Jaheim Bell update and other Gamecock injury news as spring practice enters Week 2
A major South Carolina offensive weapon is expected to miss some time this spring, though the exact timetable for his return remains murky.
USC head coach Shane Beamer told reporters on Tuesday that tight end Jaheim Bell is dealing with a hamstring injury four practices into spring ball. Bell didn’t participate in the portion of practice open to the media last Thursday.
Hale McGranahan of TheBigSpur first reported the news that Bell could miss the rest of spring practices last week.
“He’s got a little hamstring issue right now,” Beamer said on Tuesday. “But nobody has said to me he’s going to be done here for spring practice.”
Bell finished second among all Gamecocks pass catchers in receiving last season behind receiver Josh Vann, while his five touchdown receptions tied for the team lead.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield spoke last week about Bell’s versatility and what he could bring to the offense as a “wide back.” Satterfield quipped the Valdosta, Georgia native could be a similar variation of what Deebo Samuel brought to the South Carolina offense during his time in Columbia.
“He’s one of the top athletes, football players in the country,” Satterfield said. “... The more that we can develop his understanding, football IQ and the transitions on the field, he can be unstoppable like he was in the bowl game.”
Bell came to USC as a three-star recruit in the class of 2020. He was rated the No. 396 player and the No. 17 athlete in the class, per the 247Sports Composite.
Other injuries Beamer referenced on Tuesday included offensive tackle Dylan Wonnum and quarterback Luke Doty.
Wonnum saw his season end last fall after suffering a back injury. Beamer said that he continues to be limited as he works back to full strength.
Doty told reporters Monday he was fully healthy, but he had been somewhat limited in practice as he continues to work back from the foot injury that ended his second season in Columbia.
“Luke’s getting cleared to do more and more every day,” Beamer said. “The more he can do the better.”
Doty is expected to be the backup to Oklahoma transfer Spencer Rattler this fall. Satterfield said last week that he anticipated naming a starting quarterback soon. Beamer said Tuesday that Rattler has taken all the first-team reps, but no official decision had been made yet.
