3 things to watch for in South Carolina’s spring game
By John Buhler
This will be Shane Beamer’s first season leading the South Carolina football program.
Despite relatively low expectations, Shane Beamer inherits a good bit of talent taking over the South Carolina football team.
Recruiting was never really an issue for Will Muschamp in Columbia. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks were unable to achieve a winning record in back-to-back years and Muschamp got the boot. Beamer might be a Steve Spurrier disciple, but he will have his work cut out for him in getting this SEC East program turned around. South Carolina holds its annual spring game Sunday.
South Carolina football: 3 things to watch in Gamecocks’ spring game
3. Who replaces Jaycee Horn, Israel Mukuamu in the defensive backfield?
South Carolina loses a ton in the defensive backfield. Jaycee Horn will be a first-round pick. Israel Mukuamu will be a productive player in the NFL. Shilo Sanders left Columbia after Muschamp’s termination to go play for his father Deion at Jackson State. With very little depth in the back-end of the defense, it will be up to Cam Smith to lead by example and make the most of the situation.
2. How much has Luke Doty progressed as a passer?
It feels like Luke Doty has emerged as the starting quarterback for the 2021 Gamecocks. After seeing one signal-caller after another start under center in recent years for South Carolina, any semblance of continuity will be key for this sub-par offense. With the help of offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield coming over from the Carolina Panthers, maybe his influence will help him out?
1. Jordan Burch and Zacch Pickens out there being five-stars
The best part about the 2021 Gamecocks is their five-stars in the trenches. Jordan Burch and Zacch Pickens were phenomenal players in high school. If they can play off each other well and live up to their lofty recruiting standards, they can serve as the cornerstones for making sure the first era of the Beamer era is a successful one. We really want to see these two star defenders ball out.
Overall, South Carolina will likely duke it out for fifth place in the SEC East standings this year with the Tennessee Volunteers and the Vanderbilt Commodores. Like with South Carolina, both rival schools will be employing a first-year head coach. The advantage South Carolina has is they have recruited better than the two Tennessee schools. Beamer has a chance to be relatively successful.
If South Carolina shows some signs of promise, then maybe 2021 will be a pleasant surprise.
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