Five things Jacksonville State football, Rich Rodriguez needs to answer after 2024 Spring Game

With Jacksonville State spring practice wrapping up with the spring game on Friday, it's the start of a long summer that leaves the Gamecocks with a couple of big questions to answer.

The biggest one - who starts at quarterback - is obvious but for a team trying to build off a highly successful first season at the FBS level, there's deeper questions than just that one. The Gamecocks are still looking for depth at multiple positions are are replacing starters at a few others, and some positions are a mix of needing depth and replacing starters.

So here's five questions the Gamecocks still need to answer after spring practice:

Who will start at quarterback?

Clearly the biggest question for the second straight offseason but the good news is the Gamecocks have plenty of options who can fit in with the scheme. All the leading contenders are rushing quarterbacks which is a major factor in who could start for the Gamecocks come the first game on August 31. Logan Smothers seems to be in the lead coming out of spring but guys such as Zion Turner and Caden Creel seem to be on prowl. It's one of the deeper positions with Griffin Brewster, Ashton Frye and Te'Sean Smoot still also in the competition and more guys joining the team over the summer.

There's also the matter of the rest of the pecking order of quarterback for not just this year but to maybe give a clearer picture for future seasons.

Who could set up at running back, or is an addition needed?

Heading into spring, Jacksonville State football seemed like its running back position was set, even after the graduation of Malik Jackson with Anwar Lewis and Ron Wiggins leading the way. Wiggins entered the portal during spring practice, leaving Lewis as the main back — a role he's never filled before for the Gamecocks. Only two running backs are on the online roster but they signed a couple during the early signing period.

The question remains — do they need to make a big portal addition to bolster the room during the spring period.

QUARTERBACKS: Where does Jacksonville State's quarterback battle stand to Rich Rodriguez after spring

SPRING GAME: What we saw at Jacksonville State football spring game from quarterbacks to new gadget player

What impact can new additions make?

After the spring game Rich Rodriguez told media there are 30 to 40 guys who will be a part of the team this fall that haven't made it to campus. That includes a lot of freshman, around 20 guys who did not early enroll and go through spring but also some potential impact transfers that committed coming out of the winter period.

With the Gamecocks looking for depth at certain spots — including running back and on both lines, the quick development of some of those additions will be paramount come kickoff.

Can the defensive line get bigger?

Rodriguez has mentioned that he wants the defensive line to get a little bigger but there are two ways that can happen. Obviously the Gamecocks can go add bigger defensive lineman in the portal, and they have already added a 6-foot-3, 260-pound Division II in Cam Rice. They can also go get bigger in weight room adding muscle to incoming players or even existing guys.

Who steps up in defensive backfield

With the departures of a couple players due to graduation and then Kekoura Tenure and Larry Worth entering the portal, there's some questions in the defensive backfield. Kenney Solomon, a transfer from Tulsa, shined during the spring game with an interception and a couple of pass breakups. Guys such as Ky'Won McCray, Geimere Latimer and Caí Mayowa have impressed all spring and will be called on this fall.

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Five things Jacksonville State football need to answer after spring game