What this transfer showed, and didn’t show, Will Muschamp this spring

Coming off South Carolina’s spring game, one might be inclined to be excited about the potential of Jamel Cook.

The 6-foot-4 safety had a big hit early on. He pulled in an interception on the goal line. He finished with four tackles and a couple pass break-ups.

For a team that likely needs another body at safety, he seems to be a good option. But Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp needs more in some key areas.

“He’s been inconsistent as far as assignment-wise and effort, to be honest with you,” Muschamp said.”And it’s something that he certainly can improve on. He flashed today on some plays.”

That included undercutting a route and almost getting a second pick in the red zone.

Cook came to South Carolina from Southern Cal. The former four-star recruit left Miami to cross the country, but played sparingly as a Trojan.

He spent his first year on campus as a cornerback, but before spring, the decision was made to move him to safety.

On the interception, Cook was mirroring dynamic dual-threat quarterback Dakereon Joyner, a redshirt freshman in his third semester on campus. Joyner had been flushed from the pocket by a rush from Devontae Davis, and tried to loft the ball high to Jay Urich, who was moving toward the back of the end zone.

But it wasn’t high enough to get over Cook, who batted it and kept concentration enough to haul it in.

“The interception on the goal line, Dakereon, I told him, just put your foot in the ground and go,” Muschamp said. “Score a touchdown in that situation.”

J.T. Ibe and R.J. Roderick started the spring game, and Jamyest Williams usually came in when Roderick rolled down to the nickel spot. Veteran Jaylin Dickerson was also sidelined. The team, which will add four defensive backs in the summer, spent much of Saturday in three-linebacker looks (they will more often have two during the season).

Earlier in the week, Muschamp said having Williams healthy at safety will be paramount to keeping Roderick at nickel and Jaycee Horn at outside corner. But if Cook could harness those flashes and deliver the consistency the staff wants, that could change things.

“Jamel has showed up at some times,” Muschamp said. “Had some nice hits out of the middle of the field, has done some decent things on special teams.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2019 at 9:16 AM.