South Carolina football: offensive position previews
By Jacob Elsey
Previewing South Carolina football’s pass catchers
WR
South Carolina’s wide receiver room was very disappointing in 2020, with Shi Smith being the only reliable option. Smith tallied 633 receiving yards last season. No other wideout recorded more than 115 yards.
With that being said, a number of those pass catchers will be back with something to prove to the new coaching staff. Dakereon Joyner, Josh Vann, Jalen Brooks, Xavier Legette, Rico Powers, and Ger-Cari Caldwell return after combining for 36 catches a season ago. Each has had an opportunity to make an impact in the receiving rotation, and the Gamecocks are really looking for Joyner, Vann, Brooks, and Legette to take the next step for the offense.
There are a couple of new additions, too. Ahmarean Brown comes to Columbia after an all-conference stint at Georgia Tech. Opt-outs Randrecous Davis and OrTre Smith also return to the team after showing promise in previous seasons. Smith hauled in 30 catches as a freshman, while Davis has been very productive when not hampered by injuries. Freshman O’Mega Blake will also try to become a reliable target.
Whether it be a new face or a past contributor, the Gamecocks need production at wideout if the offense wants to show a marked improvement in 2021.
TE
While there are question marks at receiver, the tight end group should be able to shoulder some of the load in the passing attack. Nick Muse returns for his final season after finishing second on the team in receiving last year. EJ Jenkins joins the roster after setting a school record with 13 receiving touchdowns at St. Francis in 2019. Jaheim Bell, Keveon Mullins, and Eric Shaw also return and figure to be a major part of the offensive attack. Those three combined to bring in four receptions for 139 yards last year.
Each of these players will have the ability to line up in the backfield, out wide, or in a traditional tight end set, as the offensive coaching staff looks to create mismatches against opposing secondaries. Look for a big season from this group as they work to produce a spark in the passing game and become a major weapon for quarterback Luke Doty.