Beamer delivers bad news: 2 USC defenders out for season with ACL injuries
South Carolina’s defense is dealing with some tough injury news.
Defensive starters Jordan Strachan and Mo Kaba will miss the remainder of the season, USC confirmed on Monday.
Both suffered ACL injuries in Saturday’s 44-30 loss to Arkansas.
“I’m extremely disappointed and heart-broken for both of these young men,” Beamer said through a statement. “They both worked really hard to prepare for this season and were off to great starts for us. Their best football is still in front of them.”
Kaba, a junior, was injured in the second quarter while pressuring KJ Jefferson in the backfield. He was helped off the field and didn’t put much weight on his leg. He also suffered an ACL injury in high school.
“Appreciate everyone checking up on me and keeping me in their prayers i’ll be back better than ever love y’all gamecock nation,” Kaba posted Sunday night to Twitter.
Strachan exited the game in the third quarter after a pass rush and was seen on crutches, as reported by David Cloninger of the Post & Courier. Strachan is a super senior who had passed on a chance at the pros for one final season in college.
On Saturday’s broadcast, ESPN’s Kris Budden said Strachan “found his family in the stands, they were crying together. His family went into the locker room. It does not look good right now.”
South Carolina lost wide receiver Chad Terrell to an ACL injury in August.
The team played Saturday’s game without defensive backs RJ Roderick (arm) and David Spaulding (leg).
Sophomore Gilber Edmond and junior transfer Terrell Dawkins were listed in the outside linebacker rotation behind Strachan on the latest depth chart. Senior Sherrod Greene was listed as Kaba’s backup at middle linebacker and becomes the presumptive starter.
This story was originally published September 12, 2022 at 12:07 PM.
