Mo Kaba making positive strides, teammates taking notice
Despite having his season cut short for a second straight year due to a knee injury, there’s no quit in South Carolina linebacker Mo Kaba.
Returning for a fifth season, the 6-foot-2, 234-pounder from Clinton, N.C. isn’t only making great progress with his rehab but he’s also been going above and beyond.
“He’s just been rehabbing heavily. He’s good mentally,” South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams told GamecockCentral. “He’s been doing two-a-days with me and just getting right and ready. But, he’s in no rush either. He’s gonna be good. Just having him in that room as a veteran, like myself, that’s my dog. He’s gonna be good.”
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Being named to the SEC Coaches’ All-Freshman team in 2020, Kaba would then go on to play in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2021. Recognized as the Jim Carlen Special Teams Player of the Spring and the Most Improved Defensive Player of the Spring in 2022, he would go on to become a starter that season.
After just two games into the 2022 campaign, Kaba’s year came to an abrupt end when he tore his right ACL in Week 2 against Arkansas. Returning for the 2023 season, Kaba’s year was once again cut short after tearing his left ACL in Week 1 against North Carolina, marking his third overall major knee injury dating back to high school.
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Battling through not only the physical challenges that come with overcoming an injury, but the mental challenges as well, again and again, his teammates have taken notice to it.
“It could be cut from you at any moment, you know? His injuries with tearing ACLs, you have to give all you can because it could be over for you just like that. That’s the first thing,” added Williams. “Secondly, you have to put in the work. It’ll pay off for sure. I can’t wait to see what he does. He’s gonna keep putting in that work like he always does and I’m wishing the best for him for sure.”
Kaba will return to a room that has gained a lot of experience. Starting with returners like Williams and Bam Martin-Scott, the Gamecocks also added transfer linebackers Bangally Kamara and Demetrius Knight this offseason. While competition will be stiff at that position, being able to get any type of contributions this season from a Kaba will certainly be welcomed. During his career at South Carolina, he’s racked up 53 tackles in 25 games with five starts.
