Gamecocks' Ward changing defensive starters

Published Sep. 4, 2014 8:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward says he'll have several new starters the 21st-ranked Gamecocks face East Carolina on Saturday night.

Ward said T.J. Gurley would start at safety for Chaz Elder and Rico McWilliams would start at cornerback for freshman Al Harris Jr. The Gamecocks other starting corner, Brison Williams, has not taken conduct with the past two days with a forearm injury. Ward says Williams was a wait-and-see case.

Along the defensive front, Ward said David Johnson could start for 6-foot-6 defensive end Darius English.

Last year's top tackler, Skai Moore, will also return to his starting linebacker spot. Moore didn't start against the Aggies because he didn't go for treatment as told to by coaches.

The Gamecocks (0-1) gave up a program worst 680 yards last week.