2 Gamecock assistant coaches and a defensive starter not seen at bowl practice today
Dec. 27, 2021
Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and receivers coach Justin Stepp were both absent from the portion open to media members. It’s not immediately clear why neither coach wasn’t at the session.
Analyst Ahmad Smith coached the defensive backs in place of Gray on Monday. Smith previously worked with defensive coordinator Clayton White at Western Kentucky. He played linebacker and defensive end at Indiana State as an undergrad.
Other Gamecocks who did not participate in practice on Monday included tackle Dylan Wonnum who’s expected to miss the rest of the season with an injury — safety Jaylin Dickerson and defensive back Joey Hunter. Dickerson was walking around the field with a boot and it’s unclear whether he’ll play in the bowl game.
Running back MarShawn Lloyd was not a full participant on during Monday’s media viewing session. Lloyd worked through agility drills with the strength and conditioning staff and did not have shoulder pads on, like the rest of the team.
Edge lineman Jordan Strachan was not spotted at practice. Strachan transferred to South Carolina from Georgia State where he finished tied for the national lead in sacks in 2020. Strachan could conceivably leave for the NFL draft, though his plans have yet to be announced. He recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this year.
Quarterback Luke Doty was at practice in a walking boot as he continues to rehab from a foot injury that ended his season after South Carolina’s win over Vanderbilt. Also present but not practicing Monday was Charlotte defensive lineman Rick Sandidge, who has missed the 2021 season with an injury he suffered during fall camp.
Quarterbacks Zeb Noland and Colten Gauthier were the only healthy signal-callers taking snaps during the open portion of Monday’s practice. Beamer announced Noland would be the starter for the bowl game last week following Jason Brown’s decision to transfer from the program.
Dec. 27, 2021
Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and receivers coach Justin Stepp were both absent from the portion open to media members. It’s not immediately clear why neither coach wasn’t at the session.
Analyst Ahmad Smith coached the defensive backs in place of Gray on Monday. Smith previously worked with defensive coordinator Clayton White at Western Kentucky. He played linebacker and defensive end at Indiana State as an undergrad.
Other Gamecocks who did not participate in practice on Monday included tackle Dylan Wonnum who’s expected to miss the rest of the season with an injury — safety Jaylin Dickerson and defensive back Joey Hunter. Dickerson was walking around the field with a boot and it’s unclear whether he’ll play in the bowl game.
Running back MarShawn Lloyd was not a full participant on during Monday’s media viewing session. Lloyd worked through agility drills with the strength and conditioning staff and did not have shoulder pads on, like the rest of the team.
Edge lineman Jordan Strachan was not spotted at practice. Strachan transferred to South Carolina from Georgia State where he finished tied for the national lead in sacks in 2020. Strachan could conceivably leave for the NFL draft, though his plans have yet to be announced. He recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this year.
Quarterback Luke Doty was at practice in a walking boot as he continues to rehab from a foot injury that ended his season after South Carolina’s win over Vanderbilt. Also present but not practicing Monday was Charlotte defensive lineman Rick Sandidge, who has missed the 2021 season with an injury he suffered during fall camp.
Quarterbacks Zeb Noland and Colten Gauthier were the only healthy signal-callers taking snaps during the open portion of Monday’s practice. Beamer announced Noland would be the starter for the bowl game last week following Jason Brown’s decision to transfer from the program.
