Deebo Samuel’s ‘elite, big-time play’ among scrimmage highlights

South Carolina sophomore wide receiver Deebo Samuel “played extremely well” during Saturday’s scrimmage, head coach Muschamp said.

“He had a really well-contested catch against Rashad Fenton on the sideline,” Muschamp said. “That was a very elite, big-time play against a very good corner.”

Despite having eight dropped passes during the scrimmage (“Not all of them from the wide receivers,” Muschamp said.) the Gamecocks are beginning to get comfortable with their wide receiver rotation.

Samuel, junior Jamari Smith and freshmen Bryan Edwards, Chavis Dawkins, Korey Banks and Randrecous Davis “would be the guys right now that I am real excited about,” Muschamp said.

Passing on protection

Junior tailback David Williams “was pretty good” during Saturday’s scrimmage, said Muschamp, who also praised Rod Talley. A.J. Turner continues to be the top back on the depth chart.

“I think those guys are getting better and improving, and I certainly have a lot more confidence in them protection-wise than a week ago,” Muschamp said. “And I do think they are finishing runs better.”

Injury update

The Gamecocks suffered only one injury in Saturday’s scrimmage, Muschamp said. The scrimmage was closed to the media and public.

Junior college transfer cornerback Stephen Montac “got hit pretty good” and is expected to miss Sunday evening’s practice and return Monday, Muschamp said.

Tight end K.C. Crosby is expected to return this week. Tight end Kyle Markway (foot) is expected to return in two weeks. Defensive lineman Stephon Taylor (shoulder) needs “to get some more strength in his shoulder,” Muschamp said. Freshman tight end Robert Tucker “has had a little bit of a stinger” but is expected to be back this week. Linebacker Larenz Bryant (knee) and running backs Mon Denson (knee) and Rico Dowdle (groin) are out for an indefinite period of time.

“We’ve really had a good camp as far as injuries,” Muschamp said

Not so good

Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott was “very displeased” with the performance of the offensive line during the scrimmage, Muschamp said.

“We need to play better on the offensive line,” Muschamp said. “That is certainly one of the strengths of our football team and they’ve had a really good camp to this point. Just wish we had gotten a little more out of them (Saturday).”

Two good days

Defensive tackle Kelsey Grifin and Taylor Stallworth “had two really good scrimmages, the best that they’ve had since I’ve been here as far as their production is concerned,” Muschamp said.

Moving up

Chandler Farrell, a 6-foot-2, 280-pound walk-on center, has impressed Muschamp through two weeks.

“He’s going to play for us this year,” Muschamp said. “He plays the way we want to play at South Carolina. He plays with great toughness. He plays with great effort, and he’s a smart football player. He’s going to be on the bus going Sept. 1, I know that.”

Opening up

The Gamecocks’ Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening scrimmages, all of which will start at 6:30 p.m., are open to the public. Monday and Wednesday will be held at Williams-Brice Stadium and Tuesday will be held at the team’s practice fields.

“We need a little juice and our fans will bring it,” Muschamp said. “It’s that time you’re in camp, you’re about to start school and you need a little energy. I think it’s going to be great for our fans and really good for our football team.”

Extra points

... The Gamecocks hit all their kicks during the scrimmage.

… “The secondary was OK, not to be confused with good,” Muschamp said.

… Senior Jordan Diggs would be the team’s starting nickel back if the season started today, Muschamp said.

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Deebo Samuel’s ‘elite, big-time play’ among scrimmage highlights."