South Carolina players think offense can take 'big step' this year
For most, Saturday’s season opener will be the first test and trial run of South Carolina’s upgraded offense.
The Gamecocks—who struggled last season for various reasons—unveil a host of returners and transfer portal pieces in what is going to be a new-look unit.
It’ll be new to the fans and media, but it’s not for the players that spent the summer and training camp in it.
“I think it’s scary to think about what we can do in year two under coach (Shane) Beamer. I always say it. But being around the guys every single day and being around the coaches, seeing what we can do and what we do on a day-to-day basis,” Dakereon Joyner said.
“We have to continue to focus on ourselves and let the rest take care of itself. We have a lot of weapons, a lot of stability and it’s very interesting to see what this offense can do in year two.”
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South Carolina battled quarterback inconsistency, offensive line struggles and a lack of vertical passing game for stretch en route to winning six regular season games and a bowl.
The Gamecocks tried to remedy that in the offseason while bringing in Spence Rattler along with other high-profile transfer portal prospects.
Austin Stogner, Nate Adkins, Antwane Wells Jr., Corey Rucker and Christian Beal-Smith will all play a big role in the offense this season, if healthy.
They’ll join a group of returners in Josh Vann, Jaheim Bell, Joyner, MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell as well.
It’s that merging of new and old leading the Gamecocks to feel the offense can take the next step.
“We can take a big step, man,” Xavier Legette said. “We can do a lot of great things with this offense. They give everybody the opportunity. We just have to take ownership of the opportunity.”
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South Carolina spent the majority of the summer and then the last few weeks learning and installing the offense.
They’ve liked what they’ve seen from it and also the potential it’s packing.
“It looks amazing. It looks like a championship offense,” Wells said. “When we’re clicking, I don’t feel like anybody in this league can compete.”
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Bell called it “elite,” also mentioning the number of weapons Marcus Satterfield and Beamer have to work with.
“Having everyone on the same page rolling, clicking, it’s just elite,” he said. “It’s going to be hard to stop it.”
That doesn’t mean the Gamecocks have questions to answer while questions remain in the run game and vertical passing attack.
But, if those things get ironed out and things begin to click, South Carolina is optimistic about the offensive jump.
“I love what Coach Satt is doing. It’s like a pro-style offense,” Wells said. “We’re getting everybody open. I’m happy. I can’t wait to get everyone out there Saturday.”
