South Carolina sophomores Chris Cullen and TJ Hopkins played important roles for the Gamecocks last season, but USC coach Chad Holbrook expects them to improve in 2017.
Holbrook told The State that Cullen, a catcher, and Hopkins, an outfielder, both improved greatly this offseason.
Cullen played in 50 games with 41 starts in 2016 and hit .238 with one homer, 11 doubles and 23 RBIs. Hopkins played in 43 games with 31 starts and hit .322 with one homer, one triple, five doubles and 26 RBIs.
“I think those guys are ready to take another step,” Holbrook said.