Injured O-lineman not expected back this season, Beamer says. Noland unlikely to play
South Carolina will be without one of its stalwarts along the offensive line against Florida and perhaps for the season.
Shane Beamer told host Todd Ellis on pregame radio that tackle Dylan Wonnum is expected to be out for the rest of the season due to a lower back injury.
For Saturday’s game, South Carolina likely will be without quarterback Zeb Noland, per Ellis and Beamer. Jason Brown will be the starter under center with freshman Colten Gauthier the backup, Beamer said on the pregame radio show. Noland underwent a procedure to address a torn meniscus in his right knee during the bye week.
“He can’t move as well as he’d like,” Beamer said of Noland. “It doesn’t do him any good and doesn’t do our team any good if he can’t run like we need him to run. We’re excited about watching Jason get his opportunity.”
Noland practiced twice this week, Ellis said, was in uniform Saturday and went through warmups.
“It wouldn’t quite be fair to put him in the lineup unless it’s an emergency situation,” Ellis said of Noland.
Brown has been mostly limited to mop-up duty this season. The former St. Francis (Pennsylvania) quarterback completed 8 of 14 passes for 84 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Texas A&M two weeks ago.
South Carolina will also be slightly limited in the secondary. Cornerback Cam Smith will play Saturday, but won’t start due to a violation of team rules — and safety Jahmar Brown is out — per Ellis.
Smith has 22 tackles, eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery on the year. Brown has been a nice depth piece for the Gamecocks after transitioning from linebacker to safety. He has 11 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in 2021.
Tyshawn Wannamaker has played in place of Wonnum of late and should slide into his spot at right tackle.
The Gamecocks’ offensive line has struggled throughout the 2021 season despite returning more than 100 appearances between its projected starting group heading into the fall. South Carolina has only run for more than 100 yards twice against FBS competition this year. Opponents also have 19 sacks against the Gamecocks through eight games.
This story was originally published November 6, 2021 at 7:15 PM.
