South Carolina O-line starter turning pro, won’t play in Gator Bowl
Fifth-year offensive lineman Dylan Wonnum is no longer with the team, a USC spokesman confirmed to The State.
Wonnum, who is believed to be preparing instead for the 2023 NFL Draft, was among a handful of players who were absent from the media’s viewing portion of Thursday’s practice.
Wonnum started all 10 games he played in for the Gamecocks in 2022, and 40 of the 42 games that he played in his career. Tyshawn Wannamaker and Cason Henry are taking snaps in practice at right tackle, head coach Shane Beamer told reporters Wednesday.
“We want offensive linemen that have some positional flexibility,” Beamer said. “Guard, tackle, center, whatever it may be. So we’ve got a lot of guys that we’re working out there as well.”
▪ Beamer added that wide receiver Jalen Brooks is dealing with an “off the field issue” but is currently practicing and will travel to Jacksonville. Whether he plays in the bowl is to be determined, Beamer said. Brooks — who made 33 catches for 504 yards and a touchdown this year — was not seen by reporters at Thursday’s practice.
▪ Wide receiver Antwane Wells missed Thursday’s practice after being in a minor car accident, but has been practicing since then, Beamer said. “He’s doing great, practicing full speed ahead. He’ll be fine.”
▪ Running back Lovasea Carroll (undisclosed injury) was ruled out by Beamer for the bowl game, who said he hopes Carroll can return for spring practice.
▪ Beamer also confirmed that safety Devonni Reed will not play in the Gator Bowl and is no longer with the team. Reed declared for the NFL Draft on Tuesday through a social media post. He spent his final year of college eligibility at South Carolina.
“He decided he didn’t want to make the trip to Jacksonville, so he’s not with us,” Beamer said.
▪ Beamer on Wednesday was asked whether or not running back MarShawn Lloyd — who entered the transfer portal last week — could possibly return to the Gamecocks, but the head coach said he hasn’t spoken with Lloyd in the last two weeks and was only focused on the players still on the team.
▪ Beamer confirmed that USC is seeking an additional year of eligibility for edge lineman Jordan Strachan, who played 2023 as a super senior but tore an ACL in the second game of the year. “We’re trying to get Jordan Strachan back and certainly optimistic that we’ll be able to.”
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 4:52 PM.
