South Carolina football: offensive position previews

The South Carolina football team is gearing up for its first season under the leadership of head coach Shane Beamer. Following a disappointing 2020 campaign, the Gamecocks parted ways with Will Muschamp and the majority of the coaching staff. In comes offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield to try to turn around a unit that finished 99th in the nation in scoring last year.

He should have a couple of pieces to work with. South Carolina’s running back and tight end rooms should be the strength of the group. The offensive line will be an asset, too, but there are still question marks in the passing game. Can quarterback Luke Doty be efficient throwing the ball downfield without turning the it over? Will a wide receiver step up to lead the group following the departure of Shi Smith? How will the incoming transfers fare?

These questions will be answered over the coming weeks as the season opener creeps closer. Here, we break down each position group on the field, highlighting depth, previous performance, and potential surprise performers. Let’s start with the most important position on the field, the quarterback.

QB 

Luke Doty exited the Spring as QB1, and nothing has changed with that status as Fall practice gets underway next month. He ended last season as the team’s starter, playing in the final two-and-a-half games of the year. Over that time, the rookie notched 405 yards and a couple of scores on 43-of-71 passing.

There were pros and cons in that first season. Doty’s athleticism is evident, as is his ability to extend plays outside the pocket. What he’s got to limit, though, is abandoning the pass too early. At times last year, he failed to let plays develop, taking off from the backfield rather than sitting in his drop back and allowing his receivers to complete routes. If he can work on his technique in the pocket and learn to successfully read opposing defenses, the sky is the limit.

Behind him are a transfer, a freshman, and a walk-on. Jason Brown comes to Columbia after an all-conference year at St. Francis. In his sophomore season, the passer set school records with 3.084 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Brown may have the best arm talent on the roster from a true pocket passer standpoint, but he’s still picking up a brand new playbook. He’ll push for the starting job in August, but right now, it’s still Doty’s to lose.

Colten Gauthier and Connor Jordan will provide depth. Gauthier was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals coming out of high school, while Jordan enters his third season with the team.