South Carolina sophomore Davis to start at RB

Published Aug. 20, 2013 7:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sophomore tailback Mike Davis will get the first chance to replace Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina.

Gamecocks running backs coach Everette Sands said Tuesday Davis would get the start against North Carolina on August 29th. It's the first time since the 2009 season that someone other than Lattimore will open the year at tailback. The injured Lattimore left after his junior season as South Carolina's all-time leader with 38 rushing touchdowns.

Davis is the 5-foot-9, 215-pound younger brother of former Clemson standout James Davis. The younger Davis rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns last season. He was an offensive bright spot in last Saturday's scrimmage with 53 yards on four carries.

Sands says the No. 6 Gamecocks will also use backups Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson against North Carolina.