Jakai Moore 'doubtful' to return to action this season
When South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer first gave the news that veteran offensive lineman Jakai Moore was injured a couple of weeks before the season began, he warned that it would likely be a long-term injury.
Now at the midway point of the season, Beamer was asked Tuesday if there was any chance Moore could return this season.
“I would say that’s doubtful at this point,” Beamer responded. “We’ll see what the future holds but at this point would say doubtful.”
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A sixth-year senior and South Carolina graduate, Moore played in each of the last five seasons but has dealt with injuries throughout his college journey including during this past spring practice.
The nature of the current injury is not known. Nor is it known what Moore’s plans are.
While this was supposed to be his last year of eligibility, he technically could apply for a waiver and likely return for another season. Utah quarterback Cam Rising recently made headlines due to the possibility of him returning for an eighth year in college.
The news for Moore is unfortunate, especially considering he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. In a Garnet Trust interview this offseason, he mentioned that he was taking even greater steps to get and stay healthy going into his final year.
Moore has also taken on more of a leadership role among an offensive line group that stayed on campus throughout May despite having the month off from team activities.
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“I’m more of a lead by example type of person,” Moore said in that interview. “But also, I’m here to guide everybody through the way and talk to them through everything that they need to, even if they have questions for me through camp so far.”
“If they ever mess up or anything, just helping them, guiding them on the right path. That’s really it,” he continued. “I have a lot of experience playing the game, so my experience helps them, and I hope that they become successful players.”
The versatile Moore has appeared in 44 career games with 28 starts, making 13 career starts at left tackle, seven at left guard, four at right guard, and four at right tackle.
South Carolina will release its latest player availability report on Wednesday around 8 p.m. which should offer the latest on the injury status of starters wide receiver Jared Brown and offensive tackle Cason Henry and rotational defensive tackle DeAndre Jules.
