnerlyn totally stuffed red-shirt freshman OJ Murdock, not even allowing the former Rivals 100 receievr to get off the line of scrimmage. While he still has a baby face, Munnerlyn plays like a man. The underrated cornerback is one of the fastest players on the team, having been timed as low as 10.29 in the 100m and 4.25 in the 40-yard dash.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Munnerlyn is the best thing to happen to Carlos Thomas, and will push him all year long. If Thomas's performance slips or he is needed at safety, Munnerlyn could emerge as a starter.

Stoney Woodson 5'11 190 Sophomore(R) - The Tampa, FL native played in all 12 contests last season, and made one start against Troy. Woodson saw extensive action in USC's 38-31 loss to Missouri in The Independence Bowl. The Middleton High School standout and former high school teammate of USC receiver OJ Murdock, actually began fall practice as the starter opposite Fred Bennett. However, after USC's first scrimmage, he was passed by Sophomore Carlos Thomas.

Woodson has excellent speed and possesses good coverage skills. He could be used at safety or in USC's nickle package.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Woodson will be an invaluable member of USC's secondary because of his experience and versatility.

A trio of walk-ons round out USC's cornerback unit. Seniors Ranzino Valentine, and Aubrey McKay, and red-shirt Sophomore Nitron Stork. The trio could see action on special teams and in mop-up duty.