South Carolina football: Gamecocks hand out Spring practice awards

South Carolina football wrapped up Spring practice on Sunday.

South Carolina football just wrapped up its first Spring practice season under head coach Shane Beamer, and it looks like a few players have caught the eye of their new leader. On Sunday, during the team’s annual Garnet and Black Game, the coaching staff handed out its Spring Awards to top performers over the last couple of months.

These awards recognize players on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Let’s take a look at a few Gamecocks to earn the appreciation of their coaches.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE SPRING – NICK MUSE & DAKEREON JOYNER

Muse and Joyner are both upperclassmen, and are looking to make a mark on the South Carolina offense. Joyner, a former quarterback, has earned the praise of his coaches due to his attitude and versatility on the field. Look for him to line up at wideout and in the wildcat next season.

Muse is a senior that’s taking advantage of the NCAA’s COVID exception. He’ll be back for a fifth season, after finishing second on the team in receiving in 2020. He was Luke Doty’s favorite target over the final three games, and should have a big role next year.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE SPRING – KINGSLEY ENAGBARE

No surprise here, as Enagbare is coming off of a first-team All-SEC season. The pass rusher took down opposing quarterbacks six times to lead the team, and will be a force on the South Carolina front four in 2021.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF SPRING – DAKEREON JOYNER

Joyner is not only getting a look at wideout, but also in the return game. He’s got big play ability and is electric with the ball in his hands. His role continues to expand with every passing day.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE – DYLAN WONNUM

Wonnum is likely in his final season with the Gamecocks, and will look to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, DJ, who’s now in the NFL. The offensive lineman has been a mainstay along the Gamecocks’ front five, and should have a big year in the Fall.

GPA AWARD (OFFENSE) – DAKEREON JOYNER

Joyner, again, takes the cake, earning three offensive awards in the Spring.

GPA AWARD (DEFENSE) – ZACCH PICKENS

Pickens takes home the GPA award on defense. We’ll have more on the junior later in this piece.

GPA AWARD (ST) – PARKER WHITE

White is back for a final season, and is looking to become the program’s all-time leading scorer. The senior is a four-year starter and has connected on 56 of his 82 career field goal attempts.

MOST IMPROVED (OFFENSE) – ZAQUANDRE WHITE

White had a huge Spring, which culminated with a 95-yard performance in the Garnet and Black Game. He took full advantage of injuries to Kevin Harris and MarShawn Lloyd, and has carved out a role in a crowded South Carolina running backs room.

MOST IMPROVED (DEFENSE) – ZACCH PICKENS

Pickens has impressed the coaching staff thus far, being named the defense’s most improved player. A former five-star recruit, the junior is looking to improve upon a sophomore season that saw him rack up 35 tackles and a sack.

MOST IMPROVED (ST) – JOSH VANN & BRAD JOHNSON

Vann has been taking reps at punt returner, and is also hoping to break through in the wide receiver rotation. The senior has 377 career receiving yards and 47 catches.

Johnson, also a senior, is back after a couple of injury-riddled season. He’s tallied 37 career tackles and 3.5 sacks over his first three seasons.

TOUGHNESS AWARD – TONKA HEMINGWAY & JOVAUGHN GWYN

Hemingway broke through in his freshman season, tallying 16 tackles and a forced fumble in 2020. He’ll be a key part of the defensive line rotation next season, and has the versatility to play both end and tackle.

Gwyn has been on the offensive line for two seasons as a starter, making 21 consecutive starts up front. He’s one of the team’s strongest players and will try to open holes for South Carolina running backs next year.

SPIRIT AWARD – JALEN BROOKS

Brooks, a transfer that was forced to sit out the first half of 2020, is back and hungry for a spot in the wideout rotation. He’s got big play ability, but was a bit inconsistent last season. Last year, he hauled in 11 passes for 100 yards over five games of action.