Muschamp: Deebo Samuel will get plenty of touches this fall

South Carolina coach Will Muschamp was in Deebo Samuel’s hometown of Inman at a Spartanburg County Gamecock Club event Thursday night, and said he expects a lot from the sophomore receiver this season.

“He’s an elite athlete. I think he’s got a chance to be an elite player. He’s a guy that’s got a tremendous work ethic,” Muschamp said. “I was really impressed with how he worked in the offseason, how he worked during spring practice. He’s going to get a lot of touches, and he needs to have a great year for us to have a good year offensively.”

Samuel was hampered by injuries a year ago but played in five games with three starts. He ranked fourth on the team with 12 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown.

His best game of the year came in the season finale against Clemson when he caught five passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

“I think he’s very mature, very bright, very intelligent, very driven,” Muschamp said. “He was one of our best performers during our offseason program and spring practice.”

Samuel is the Gamecocks’ leading returning receiver and will look to fill a large void left by Pharoh Cooper, who was drafted by the Rams in the fourth round last weekend.

Muschamp told the crowd at the Gamecock Club Event that Samuel will get plenty of opportunities to make plays.

“He will be really tired on Saturdays because he’s going to get the ball a lot,” Muschamp said.

This story was originally published May 5, 2016 at 9:33 PM with the headline "Muschamp: Deebo Samuel will get plenty of touches this fall."