Shane Beamer speaks on impact of healthy Markee Anderson, JT Geer
A popular phrase in football is that games are won and lost along the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately for South Carolina, production in that area of the field has been hard to come by.
The Gamecocks’ offensive line had one of its worst performances in recent memory during its season opener against North Carolina. In this game, the unit allowed nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Both these metrics were the highest single-game sack and TFL totals South Carolina’s offensive line has allowed since Sports Reference’s database started tracking these statistics in 2000.
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The team’s defensive line production hasn’t fared much better. Through two games, the unit has five tackles for loss and one sack, most of which came against Furman. Only one of those tackles for loss happened against the Tar Heels.
The fact that both units have caught the injury bug has not helped them either. Shane Beamer said that Cason Henry would be out “for a while” after suffering a lower body injury against North Carolina. JonDarius Morgan is also battling a wrist issue after trying to catch his fall on a play against Furman.
Another offensive lineman on the shelf is Markee Anderson, a highly-touted freshman who will provide depth this season. Heading into the season, On3’s Industry Ranking listed Anderson as the No. 2 player from South Carolina, No. 10 interior offensive lineman and No. 161 prospect overall.
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Beamer said that Anderson’s youth and talent will greatly benefit the Gamecocks upon his return.
“Markee is a really smart player. Markee’s a really talented player,” Beamer said. “I hate that he hasn’t been able to play this year, but just added depth along that offensive line.
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“We’re certainly banged up and our depth has taken a hit, but then we’re also young along with that depth. If we could get another guy in there just to add to the depth like Markee, who’s a really good player, that would be awesome.”
On the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher JT Geer has been the most notable injury along the line. The transfer from Syracuse, like Anderson, also has yet to see any game action for the Gamecocks.
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He won’t play this weekend but can give the Gamecocks size and an edge-setter when on the field.
“This is a massive offensive line size-wise, and we need guys in there that can hold their own, make plays and be disruptive,” Beamer said. “JT’s a big, strong guy that could just add depth to that defensive line room to help us as well.”
Anderson and Geer won’t play this weekend at Georgia, but should hopefully be back soon when they can both showcase what they’re capable of when healthy.
