Juice Wells talks looming NFL decision, South Carolina bowl prep
Two NFL decisions lingering for South Carolina seem like they’ll, in part, go hand in hand.
Juice Wells, speaking to reporters Wednesday, said he’s still undecided on if he’ll come back for another season at South Carolina or go the professional route.
One thing he said will make an impact is who is throwing him the ball.
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“My quarterback, for sure,” he said. “The kind of recruits we get in and a few other things. Definitely want to see my quarterback though.”
Spencer Rattler, who is coming off his best two games as a Gamecock, hasn’t made a decision yet on next season. Like Wells, he could go pro or opt to return to South Carolina for at least one more season.
Both, though, will play in the bowl game.
“I just feel like it would put an exclamation point on the season,” Wells said. “Just go out there and play another game with my guys. I love those guys. I don’t want to leave them high and dry.”
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Wells, who came over this offseason from James Madison, had a prolific regular season. He led the team with 63 catches for 898 yards while also hauling in five touchdowns.
His last two games were electric, hauling in 20 passes for 308 yards and three total touchdowns as South Carolina beat both Tennessee and Clemson.
The Gamecocks might ask him to do more in the bowl game, also, with a few injuries and thin depth at receiver.
South Carolina will be without Josh Vann, who is dealing with a knee injury, and likely Jalen Brooks. Shane Beamer said Brooks is doubtful dealing with an off-the-field issue.
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That means Wells will likely have to shoulder an even bigger load along with Ahmarean Brown and Xavier Legette.
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“Vets have to step up. If we have to take the reps, we’ll take the reps,” Wells said. “Get an IV before the game or something. It’s a big game so guys like me, Xavier and AB have to step up.”
South Carolina finished its penultimate practice for bowl well on Wednesday. The Gamecocks will have a walk-through Thursday afternoon before playing Notre Dame Friday afternoon.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
With a win, South Carolina would clinch just the second nine-win season since those four-straight nine-win years from 2010 to 2013.
“It’s good, man. We’re getting better and better each day,” Wells said. “The first day was a little shaky but today we went out there and went after it.”
