Defense shines, double-digit Gamecocks injured/limited at South Carolina football practice
South Carolina is closing in on the end of spring football practice.
The annual Garnet and Black spring game will be played at 7 p.m. Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. It’s the first time in recent memory the game will be played at night.
The Gamecocks opened the first five periods of Tuesday’s practice to reporters. Here’s a look at all the news and notes from the day:
- Ten players either didn’t practice or were limited during the viewing portion of Tuesday’s session. Among them were receiver Dakereon Joyner, defensive lineman Rick Sandidge, defensive back David Spaulding and wide back Jaheim Bell. Linebacker Mo Kaba suited up but was in a blue limited-participant jersey.
- South Carolina’s first-team offense went through four plays during 2-point conversion drills. Spencer Rattler was intercepted when Darius Rush jumped in front of Xavier Legette on a back-shoulder throw. Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. appeared to snag a touchdown pass on a low ball in the back of the end zone, but head coach Shane Beamer called it incomplete from the sideline.
- The first-team offensive line included Tyshawn Wannamaker (left tackle), Jovaughn Gwyn (left guard), Eric Douglas (center), Vershon Lee (right guard) and Jaylen Nichols (right tackle). Rattler lined up as QB1, while Marshawn Lloyd worked as the first-team running back. Traevon Kenion and Wyatt Campbell worked on the left and right sides of the line, respectively, in two tight end sets. Josh Vann and Legette lined up at receiver first. Wells also rotated in with the first team.
- Luke Doty lined up at quarterback with the second-team offense as he continues getting back from a foot injury that ended his 2021 season. Doty was picked off twice by O’Donnell Fortune during his handful of plays that were watched by reporters.
- Former South Carolina greats Israel Mukuamu and Jaycee Horn were spotted at practice on Tuesday. Horn was selected No. 8 overall by the Carolina Panthers last year, while Mukuamu was selected in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys.
- The first-team defensive line included Zacch Pickens, M.J. Webb and Alex “Boogie” Huntley. The secondary was composed of Cam Smith (nickel), Devonni Reed (safety), Marcellas Dial (corner) and Rush (corner).
This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 10:36 AM.
Ben Portnoy
The State