Spencer Rattler praises energy of Juju McDowell, explains how it helps South Carolina

Juju McDowell had plenty of opportunity to show off his skills when South Carolina hosted its first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday. With fellow running backs Marshawn Lloyd and Christian Beal-Smith held out due to injury, McDowell received more reps than usual.

McDowell made the most of those extra chances, and his performance even earned him some high praise from quarterback Spencer Rattler.

“He’s just got the best energy on the team,” Rattler said. “He’s a guy that’s always gonna have everybody up and flowing. He’s gonna bring tremendous energy. He’s explosive, he’s fast. He’s low to the ground but he can run through stuff, which is good. He’s a great back for us and does a lot of good things for us. He’s just gonna get better and better.”

A three-star recruit in the 2021 class, McDowell ranked as the No. 44 running back according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He had his moments as a freshman, including rushing for 77 yards on 11 carries while also returning a kick 63 yards in Week 2 against East Carolina. In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina, the running back reeled off 35-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

McDowell still found himself behind Kevin Harris and ZaQuandre White on the depth chart, but is hoping to move up with both players gone this season. He is the leading returning rusher with 248 yards and two touchdowns, but faces competition from Lloyd and Beal-Smith, the latter being a transfer from Wake Forest.

Still, Juju McDowell’s athleticism and energy gives him a chance to take a step up this season at South Carolina. After the spring game, he was one of a group of Gamecocks players performing backflips near the north end zone. That prompted reporters to ask Rattler if he might join in on the fun with McDowell at some point this season.

“No, no. Not at all,” the quarterback said, laughing. “Unless there’s a trampoline out there some day.”

South Carolina has a little more than two weeks left before it kicks off the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against Georgia State. In the time leading up to then, McDowell will look to keep his teammates energized and motivated for the year.