South Carolina defense gains hopeful injury updates
South Carolina received some much-needed positive news one day after a 48-7 loss to Georgia.
According to Shane Beamer, Darius Rush and Devonni Reed, who exited Saturday’s game with injuries, had good test results today and seem on track to play Saturday against Charlotte. Rush left with a hamstring injury while Reed hurt his hip and began taking X-rays almost immediately.
Beamer said he’s optimistic they’ll be able to play against Charlotte this weekend. However, he did not provide an update on Stone Blanton who departed late with a shoulder injury.
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The Gamecocks were also down five starters defensively against the Bulldogs, including Mo Kaba and Jordan Strachan, who are out for the year. Cam Smith, RJ Roderick, Boogie Huntley and David Spaulding all did not play.
Corey Rucker did not see the field on Saturday from the offensive side. The wide receiver transfer from Arkansas State has not played a snap this season after suffering a foot injury during preseason camp.
“We’ll see how tomorrow goes with that being their off-day and then where they are on Tuesday,” Beamer said. “But we’re hopeful that all those guys along with Corey Rucker, will all be back this week.”
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All of those were key losses for South Carolina, especially on defense. In addition to surrendering 48 points, the Gamecocks let the Bulldog offense combine for 547 yards and six touchdowns.
The Gamecocks also struggled to get off the field on third down, with Georgia converting on 5-of-9 opportunities.
Beamer said the group has to perform better moving forward.
“We’ve got to continue to be able to knock people back and get off blocks,” Beamer said. “We’ve got to continue to get healthy. There’s no doubt about it. So that helps our depth and special teams.”
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With all the recent injuries, a handful of newcomers have found their way into more action than Beamer expected.
“Didn’t anticipate Stone Blanton, Kajuan Banks, Emory Floyd, Nick Emmonwori and DQ Smith, when we signed them having to play as many snaps as they did against Georgia,” Beamer said. “They played well and they’ll continue to get better.”
Emmonwori has continued to be a standout in the Gamecock secondary. He led both teams with 14 tackles on Saturday afternoon, bringing his season total to 28.
Smith recorded three tackles while Banks and Blanton each had one of their own to round out the freshmen defensive performances.
“As they continue to get better, and we get more and more depth, and then we just continue to play and coach better, I think that’ll help us get off to better starts as well,” Beamer said.
