The South Carolina football team is over halfway through with spring practice, and the spring game is less than two weeks away. Coach Shane Beamer, his staff, the players, and the media have all given several updates as to the goings on around the program through spring practice.
Last week, Beamer listed six players as the leaders to be the starting five on the offensive line if the season were to start today. He named Jaylen Nichols, Jakai Moore, Nick Gargiulo, Vershon Lee, Trai Jones, and Tyshawn Wannamaker as the top-6, but he also gave shoutouts to true freshman Markee Anderson and young players Cason Henry, Ryan Brubaker, and Grayson Mains.
Defensive Line Coach Jimmy Lindsey also gave a report on his defensive tackles. He remarked on Alex “Boogie” Huntley’s leadership abilities and TJ Sanders’ ascension both as a player and a potential leader among the group. He mentioned that Jamaal Whyce has come a long way since last season and that Demetrius Watson was out with a minor injury (along with presumed starter Tonka Hemingway). He also praised true freshman Xzavier McLeod and junior college newcomer Elijah Davis for their ability but reminded the media and fans that they are both “still young.”
Starting cornerback Marcellas Dial missed practice on Tuesday. He was not out entirely as he got some light work in the indoor facility. Two more defensive backs Keenan Nelson and Peyton Williams also missed the practice. Beamer addressed all three players’ injuries with the media by declaring them all to be “nothing long-term.” Isaiah Norris and KaJuan Banks filled in for Dial and Nelson with the first-team at corner and nickel, respectively. Offensive lineman Jakai Moore, part of Beamer’s “top-6” up front, missed practice to tend to a “family tragedy.”
A few early first-team reps from practice may be of interest to fans. According to a report from Lou Bezjak of The State newspaper in Columbia, Juju McDowell saw the first reps at running back (Dakereon Joyner was with the second-team). At the tight end spot, Trey Knox worked with the first-team (Joshua Simon was on the second-team).
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