The South Carolina Spring game is this Saturday, and there is a special buzz around this program so far this offseason. Shane Beamer has brought enthusiasm and optimism to this program in just over a year. Spring practice is the time for positive thinking, while teams try to build towards their goals in the fall. The Gamecocks are no different, using momentum from a bowl victory and a good haul in the transfer portal to raise expectations for 2022.
Expectations for South Carolina Spring Game
Beamer spoke to the media on Tuesday and praised his team’s effort and energy over the past few weeks. He was excited about the focus and work shown by his players. The Gamecocks had their second scrimmage this past Saturday and Beamer said they looked improved in all three phases from their previous scrimmage. He also mentioned his hope that the fans come out in numbers on Saturday to create a loud environment inside Williams-Brice Stadium. The South Carolina spring game is at 7 pm, so it will be a chance for a fun night game experience. It will give some of the young kids a chance to play in front of a crowd for the first time and will be another showcase of the university for the recruits in attendance.
New Faces
The Gamecocks did a lot of work in the transfer portal this offseason, and Saturday will be the first time for fans to see some of these guys in garnet and black. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is the most prominent name that folks are looking forward to seeing. He has taken hold of the starting role and will get to throw his first passes in front of Gamecock fans this weekend. Freshman signal-caller Braden Davis will also make his debut.
Around the rest of the roster, receiver Antwane Wells, safety Davonni Reed, and pass rusher Terrell Dawkins have all participated this Spring after transferring. All three of these guys have a chance to impact this team in the Fall. They will have their first opportunity to showcase their skills in their new colors this weekend. Freshman linebacker Donovan Westmoreland has done some positive things. As Beamer mentioned a good play he made with an interception in the latest scrimmage.
A Chance to Shine
The South Carolina Spring game will also be the last time for players to show they can handle a bigger role until the Fall. The last 14 practices and scrimmages give opportunities to players that have improved and want to contribute in a bigger way than the season before. Xavier Legette and Marshawn Lloyd come to mind on offense. Both guys have earned praise over the last month and will look to turn a good Spring showing into a larger role next Fall. Legette has shown flashes but has never produced consistently at wide receiver. The talk is that he has looked ready to be more productive entering his fourth season in Columbia. Lloyd’s talent has never been in question. He is now fully healed from his knee injury and has looked like the explosive playmaker he was billed to be as a big-time recruit.
Along the defensive line, Jordan Strachan, Jordan Burch, and Alex Huntley are all expected to take on bigger roles in 2022. The two Jordans playing end have both looked aggressive and difficult to contain this Spring. While Huntley is growing into the tackle role alongside projected starter Zacch Pickens.
Pack The House
Beamer wants Williams-Brice Stadium to be packed and loud for his guys on Saturday, as a reward for their effort, focus, and work this Spring. That is part of the reason for the evening kick, to give a real Saturday night in the Fall kind of feel. This team is improving and evolving with each practice, and they are itching to showcase themselves in front of the garnet and black fanbase before heading into the Summer. There will be some new faces to see for the first time as well as some familiar ones looking to establish a bigger role on this team. It will be a fun night to see how things are shaping up with the 2022 season on the horizon.
