At the end of their first season in South Carolina, young pass runners Jordan Burch and Tonka Hemingway they had two successful defensive ends that they could lean on in the boardroom of their positions.
Aaron Sterling led Gamecocks in sacks and tackles for loss in 2019. Last year, with Sterling on and off schedule due to injuries, Kingsley Enagbare tied for second at the SEC in bags and led the conference with forced fumbles there.
When Burch, a 2020 Class five-star prospect, and Hemingway, a 2020 Class four-star prospect, spoke about their respective freshman season, each state product thanked its fellow veterans for showing them the way.
“In the field, I would say I know how to use my body, my hands and my speed,” said Burch in his progression as a pass rusher. “The older guys are mentors, like (Kingsley) and Aaron. They are with us all the time and help us to correct our pass rush movements and different things like that. “
Burch played in eight of the ten games last season. He did not start a game, but was a key member of the previously known BUCK rotation. He had 19 tackles, two and a half loss tackles and a fumble recovery.
“I learned a lot,” said Hemingway, reflecting on his game. “Aaron Sterling helped me, and (Kingsley). They guided me well and told me things about the game. “
After shooting the depth chart in the preseason and receiving praise from the position coach Mike Peterson and then defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson, Hemginway played in all 10 games for Carolina. He started three of them and received 16 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breaks, a rushed defender and a forced fumble.
With Sterling, a fifth-year player, Enagbare, a veteran, and the combination of Burch and Hemingway entering their second year on campus, Gamecocks return a lot of playing time in the EDGE position on the roster. Sterling played in 37 games, making 18 career starts over the past four seasons. He has 87 career tackles, including 16.5 loss tackles and 9.5 sacks. Enagbare appeared in 32 games, making nine games and having 17 tackles for defeats and 10.5 sacks.
The nation’s loot leader last season, the state of Georgia Jordan Strachan, transferred to South Carolina in the off-season, further strengthening the depth chart at EDGE.
They will continue to be coached by Peterson, who is the oldest Gamecocks football coach, entering his sixth season with the program. He participated in the recruitment of Sterling, Enagbare and Burch.
“Every moment with him is a lot of fun,” said Burch. “Each day we learn something new and he is trying to improve our art.”