South Carolina football: spring practice wraps up with Sunday Spring Game
By Jacob Elsey
DEPTH AND INJURIES ARE CONCERNING
South Carolina only played two 12-minute quarters due to injury issues at a number of positions. Three running backs sat out the scrimmage, as did a handful of wide receivers and contributors in the passing game. The defense wasn’t much better, with two starting linebackers, a couple of talented pass rushers, and a number of defensive backs also sitting on the sidelines.
While it’s always good to give reps to players in reserve roles, having that many starters being held out of the scrimmage was concerning. Coach Beamer mentioned that about 25% of the team was not participating due to injury. With Spring practice ending, that number should dwindle, and it appears the Gamecocks escaped with no significant injuries to the starting lineup, but it’s still not an ideal situation.
The roster was left thin after the firing of Will Muschamp, with a number of players transferring out of the program. If these issues continue throughout the offseason, and into next year, it’s going to be tough for the Gamecocks to keep up with SEC opponents on the field.