South Carolina team notes from Shane Beamer

Wednesday was largely about South Carolina and its 2023 recruiting class, but Shane Beamer did address some team notes as bowl prep continues.

He spoke about injuries, some opt-outs and who could replace them, plus updates to Jordan Strachan and MarShawn Lloyd.

• Subscribe to Gamecock Central until the 2023 football season for only $10!

Current roster injuries, more

Two of the glaring players missing from practice last week were Jalen Brooks and Lovasea Carroll. 

Wednesday, Beamer said Brooks is dealing with some off-field issues, and it is “to be determined” if he’ll play in the bowl game.

• Win a football autographed by Rattler, Emmanwori, Kroeger, and others

“Jalen is a little bit of an off-the-field issue right now,” Beamer said. “He’s still practicing with us and will be with us next week in Jacksonville.” 

Brooks has been a big piece offensively for South Carolina, catching 33 passes and rushing four times for 555 scrimmage yards. He’s scored twice. 

Carroll is dealing with an injury that will prevent him from playing in the bowl game. Beamer didn’t mention what the injury is but said the hope is he’s ready sometime in the spring. 

Carroll, a Georgia transfer, didn’t log many offensive snaps but was an integral special teams player.

“He’s still on the team but won’t be able to play in the bowl game. Hopefully, he’ll be good to go for spring practice. He’s out there every day He was out there today with us.”

• Become a NIL supporter of your South Carolina Gamecocks!

Bowl opt-outs, right tackle spot

Dylan Wonnum was not at practice last week, focusing on preparing for professional football, and Shane Beamer gave an update on the Gamecocks’ right tackle spot. 

It looks like it’s a battle right now between freshman Cason Henry and Tyshawn Wannamaker. Wannamaker started last year and some this year, while Henry is the lone freshman offensive lineman who’s played this season. 

“We have a lot of guys spending time over there. Cason Henry is a young guy we’re excited about. Tyshawn Wannamaker has spent a lot of time playing tackle. Tyshwan’s a guy who finished the season last year as a tackle. We have a lot of guys working out there as well. We’re excited about them.” 

• Subscribe (for free) to the Gamecock Central YouTube page!

Beamer also confirmed Wednesday that defensive back Devonni Reed will not play in the bowl game. The Central Michigan transfer had 39 tackles in 11 games this year and dealt with injuries for the majority of the season. 

“Devonni Reed won’t play,” Beamer said. “He decided he didn’t want to make the trip to Jacksonville, so he’s not with us.” 

Jordan Strachan update

Beamer offered up a positive development on potentially returning the top pass rusher leading into the season. 

Strachan, who tore his ACL in week two, is applying for a waiver and could get one more year of eligibility if approved. 

“We’re trying to get Jordan Strachan back, and we’re optimistic we would be able to,” Beamer said.

In 21 games at South Carolina, Strachan has 33 tackles, nine for loss, with four sacks and an interception. This season he had 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack before the injury.

MarShawn Lloyd update

Beamer was asked about the potential of MarShawn Lloyd returning to the program and said there hasn’t been any communication between him and Lloyd in almost half a month. 

“I’m going to talk about the guys who are on the team right now. Every situation is different. I haven’t talked to MarShawn in two weeks. I’m worried about the guys who are here.” 

• Get South Carolina football alerts and analysis via email

Lloyd entered the transfer portal after exams and hasn’t committed anywhere as of this writing. He was South Carolina’s feature back in 2022 when healthy, rushing 111 times for 573 yards and a team-best nine touchdowns. 

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!