New QBs debut, one DB out indefinitely. Observations from South Carolina spring practice
Just 78 days after South Carolina’s 2024 season ended with a loss to Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Gamecocks officially began preparation for the 2025 season with the first spring practice on Wednesday.
Here are a few observations:
- Utah State transfer running back Rahsul Faison looked like a tank — especially standing next to the other running backs. Listed at 6-foot, 218 pounds, Faison is the Gamecocks’ tallest running back and looked extremely lean. Though he still has some NCAA hurdles to get through before he plays, it’s hard to not get excited about Faison.
- Cornerback Vicari Swain was not at practice on Wednesday. Per a USC spokesperson, Swain is dealing with academic issues and will be out of spring practice for an indefinite period of time. That’s a blow to the Gamecocks considering Swain played in all 13 games last year and is competing for a starting job.
- As South Carolina’s quarterbacks were going through drills, the order was: LaNorris Sellers, Dante Reno and then Air Noland. Expect Noland, the Ohio State transfer, to ultimately become the backup, but it seems the coaching staff wants to give Reno — a redshirt freshman — the priority for now as a returner.
Luke Doty, who is listed as an athlete on USC’s roster, was seen practicing returning kicks while wearing a green jersey, a color that’s reserved for quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see if South Carolina wants him to add to the QB depth.
There were a number of recruits at practice on Wednesday, but South Carolina director of player personnel Darren Uscher was always close to Jaiden Bryant — a 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge rusher from Irmo High. Though he’s in the Class of 2027, Bryant already has offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, Penn State, Florida State and others.
- Tight end Brady Hunt looked like a full participant after missing the missing the final three games of 2024 with a leg injury. That’s big news for South Carolina, especially considering coach Shane Beamer announced tight end Michael Smith will miss all of spring ball with an injury.
- With William Joyce not present, the two South Carolina kickers were redshirt sophomore Peyton Argent and Mason Love — who is likely to be USC’s starting punter. During Wednesday’s practice, the two were switching off kicking and holding.
- Two guys were wearing blue, non-contact jerseys: defensive back Emory Floyd and tight end Maurice Brown.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 11:13 AM.
