Two more All-American honors for Gamecocks
South Carolina Gamecocks standouts Kai Kroeger and Juice Wells were honored with All-American distinctions from Phil Steele this week.
Wells was listed as a third-team Preseason All-American on offense by the publication, while Kroeger was tabbed as the second-team Preseason All-American punter.
It’s the latest in a string of accolades that began after the 2022 season for the duo. Wells was named First-Team All-SEC by the league’s coaches, as well as PFF and Phil Steele. He also earned Second Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and was an honorable mention All-American Selection from Phil Steele.
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The Gamecocks’ Steve Spurrier Offensive MVP for the season, Wells put up big numbers during his first season in Columbia. He racked up 68 receptions for 928 yards and 6 touchdowns, adding an additional score on the ground.
The Richmond (Virginia) Highland Springs product began his career at James Madison, where he became the program’s record holder in single-season catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns marks. He also ranks third in JMU school history in receiving touchdowns despite playing just two seasons at the school.
Kroeger, a senior out of Lake Forest (Illinois), turned in one of the best performances by a punter in school history during the 2022 campaign.
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He was named a First Team All-American by The Athletic and ESPN.com, a Second Team All-American by AFCA and a Fourth Team All-American by Phil Steele.
Kroeger was also a unanimous First Team All-SEC selection.
He also doubles as one of the country’s best holders for field goals and extra points, as he was a finalist for the Mortell Award (nation’s top holder) in 2022. Kroeger has also proved himself dangerous in the fake game, going a perfect 6 for 6 so far in his career on passing attempts with 3 touchdown passes.
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According to GamecocksOnline.com, Kroeger aeraged 46.1 yards per punt in 2022, which led the Southeastern Conference. It was the fifth best mark in the country and the second-best single season mark in USC school history.
18 of Kroeger’s 58 punts went 50 yards or more, which also included his season long of 79 yards. 29 of his punts – half overall – pinned opponents inside their own 20. He was the recipient of the team’s Nutrition Award and the Jim Carlen Special Teams MVP.
