South Carolina’s SEC opener against Mississippi State gave a better look at which freshmen are already getting trusted roles, and the list wasn’t small. With the rotation tightening compared to the first two games, a handful of newcomers still found the field in all three phases at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The biggest workload belonged to Darius Gray, who made his third straight start to open his college career. Gray lined up at left tackle to begin the day, then moved to right tackle after Jacarrius Peak entered in the second quarter. In all, the freshman offensive lineman played 76 snaps, spending most of his time on the left side but logging 27 snaps at right tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.
Noah Clark also picked up a milestone in the opener to SEC play, making the first start of his career on defense. Clark was on the field for 33 snaps and finished with two tackles, both coming in the second quarter. PFF gave him a 69.7 overall grade, including a 67.2 mark against the run.
J’Zavien Currence made his SEC debut at safety and played 29 snaps. He was credited with four tackles, and his tackling grade ranked second on the team behind linebacker Justin Okoronkwo, according to PFF. Currence was also used on special teams, where he again appeared on the kickoff unit.
Another freshman defender, EDGE Julian Walker, was part of the early rotation as well. He played 37 snaps and didn’t register a stat.
On offense, Sequel Patterson joined Gray as the only other freshman to see the field. Patterson played 19 snaps, was targeted twice, and hauled in one catch for no gain in the fourth quarter.
South Carolina also had freshman involvement on special teams beyond Currence. Keenan Britt worked on the kick return unit against the Bulldogs.
The Gamecocks head on the road for the first time Saturday, traveling to Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN.
In Other News...
South Carolina Fans Had To Sit Through One More Brutal Moment
South Carolina fans have already had plenty to stew over after watching Mississippi State erase a 16-0 deficit and leave Columbia with a 41-34 road win. The Gamecocks built a fast lead, but Kamario Taylor kept the Bulldogs alive with a sharp passing performance, hitting 18 of 26 throws for 251 yards and four touchdowns, while Fluff Bothwell added 115 rushing yards to help fuel the comeback.
The on-field collapse was painful enough, but the broadcast added one more awkward moment for the home crowd. ESPN cameras caught a couple in the stands arguing, and the scene quickly started circulating online, turning an ugly afternoon into the kind of game South Carolina fans will remember for more than the final score. [Read more 🡒]
South Carolina Heads Into Alabama Week With One Big Injury Concern
South Carolina left Starkville with more than a 41-34 loss to Mississippi State, and the injury list may end up shaping the conversation heading into Alabama week as much as the result itself. Defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, defensive back Gerald Kilgore, linebacker Shawn Murphy and running back Jabree Coleman all did not finish the game, but the early indication is that none of those issues are expected to linger long-term.
The bigger concern is edge rusher Dylan Stewart, who managed only 14 snaps before his back injury flared up again. There is some encouraging news around the roster, though, with offensive lineman Carter Miller, cornerback Vicari Swain and tight end Maurice Brown II expected back for the next game. Even so, South Carolina will spend the week sorting through a defense that took some hits at a time when the schedule is only getting tougher. [Read more 🡒]
Dylan Stewart's Return Leaves South Carolina Watching One Big Concern
Dylan Stewarts long-awaited season debut gave South Carolina a chance to ease one of its most important defenders back into the rotation, but the plan was always built around caution. Shane Beamer said Stewart did not finish the game against Mississippi State because his back was not feeling well in the fourth quarter, and the staff had already mapped out a limited role for him after he missed two games with a back injury.
Stewart was on the field for about 14 snaps, part of an approach aimed at balancing conditioning with health as he worked back into form. He still managed to make a small impact with one tackle and two quarterback hurries, but for the Gamecocks the bigger question now is how much workload he can handle going forward without his back becoming a problem again. [Read more 🡒]