COLUMBIA - Two more newcomers will get their first starts this week for South Carolina when the Gamecocks host Kentucky.

Freshman tight end Justice Cunningham will start in place of Weslye Saunders. Saunders sprained his ankle in the South Carolina State win.

Additionally, defensive head coach Ellis Johnson said Thursday that junior college transfer Josh Dickerson will start at middle linebacker in place of Shaq Wilson.

Wilson sprained his neck against S.C. State, but he will available to play Saturday.

Johnson had been concerned about Dickerson’s ability to direct the defense, but he’s come along to better understand the calls.

Rodney Paulk started the season as the No. 1 middle linebacker, but he was lost for the season with a torn knee ligament.

More Justice

Cunningham was an unsung prospect on signing day, but he caught the coaches’ eyes early in camp.

"He’s a decent receiver. Justice is a strong freshman," coach Steve Spurrier said. "That’s why he’s able to play as a freshman. We’re going to play him right away. He’s worked his way up to the starting position."

Cunningham is a 6-3, 242-pounder from Pageland. He’s not the only interesting name in his family. Justice has a brother named Power and sisters named Promise and Sincere.

Mike Triglia and Wando’s Foxy Foxworth are the next two tight ends on the depth chart this week.

Auguste update

He didn’t get into great detail, but Johnson said Thursday that suspended corner Akeem Auguste’s path back to the field won’t be an easy one.

"He has a pretty good slate he has to work on," Johnson said, referring to a list of objectives the sophomore has to complete in order to be reinstated.

"If he hits all the right bases, we’ll get him back. If he doesn’t, there’s no telling."

If all goes well, Auguste will be available for the Oct. 24 Vanderbilt game.

He’s currently serving a three-game suspension for violating team and university policies.

Corners down

South Carolina isn’t the only team thin in the secondary. In fact, Kentucky’s in more dire straits.

All-SEC corner Trevard Lindley (ankle) and junior Paul Warford (quad) are out for Saturday’s game. That leaves sophomore Randall Burden and freshman Martavious Neloms to start.

"They’ve been practicing all year, too," UK coach Rich Brooks said. "We’re into the fifth game. There aren’t any more rookies."

The Gamecocks picked on the Wildcats secondary a year ago. Think there’ll be opportunities this year?

"I hope so. Don’t you?" Spurrier said. "I don’t know, but I hope so."

Line look

It’ll be another look for Eric Wolford’s offensive line this week.

Jarriel King has practiced well this week and will take his job back at left tackle. Heath Batchelor will start at left guard. Lem Jeanpierre will start at center.

Garrett Anderson is dealing with a bad back, but he’s expected to be available to back Jeanpierre up. Wolford has said Jeanpierre will not play left guard, as he did last week.

T.J. Johnson will start at right guard and Hutch Eckerson will start at right tackle.

Quintin Richardson is available to play after missing last week with the flu, but Wolford liked how Eckerson played against S.C. State.

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