Sophomore USC receiver tears ACL in practice | The State

Sophomore wide receiver Chad Terrell suffered a torn ACL in Saturday’s practice and will miss at least the remainder of spring practice.

“It’s an unfortunate situation for Chad, but this is one of the many reasons why we start spring practice so early,” head coach Will Muschamp said in a statement released by the school Monday night. “Since the injury occurred so early in the year, we look forward to getting Chad back on the field and helping us this fall.”

Terrell, a 6-3, 220-pounder, played in 10 games last year and caught three passes for 20 yards. He was rated the No. 85 wide receiver in the nation when he signed with the Gamecocks out of Georgia. If Terrell is unable to return this fall, it will hurt South Carolina’s wide receiver depth, which is a concern for offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon.

“We have to develop some depth,” McClendon said last week. “What I don’t want is a big drop off from my first group to my second group to my third group, especially if you plan on playing more guys and keeping guys fresh.”

Deebo Samuel, Bryan Edwards, OrTre Smith and Shi Smith are expected to be the top four wide receivers in the rotation. Randrecous Davis and Chavis Dawkins are the frontrunners for the fifth and sixth spots in the rotation.

“We want to know what to do and how to do it. We’re going to play hard and then we’re going to make plays,” McClendon said of his wide receivers. “Those are the goals. I don’t have 10 rules. It’s those three. It’s clear and easy to see when you’re not doing it and it’s clear and easy to see when you are.”