Here Are The Top Candidates To Replace Deebo Samuel As The Gamecocks Go-To Playmaker In 2019

[FeatheredCock]

JULY 1, 2019  by CHRIS | THE SPURS UP SHOW

Here Are The Top Candidates To Replace Deebo Samuel As The Gamecocks Go-To Playmaker In 2019

62 catches. 882 yards. 11 touchdown receptions. One KOR for a touchdown. One fumble recovery for a touchdown.

For all the grief I’ve given the South Carolina running backs group this off-season, Rico Dowdle deserves to be at least included on this list.

The question is simply this: can Dowdle stay healthy and return to his freshman year form?

He was outstanding in 2016 for Carolina, leading the team with 764 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in just nine games played.

Consistency has been his biggest issue, which has in turn led to a very inconsistent rushing attack for USC.

Could this be the year Rico finally breaks through and turns into the gamebreaking type running back we all thought he could be as a freshman?

Verdict: WR Shi Smith

Shi Smith simply checks all the boxes when it comes to being a true “playmaker” in this Carolina offense.

As previously mentioned, he’s the most similar to Samuel in regards to his measurables: size, speed, agility, vision, etc.

Good things seemed to always happen a year ago when Smith got the ball in his hands and I expect more of the same this year.

I fully expect Bryan Edwards to hold every single South Carolina receiving record when 2019 concludes.

However, don’t be surprised if it’s Shi Smith we are talking about as the true go-to guy on this South Carolina offense and team.

 

[Airborne09]

It'll all change when O'tre starts playing and if Jay Urich plays receiver instead of QB. We have plenty of options and the character of the kids seems to way better.

 

[ShepCock]

OrTre Smith was not on this list (was injured last year if I recall), and I think he could easily slide into the spot left by "1".

Imagine the duo of Smiths being the scourge of SEC defenses.....that could happen!

 

[$Billz]

We should have plenty of options, Shi is probably A1a along with Edwards. Valentine and Urich may also be in the mix. I don't see how Urich does't see the field as some kind of receiver this year. I know it was only the Spring Game but he did show he can run some routes and has plenty of speed. He is a big kid that can go up and get balls so putting him an Edwards on the field at the same time could cause a lot of problems for secondaries. 

 

[Longhaul]

I think if you are looking at a guy that can take it to the house anytime he touches it that would be Shi.  I am not sure he has the strength that Deebo had, but does have the quick acceleration and speed.  I have been hoping to hear more on how Ortre is doing.  He is a great possession guy and can high point the ball very well with great hands.  I hope he can get healthy and get back on the field this year.  Good kid and plays hard.

 

[$Billz]

To me the wild card in this discussion is Valentine. The kid can fly. If he can catch he should be able to be a big play threat. Also I think Urich is going to be someone who the defenses will have to account for.