South Carolina Football: Injury could force Gamecock rookie into starting role

South Carolina football had a dynamic duo at cornerback in 2022 as Cam Smith and Darius Rush were two of the best corners in college football last season. Smith’s big season led to a 2nd-round selection by the Miami Dolphins, while Rush was taken in the 5th round by the Indianapolis Colts.

Both players were believed to be in for real roles with their new teams as rookies, but recent developments could push the talented secondary players into starting roles.

Earlier this summer, projected Colts starter Isaiah Rodgers was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for betting on games. Rush is potentially the top contender to win the job vacated by Rodgers.

Then, on Thursday of this week, Dolphins star corner Jalen Ramsey went down with a knee injury. It was later revealed that Ramsey suffered a torn meniscus and that he would undergo surgery this weekend.

Meniscus injuries and their recoveries are not uniform. Some players with meniscus injuries only need a “clean up” in which the torn fibers of the meniscus are removed. This recovery is lighter and can result in less than a month of missed action. Other meniscus tears require year-long recoveries and rehab stints as large chunks of the ligament are cut away.

At this point, it is unclear exactly what Ramsey’s timetable will be for returning to the field. The NFL season is just over a month away, and Smith has the clear opportunity of being first in line to get more snaps. Unless the Dolphins view the former South Carolina football star as a long-term nickel (unlikely for a 2nd-round pick), Smith likely will fill the void left by Ramsey’s absence.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was not optimistic about Ramsey’s chances to start the season at 100%.

Assuming that Ramsey can return at full strength eventually, the injury could be a benefit to the Dolphins long-term as it gives them an opportunity to see what their talented rookie can do on the outside in the NFL. The team’s other star corner Xavien Howard is expected to be cut loose next offseason as the team looks to avoid paying his large salary in the future.

If Smith shows the Dolphins that he is capable of being a starting outside corner, that makes moving on from Howard an easier move to make. If he doesn’t, then decision-makers in Miami may elect to look for help at the position from outside the organization.

Because of Ramsey’s time off, Smith will have the opportunity to play both outside and inside with the Dolphins in 2023. The South Carolina football alum will gain valuable experience and a better understanding of where his skillset fits in the NFL game.

While it would be unfair for anyone to expect Cam Smith to completely replace Jalen Ramsey’s production, South Carolina football fans know what the Blythewood native is capable of doing on the field. Smith was as talented as any corner in the 2023 NFL Draft, and if things go well for him, NFL fans will soon be just as familiar with the former Gamecock.