Gamecocks' offense expects to pick up where it left off despite all the hits to the depth chart
Dec. 28, 2022 / ALL VIDEOS ARE COURTESY OF USC MEDIA OUTLET
Select Gamecocks met with the media following Wednesday’s bowl practice in Jacksonville. South Carolina’s offense closed on a high note, posting over 1,000 yards of offense in the final two games and spoiling the playoff hopes of Tennessee and rival Clemson.
But when USC takes the field for the Gator Bowl Friday afternoon, there will be some different players called upon to produce in the wake of losing running back Marshawn Lloyd (transfer), tight end Austin Stogner (transfer) tackle Dylan Wonnum (opt-out), receiver Josh Vann (injury), receiver Jalen Brooks (undisclosed off-field issue), tight end Trevion Kenion (retirement) and the versatile Jaheim Bell (transfer). The loss of all that production doesn’t even account for the departure of coordinator Marcus Satterfield (Nebraska).
But to hear the Gamecocks speak, Wednesday, you wouldn’t think this week of preparation was different from any other as they exuded confidence in themselves, each other and the game plan. Christian Beal-Smith says he’s fully healthy for the first time this season and Juju McDowell said he’s ready for more carries and to make his mark on Special Teams. Wide receiver Juice Wells expects the chemistry between himself and quarterback Spencer Rattler to carry over into the Gator Bowl. When pressed on how the offense may operate differently with the loss of so much personnel, there was a collective shrug and a common refrain pulled from a Kai Kroeger tweet, “All we got is all we need.”
South Carolina will put that confidence to the test against Notre Dame when Gator Bowl kicks off from TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m., Friday.
Two South Carolina receivers are mulling their potential professional options. Leading pass-catcher Antwane “Juice,” Wells Jr. told reporters after Gator Bowl practice on Wednesday that he still hasn’t made a decision on whether he’ll return to Carolina for another season, while Xavier Legette suggested he’ll be back for one more year. “My quarterback for sure, what kind of recruits we get in,” Wells said of what will help him make a determination. “A few other things, but definitely (want) to see who my quarterback is.”
Wells led the Gamecocks in receiving yards and receptions this year following two seasons at James Madison. He finished second in the Southeastern Conference in yards receiving, behind only Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee. The Virginia native notched four games with 110 or more yards, including racking up 308 yards and one score on 20 receptions in season-ending wins over No. 5 Tennessee and No. 8 Clemson.
Legette has been particularly effective on special teams this year, recording a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown on the first play of the win over Texas A&M this fall. He also recorded 11 catches for 89 yards and one touchdown as a receiver. “I feel like I haven’t really done anything yet,” Legette said on Wednesday. “I’m just trying to have the season that I want.” South Carolina’s offense could look considerably different next year depending on a handful of decisions. Quarterback Spencer Rattler, who will play in the bowl game, has yet to announce whether he’ll play another year in Columbia. Receiver Dakereon Joyner also noted last week he’s still working through what he will do as well.
“I have to make the best decision for my daughter and my family come March,” said Joyner, who’s expecting a child this spring. “Whatever is going to put me and my family in the best situation. We’ll see.”
Dec. 28, 2022 / ALL VIDEOS ARE COURTESY OF USC MEDIA OUTLET
Select Gamecocks met with the media following Wednesday’s bowl practice in Jacksonville. South Carolina’s offense closed on a high note, posting over 1,000 yards of offense in the final two games and spoiling the playoff hopes of Tennessee and rival Clemson.
But when USC takes the field for the Gator Bowl Friday afternoon, there will be some different players called upon to produce in the wake of losing running back Marshawn Lloyd (transfer), tight end Austin Stogner (transfer) tackle Dylan Wonnum (opt-out), receiver Josh Vann (injury), receiver Jalen Brooks (undisclosed off-field issue), tight end Trevion Kenion (retirement) and the versatile Jaheim Bell (transfer). The loss of all that production doesn’t even account for the departure of coordinator Marcus Satterfield (Nebraska).
But to hear the Gamecocks speak, Wednesday, you wouldn’t think this week of preparation was different from any other as they exuded confidence in themselves, each other and the game plan. Christian Beal-Smith says he’s fully healthy for the first time this season and Juju McDowell said he’s ready for more carries and to make his mark on Special Teams. Wide receiver Juice Wells expects the chemistry between himself and quarterback Spencer Rattler to carry over into the Gator Bowl. When pressed on how the offense may operate differently with the loss of so much personnel, there was a collective shrug and a common refrain pulled from a Kai Kroeger tweet, “All we got is all we need.”
Gamecock receivers have decisions to make about futures
South Carolina will put that confidence to the test against Notre Dame when Gator Bowl kicks off from TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m., Friday.
Two South Carolina receivers are mulling their potential professional options. Leading pass-catcher Antwane “Juice,” Wells Jr. told reporters after Gator Bowl practice on Wednesday that he still hasn’t made a decision on whether he’ll return to Carolina for another season, while Xavier Legette suggested he’ll be back for one more year. “My quarterback for sure, what kind of recruits we get in,” Wells said of what will help him make a determination. “A few other things, but definitely (want) to see who my quarterback is.”
Wells led the Gamecocks in receiving yards and receptions this year following two seasons at James Madison. He finished second in the Southeastern Conference in yards receiving, behind only Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee. The Virginia native notched four games with 110 or more yards, including racking up 308 yards and one score on 20 receptions in season-ending wins over No. 5 Tennessee and No. 8 Clemson.
Legette has been particularly effective on special teams this year, recording a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown on the first play of the win over Texas A&M this fall. He also recorded 11 catches for 89 yards and one touchdown as a receiver. “I feel like I haven’t really done anything yet,” Legette said on Wednesday. “I’m just trying to have the season that I want.” South Carolina’s offense could look considerably different next year depending on a handful of decisions. Quarterback Spencer Rattler, who will play in the bowl game, has yet to announce whether he’ll play another year in Columbia. Receiver Dakereon Joyner also noted last week he’s still working through what he will do as well.
“I have to make the best decision for my daughter and my family come March,” said Joyner, who’s expecting a child this spring. “Whatever is going to put me and my family in the best situation. We’ll see.”
