Kentucky, South Carolina both have potential backup QB wrinkle

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south carolina gamecocks qb robby ashford — Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. (Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports)

The vibes are strong around the Kentucky offense following Week 1. Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff played well during his starting debut, and that has created some good vibes in the Bluegrass State. But Kentucky has another quarterback that will play a role this season.

New offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan went looking for quarterback depth following spring practice and added Rutgers transfer Gavin Wimsatt. The former blue-chip recruit out of Owensboro (Ky.) High rushed for 725 non-sack rushing yards during his three seasons in Big Ten, but the Scarlet Knights leaned into Wimsatt’s running ability in 2023 and that led to 10 rushing touchdowns. The redshirt junior is expected to fill a wildcat formation role for the offense this season.

South Carolina has a similar situation.

LaNorris Sellers is a former blue-chip recruit who made his first career start last week against Old Dominion. South Carolina is all-in on the blue-chip prospect from the Palmetto State, but there is an experienced backup behind him who could succeed in a wildcat formation role.

Class of 2020 recruit Robby Ashford started his college football career at Oregon before moving to Auburn in 2022. In two seasons on the Plains, Ashford rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons in the SEC. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer did not announce Sellers as the starter until after fall camp ended.

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TOUCHDOWN Auburn!!

A @robby_ashford keeper for 14 yards 😤 pic.twitter.com/CVwCRLmNah
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) November 26, 2022

Do not be surprised if South Carolina turns to Ashford at some point to provide a spark if the offense keeps laboring. Bush Hamdan and South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains each have a trump card to use at the quarterback position.

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