Freshman D-lineman back with South Carolina program after absence
South Carolina freshman defensive tackle Jamaal Whyce is back with the Gamecocks, head coach Shane Beamer confirmed Tuesday ahead of his appearance at SEC Media Days.
Whyce had previously been away from the program for undisclosed reasons along with receiver Rico Powers — who has since transferred to Jackson State.
“He’s been back for the summer,” Beamer said of Whyce. “He was handling personal things during spring practice and wasn’t necessarily involved with football, but was still in school handling his academics and taking care of some personal things.”
Beamer acknowledged that Whyce and Powers were not with the team following South Carolina’s spring game in April.
Whyce came to USC as a three-star recruit in the 2022 class out of Florida Christian School in Miami. He was rated the No. 828 player and 112 defensive lineman in the class prior to enrolling in January.
Powers announced his transfer to play for former NFL All-Pro Deion Sanders at JSU on April 20. He’ll also join former South Carolina teammate Keveon Mullens on the Tigers’ roster.
In two games in 2021, Powers caught a pair of passes for 12 yards while redshirting. He appeared in nine games as a true freshman in 2020, catching two passes for 19 yards.
Wide receiver Jalen Brooks is also back with the team after what Beamer would only describe as an unfortunate situation.
“In the end he was allowed to come back to our football team,” Beamer said of Brooks. “He’s been great since he came back with our guys.”
Brooks was away from the program for undisclosed reasons since early October. This season he’ll wear No. 13 as starting last year wearing No. 3.
▪ Injury report: Defensive lineman Rick Sandidge (foot/ankle) is the only player who might not be cleared in time for preseason practice, Beamer said. Offensive lineman Dylan Wonnum (back) is taking part in summer workouts and is expected to be full-go when practice begins.
Schedule: When does Shane Beamer talk at SEC Media Days?
South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer speaks from 1 to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. Want to watch Beamer on TV? He is in the main media room from 2:25 to 2:55 p.m. for the portion that typically airs live on SEC Network.
This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 12:38 PM.
