O’Mega Blake embraces ‘next man up’ mentality with injuries at wide receiver
South Carolina has been forced to embrace a next man up mentality at the wide receiver position this year, and O’Mega Blake is embodying that.
Heading into the campaign, Juice Wells was expected to be the top wideout for the Gamecocks. Early-season injuries have drastically altered those plans.
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During week one, Wells was forced to come out of the game with an injury before recording a reception. Xavier Legette then emerged as South Carolina’s leading receiver, and he has since delivered. After totaling 178 yards on nine catches against North Carolina, Legette heads into this week’s game against Mississippi State fifth amongst FBS wideouts in receiving yards (367).
The Gamecocks faced a similar situation against the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday. Minutes after scoring a touchdown on the opening drive of the game, Wells had to be carried off the field and emerged minutes later with a cast on his left foot.
Though Legette would have another productive game, it was now O’Mega Blake’s time to shine.
Blake caught his first pass early in the second quarter, which resulted in a 10-yard gain and a first down. As the game progressed, he became a prime pass-catching candidate as South Carolina attempted to claw back in the second half.
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By game’s end, Blake would lead both teams with 86 receiving yards on five catches. Spencer Rattler, who frequently targeted him during South Carolina’s later drives, sang his praises after the final whistle.
“Obviously, it sucks to see (Juice) out because he would have helped us,” Rattler said. “But guys like O’Mega came in and made big-time plays, and I’m proud of them for sure.”
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For Blake, this game was not only his first impact performance of the season, but also his collegiate career. Blake spent his first season with South Carolina as a quarterback on the scout team and had only eight total receiving yards to his name heading into last weekend.
Shane Beamer said Saturday’s game was a long time coming for the redshirt sophomore.
“O’Mega’s a player,” Beamer said. “I know our players have been telling you guys that for a while here.”
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Blake said the Gamecocks’ next-man-up mentality helped immensely in preparing for live game action.
“Like Spencer said, having that next man mentality up and, you know, preparing throughout the week. Just preparing throughout the week and just being ready always,” Blake said. “Knowing anything can happen at any moment, and when your number’s being called, go out there and execute and do your job.”
Despite it being his first in an expanded role on offense, Blake credited the time he spent on the practice field for his success on game day.
“It all starts on Tuesday, the first day of practice when we’re going out there. Just being ready for moments like these, practicing the situations that came up out there all the time. So it really wasn’t nothing new,” Blake said.
“The coaches always tell me, ‘Stay calm, go out there and play your game,’ and that’s all I did.”
