Video: Stone Blanton continues to earn more playing time
South Carolina freshman linebacker Stone Blanton continues to see his snaps increase.
Having appeared in eight games so far this season, according to Gamecock Central’s Wes Mitchell, Blanton played 21 snaps on defense against Vanderbilt. That’s the most snaps he’s seen on defense in an SEC game. While his snaps could continue to rise as a backup linebacker, he may begin to see more snaps on special teams as well.
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On Wednesday, associate head coach and special teams coordinator Pete Lembo had this to say about Blanton.
“One guy I’m pushing to get ready and I think he’s got a really bright future is Stone Blanton. He’s playing some at linebacker so he’s at a point now where he’s played in most of the games this season. He’s had a little bit more limited role on special teams. He’s been on the depth but hasn’t played as much in games on special teams.
“He’s a guy that’s sharp mentally, he’s instinctive, and he’s a guy that I’m trying to gently nudge along here to try to get him ready down the stretch.”
Pete Lembo during a press conference on Nov. 9, 2022
Blanton has recorded five tackles and one tackle for a loss this season.
Final South Carolina injury report before Florida game
By Collyn Taylor
Shane Beamer provided one final update on the injury front before South Carolina hits the road for a tough test at Florida. Beamer mentioned the team was “in solid shape” on the injury front heading down there.
Speaking on his weekly radio show, Beamer said MarShawn Lloyd practiced Wednesday and the Gamecocks will see how things progress over the next few days. He mentioned those thigh bruises can feel good one day and not the next.
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BJ Gibson won’t play dealing with a hamstring injury and Devonni Reed should be good to go.
Lloyd, the Gamecocks’ leading rusher, didn’t travel to Vanderbilt last week while dealing with a “pretty significant bruise” on his thigh. Lloyd suffered that injury in the Missouri game and was limited in practice Tuesday.
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“MarShawn was limited today but told me he felt a lot better than he thought he was going to feel,” Beamer said during his regular Tuesday press conference.
Beamer also said on the SEC coaches’ teleconference Lloyd practiced and looked good Wednesday.
