MarShawn Lloyd looks healthy and other Gamecocks spring practice observations
South Carolina held its second practice of the spring on Thursday.
Here’s a look at what we learned from the media viewing period of the action inside the Jerri and Steve Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility:
- All quarterbacks were present and accounted for on Thursday. Spencer Rattler continued to work with the first team, while Colten Gauthier ran with the third team. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said on Wednesday he expects to name a starting quarterback soon.
- MarShawn Lloyd continues to look closer to his old self. The former top-50 recruit was speedy in angle tackling drills as he caught passes and danced through the open field. Lloyd also lined up with the first team offense during the portion of practice open to reporters. He has not been wearing a brace on his left knee so far this spring after tearing his ACL during fall camp ahead of the 2020 season.
- Tight end/wide back Jaheim Bell did not practice on Thursday. Bell was in a uniform, but was on the sidelines without a helmet and did not participate in drills. He did practice on Tuesday during the periods open to reporters.
- With Bell sidelined, Traevon Kenion ran as the first team tight end during a brief red zone session. Other skill position players working with the first unit included Rattler, Lloyd and receivers Dakereon Joyner and Josh Vann.
- The starting offensive line was the same as it was on Tuesday. Jaylen Nichols and Tyshawn Wannamaker lined up at tackle, while Vershon Lee and Jovaughn Gwyn worked at guard. Eric Douglas remained the starting center.
- Defensively, Debo Williams and Mo Kaba ran with the first team. M.J. Webb also lined up as a starting defensive tackle alongside Zacch Pickens, Jordan Strachan and Jordan Burch.
- Cam Smith worked at nickel during the open viewing portion of Thursday’s practice as David Spaulding continues to rehab from an offseason pectoral surgery. Marcellas Dial Jr. and Darius Rush slid in at either corner spot. Central Michigan transfer Devonni Reed and former Washington State import Tyrese Ross lined up at the first team safety spots.
- Former South Carolina defensive back Carlins Platel was at practice on Thursday. Platel is back in town for the Gamecocks’ Pro Day that is scheduled for Friday morning. The one-time Assumption University product appeared in 12 games in his lone year in Columbia, notching 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
- Ex-Gamecocks quarterback Danny Gordon was also at practice as a spectator on Thursday. Gordon spent four years at South Carolina after transferring from Miami (OH) working primarily as the holder during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
- Citadel wide receivers coach Brian Rucker was at practice on Thursday as an onlooker. Rucker has been on the Bulldogs’ staff since 2017. Prior to that, he worked at Presbyterian for five seasons. He also overlapped at Western Carolina with South Carolina coordinators Marcus Satterfield and Clayton White in 2005 while serving as the Catamounts’ running backs coach.
What’s next for South Carolina football?
What: South Carolina Pro Day
When: Friday at 7 a.m.
Where: Jerri and Steve Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility
This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 10:58 AM.
Ben Portnoy
The State