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Jamari Smith is “The Drifter”

By Sanders Early

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Since joining the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2013, Jamari Smith has been a guy that will do anything he can to help benefit the team. That’s not a bad quality to have in a teammate, and it must be appreciated by the staff. He just wants to play football. Jamari Smith is “The Drifter.” That’s why it came as no real surprise when it was announced on Tuesday night that he would be moving to wide receiver to add some depth.

Smith arrived with the intention of trying to make it as a running back with the Gamecocks. A week into fall camp, he made the move to cornerback where depth and help was an issue and running back was seemingly not an issue whatsoever. In fact most of his playing time came on special teams, you know, just another place for him to contribute and help the team.

Fast forward to the Tennessee game and Smith was moved back to running back after depth had become an issue. Smith had 4 carries for 5 yards against Mississippi State, and no one really thought much of him. Three weeks later, however, it was his time to shine.

The Gamecocks faced Coastal Carolina and completely dismantled them by a final score of 70-10. Smith ran the ball 10 time for 103 yards, which lead all rushers, and 1 touchdown. That wasn’t enough to keep him at the running back position, though.

Smith moved back to the defensive side of the ball during the spring of 2014. A severe lack of depth gave him a genuine opportunity to come in and get significant playing time. He watched tape of Victor Hampton and Jimmy Legree to try and learn the position, and he hoped that having all of spring and summer to learn would give him an advantage when the class of 2014 arrived.

Unfortunately, Smith broke his leg in fall camp and was forced to redshirt last season before getting any opportunity to prove himself. He’s all healed up now, and once again he’s just trying to find a place on the team where he can step in and help. With major leg injuries to both Shaq Davidson and Jerad Washington, it’s no surprise to see Smith find a new home on offense. Whether or not he contributes remains to be seen, but Gamecock Nation certainly appreciates the sacrifices he makes for the team.

Next: Skai Moore Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

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