South Carolina Football: 84 days until kickoff, a look at number 84 Nick Elksnis

The return of College football is just 77 days away (week 0), and South Carolina fans will get a chance to see their favorite team on the field for the first time in 84 days when they start the 2024 campaign with a matchup against Old Dominion.

#84 on the 2024 Carolina roster is tight end Nick Elksnis, a transfer portal addition who joined the program last offseason after coming in from the University of Florida. He did not play much for the Gamecocks as he battled some injuries and a semi-loaded depth chart.

After joining the Gators in the class of 2021 as a receiving tight end, Elksnis added over 20 pounds of muscle and became a better blocker. That blocking improvement could be his ticket to getting some snaps as a redshirt junior in 2024.

Josh Simon and Brady Hunt are expected to be ahead of him on the depth chart, and they both can block, but the duo will be needed in the receiving game, as well. Elksnis playing as a situational blocker could be a realistic role if he can beat out others like Connor Cox, Reid Mikeska, and Michael Smith for the third tight end spot.

The tight end group is being coached this season by Shawn Elliott, the former Georgia State head coach and longtime South Carolina football assistant (and interim head coach) who has spent most of his coaching career working with offensive linemen. If Elksnis or any other tight end separates himself as a blocker, he undoubtedly will see snaps for Elliott's unit.

#84 and the Gamecocks will kickoff their season with a home game against the Old Dominion Monarchs, one that will start at 4:15 PM ET and be broadcast on the SEC Network and streamed on the ESPN app.