South Carolina Football: Five Players With the Most to Prove in 2020

ORTRE SMITH

Smith comes into the 2020 season as one of the older players in the wide receiver room, entering his fourth year in Columbia.

The 6’4” pass catcher showed off his talents as a freshman, making 10 starts and hauling in 30 catches and three touchdowns.  Since then though, he’s recorded just 12 receptions for 94 yards while dealing with an injury and having been stuck behind the Gamecocks’ all-time leading receiver on the depth chart.

Expected to compete for a starting role as a sophomore, his season was derailed by a lingering knee injury that arose just two games into the year.  He’d miss the rest of that campaign, and would start only one game the following year, the season finale versus Clemson, as he continued the recovery process.

Now, he comes into his junior year with a clean slate.  He’s got a new offensive coordinator, a new position coach, renewed health, and a new opportunity for playing time.  The No. 2 receiver spot is wide open with the departure of Bryan Edwards, and Smith looks to regain a hold on the starting role he had as a freshman.

He possesses a huge frame that can be deadly down near the redzone as he’s probably the best jump ball threat on the Carolina roster.  He’s shown soft hands and reliability in his limited time on the field.

Now, Smith just needs to prove to coach Bobo that he can return to his freshman season form and become a legitimate weapon in the new look Gamecock offense.