Clayton White excited about pair of transfer EDGE players
South Carolina knew it had to get better and deeper at the EDGE position over the offseason, and the Gamecocks haven’t stopped trying to build up that room.
They’ve been active as of this past weekend bringing on talent to the roster, and Clayton White likes what he has with a pair of transfer EDGE players in Drew Tuazama and JT Geer.
“I want to welcome–and I’m excited about–Drew coming from UAB,” White said. “He’s a great get for us. He’s a kid who is going to be able to play some defense for us this fall. Just excited about everything else with the defense and going on with the football team.”
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South Carolina officially added Tuazama to the roster Sunday morning, a veteran and also a highly productive end who played at Syracuse and most recently at UAB.
This past season he finished with 33 total tackles–six for loss–while registering five sacks for the Blazers. PFF credits Tuazama with 30 quarterback pressures in 2022 with 19 of those quarterback hurries. He also hit the quarterback six times.
It’s going to be a tall order to get Tuazama up to speed and ready to play significant snaps by next Saturday against North Carolina. But White is confident the Gamecocks can do it and thinks it’s not far-fetched for him to have a role.
Tuazama has to acclimate to practice per NCAA rules, but he’s spent this week trying to get his feet under him.
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“It really depends on how we integrate him into the program. We want him to feel comfortable around the coaching staff and the players. I think he’s mature enough to where he can adapt to different situations,” White said.
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“He’s already diving into the playbook. He was trying to get the playbook when he came down here. We were able to get him some introductory things. It’s realistic he can play, for sure. I really expect him to play.”
South Carolina also brought in JT Geer to help add depth to the Gamecocks EDGE room, a Palmetto State native who started his career at Syracuse.
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Last season with the Orange he had 33 total tackles (6.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks). He finished the year with 27 quarterback pressures while picking up 16 hurries and six hits.
Geer will at worst be a rotational piece for South Carolina on the defensive line but could undoubtedly contend for starter snaps this season.
“I love his size. I love JT’s mindset. He has a mentality about him that he wants to prove he wishes he was here the first time. I’m glad to have him. He has some size, good length and some years behind him,” White said. “He’s a really good defensive end who can play field and boundary and drop back in coverage. We’re excited about what he can do here. His future is bright, and I’m glad he’s home.”
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Shane Beamer mentioned on his weekly Carolina Calls show that Geer is a little banged up currently, but he hopes Geer is ready to go for the North Carolina game Sept. 2 (7:30 p.m., ABC) in Charlotte.
