South Carolina players capable of fireworks this season
It’s the Fourth of July, which means fireworks and grilling out and also taking a look at some South Carolina players who can bring fireworks of their own to the field.
The Gamecocks have a few explosive players–on both sides of the ball–capable of providing a spark whenever they’re on the field.
Juice Wells
For obvious reasons, he’s easily the most explosive on the team and a home run waiting to happen any time he gets the ball. Wells ranked eighth in the SEC last season in both receptions of at least 10 yards (31) and catches of at least 20 (14). His four catches of at least 50 yards receptions were tied for the second-most in the league with Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo. Only Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee) had more.
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Wells is now coming back for a second season in the program and is paired with Spencer Rattler for year two. If things continue to look like they did to end the year, there could be a lot of fireworks on the agenda for Wells.
Xavier Legette
Legette showed some explosiveness over the course of the season, setting the tone against Texas A&M with that electric kickoff return touchdown then hauling in arguably the catch of the year to score in the Gator Bowl.
A long, quick-twitch athlete will likely have the ball in his hands more this season as a projected starter offensively. If Legette can take another step and continue to develop he has a chance to create a ton of big plays in 2023 for a Gamecocks offense that can use it.
Nick Emmanwori
While it might not be the flashiest production, Emmanwori is a thumper and someone who brings a linebacker mentality to playing safety. He finished with 85 tackles as a freshman and arguably the biggest fumble recovery of the season to seal a win over Clemson.
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He announced his presence with authority early with a big game at Arkansas with a big hit on KJ Jefferson and a game where he wound up with 11 tackles.
Emmanwori gives the Gamecocks a productive tackler who has the ability to create some fireworks in the box this season by coming down and hitting someone over the middle.
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Tonka Hemingway
Guys who have a knack for being around the ball typically find ways to create some fireworks, and Hemingwya falls into that category. Hemingway finished with 33 tackles last season, eight for loss and four sacks. He also knocked down a pass and recovered two fumbles.
Add on to that his ability to catch the ball and be a big piece on special teams in muddle huddles or fake punts, and there’s a big play waiting to happen most times Hemingway is on the field.
