ESPN’s key spring takeaway for 2018 Gamecocks
May 04, 2018
We’re into summer No. 3 for the South Carolina football program under coach Will Muschamp, and it feels like big things could be in store for the Gamecocks in 2018.
In South Carolina’s key spring takeaway, ESPN reporter Alex Scarborough wrote about the Gamecocks new look offense, under the direction of first-year coordinator Bryan McClendon:
“Don’t be surprised if the Gamecocks’ offense takes a big step forward this season,” Scarborough wrote. “Quarterback Jake Bentley having a year under his belt will help, as will the return of receiver Deebo Samuel, but more important there will be a new look to the unit with an emphasis on playing with greater pace.”
As a sophomore in 2017, Bentley completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,794 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also led the team with 6 rushing touchdowns.
Samuel, who played in just three games as a redshirt junior before exiting with a leg injury, scored 6 touchdowns last season. He caught 15 passes for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns. He returned a pair of kickoffs for scores and rushed for another.
All seven of the Gamecocks wide receivers who caught passes in 2017 are set to be back. Sophomore Chad Terrell suffered an ACL tear during spring practice and may not be available until after the start of the season. But top-ranked offensive signee, 4-star wide receiver Josh Vann, arrives later this month.
South Carolina will have to find a replacement for tight end Hayden Hurst, who was selected in the first-round of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
May 04, 2018
We’re into summer No. 3 for the South Carolina football program under coach Will Muschamp, and it feels like big things could be in store for the Gamecocks in 2018.
In South Carolina’s key spring takeaway, ESPN reporter Alex Scarborough wrote about the Gamecocks new look offense, under the direction of first-year coordinator Bryan McClendon:
“Don’t be surprised if the Gamecocks’ offense takes a big step forward this season,” Scarborough wrote. “Quarterback Jake Bentley having a year under his belt will help, as will the return of receiver Deebo Samuel, but more important there will be a new look to the unit with an emphasis on playing with greater pace.”
As a sophomore in 2017, Bentley completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,794 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also led the team with 6 rushing touchdowns.
Samuel, who played in just three games as a redshirt junior before exiting with a leg injury, scored 6 touchdowns last season. He caught 15 passes for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns. He returned a pair of kickoffs for scores and rushed for another.
All seven of the Gamecocks wide receivers who caught passes in 2017 are set to be back. Sophomore Chad Terrell suffered an ACL tear during spring practice and may not be available until after the start of the season. But top-ranked offensive signee, 4-star wide receiver Josh Vann, arrives later this month.
South Carolina will have to find a replacement for tight end Hayden Hurst, who was selected in the first-round of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.