A big catch and one heated moment among highlights of South Carolina’s latest practice
South Carolina football camp is in full swing.
The Gamecocks held their fourth practice of the preseason on Monday afternoon. Media members were able to watch the first six periods of the day. Here’s a look at the news and notes from the viewing window:
- Western Kentucky transfer tight end Josh Simon impressed in the brief bit of the afternoon open to reporters. Simon corralled a 10-yard reception from quarterback Spencer Rattler during a hurry-up offense segment. He later skied for an impressive leaping touchdown reception over freshman defensive back Jalon Kilgore on a pass from second-year passer Tanner Bailey during one-on-ones. Simon is expected to compete for the starting tight end slots with Arkansas transfer Trey Knox.
- Do-it-all offensive weapon Dakereon Joyner spent the hurry-up portion of practice working as the first-team running back. Joyner received a pair of carries and caught a pair of passes from Rattler. The quarterback-turned-receiver-turned-tailback has received rave reviews for his work in the backfield this offseason and should be in line to start when the season opens Sept. 3 against North Carolina in Charlotte.
- Assistant coaches Sterling Lucas and Lonnie Teasley traded fiery words back and forth during hurry-up drills. Teasley, who’s replacing Greg Adkins as offensive line coach, seemed particularly perturbed when running back Bradley Dunn was taken to the ground on a run. Teasley and Lucas were kept separated during the heated exchange, and cooler heads prevailed after a moment of testiness.
- South Carolina went through a brief period of special teams work on Monday, including adding a new face to the punt return unit. Freshman receiver Landon Samson fielded punts alongside senior Ahmarean Brown. Samson — a four-star prospect in the 2022 class — was largely limited by health issues a year ago and is fighting to crack into the rotation at receiver this fall.
- Quarterback Luke Doty mishandled a pair of snaps during the live hurry-up drills. Doty had the first ball snapped at his feet by backup center Grayson Mains. The following snap went through Doty’s hands before he corralled it and just overshot a receiver on the far sideline.
- Receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells has not been in the rotation during the two viewing periods media members have observed so far this fall. It’s not believed Wells is injured in any capacity. He’s gone through other drills and stood Monday behind the offense and offered encouragement during the hurry-up plays. The one-time James Madison transfer finished second in the Southeastern Conference in yards receiving a year ago behind only Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt.
- Defensive end Tyreek Johnson was in a blue non-contact jersey, as he was on Friday. Receiver CJ Adams also wore a blue jersey during Monday’s practice and did not participate in the 11-on-11 session.
- Other banged up Gamecocks included linebacker Stone Blanton, defensive back BJ Gibson, running back Kamron Sandlin and defensive back Peyton Williams — all of whom worked with strength and conditioning assistant Chip Morton off to the side. Freshman athlete Kelton Henderson was at practice, but no longer was using crutches as he did on Friday.
Next
South Carolina practices again Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an off day Wednesday. A portion of Friday’s practice is open to reporters, with a closed scrimmage planned for Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.
This story was originally published August 7, 2023 at 4:32 PM.
Ben Portnoy
The State