South Carolina Football: Gamecock heights and weights announced
By Kevin Miller
Updated heights, weights, and numbers for South Carolina Football
Dakereon Joyner: The recently-converted running back is getting BIG. Joyner is listed at 6’1″ and 229 pounds. He is getting his body ready for the wear-and-tear of being an every-down back in the SEC. If he is able to maintain his speed and quickness, Joyner could be poised for a good season at his new position. He will still wear #5.
LaNorris Sellers: The true freshman quarterback is starting to resemble other thick-bodied SEC quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Tim Tebow as he has bulked all the way to 245 pounds at 6’3″. The offense’s new #16 could have a role in the wildcat in 2023, especially if Dakereon Joyner plays the type of larger role at running back that is expected.
Nick Emmanwori: The 2022 Freshman All-American safety appears to be staying put at the position despite offseason speculation that he might move to linebacker. He is listed as a few pounds lighter than last season as he is measuring in at 6’4″ and 219 pounds. He will remain #21.
Trey Knox: Knox was listed at 250 pounds before spring practice but has trimmed up to be 237 pounds. At that weight as a 6’5″ tight end, Knox will have the versatility of playing in-line or split out wide in new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ offense. He will be #1 this fall.
Joshua Simon: Trey Knox’s running mate at tight end, Josh Simon is 6’4″ and 238 pounds. While one would never guess by looking at the two, Simon actually weighs more than Knox does now. #6 will have a chance to play a big role in the offense in 2023.
Nick Elksnis: The expected “blocking tight end” of the three transfers at the position, Elksnis is up to 251 pounds at 6’6″. He will wear #84 this season and could be used in a major way in the run game like former Gamecock tight end Nate Adkins was last year.
Elijah Davis: Defensive lineman Elijah Davis could play inside at tackle or outside at defensive end this fall. He is listed at 6’3″ and 289 pounds, which is slightly heavier than his spring practice weight. Is this indicative of a permanent move inside? During the Garnet and Black Spring Game, Davis played both tackle and end. He will wear #11.
Tonka Hemingway: Tonka Hemingway has high expectations heading into the 2023 season, and #91 could play inside and outside for the Gamecocks this fall. Primarily a defensive tackle in the past, he is athletic enough to help out at a thin defensive end spot, as well. He is listed at 6’3″ and 285 pounds.
Xzavier McLeod: The big defensive tackle has lost weight since spring practice. Big #64 is listed at a trim 284 pounds at 6’5.” That is over 30 pounds lighter than his initially reported weight when he signed with the Gamecocks.
Nick Gargiulo: The Yale transfer has bulked up since joining the Gamecocks. 6’5″ and 327 pounds is a solid number for the expected starter at guard or center. Gargiulo will wear #69.
Tyshawn Wannamaker: A former guard, Wannamaker has played tackle lately and has trimmed up his body to be more athletic outside. He is now 6’3″ and 290 pounds and is the expected starter at right tackle in the fall. He is still #62.
Stone Blanton: One of the most-monitored weights in the program is linebacker Stone Blanton. Most believe that Blanton will be a good linebacker for the Gamecocks if he can be fast enough. He is listed at 6’2″ and 224 pounds. Blanton has trimmed up a bit after bulking from last season, usually a sign of getting stronger and faster. That is good news. He will still wear #52.
Mo Kaba: Coming off of his ACL tear in the early goings of the 2022 season, linebacker Mo Kaba has bulked up to 253 pounds at 6’2″. If he can retain his pre-injury athletic ability, Kaba could be in line for a huge year in the middle of the Carolina defense. He will stay as #32.
Bam Martin-Scott: Viewed by some as a player who could move to EDGE if the need arose, his 6’2″, 226-pound frame makes the move seem unlikely. He will wear #22 again this season.
Jaron Willis: Another linebacker with some EDGE potential, Willis has lost weight and now measures in at 6’2″ and 225 pounds. The transfer from Ole Miss appears to be set as a full-time linebacker. He will wear #14.
Bryan Thomas, Jr.: The award for best spring game performance on defense went to Bryan Thomas, Jr. as the undersized EDGE player was very disruptive. At just 6’2″ and 232 pounds, he is unlikely to be an every-down player up front in 2023, but #46 could carve out a role rushing the passer.