5 newcomers to watch for South Carolina in Garnet & Black Game this Saturday
COLUMBIA – How players react to what’s going on during any given play under the lights with a crowd in the stands, how they walk and talk and their overall temperament are just some of the mental indicators Shane Beamer and his coordinators will be observing during South Carolina’s spring game Saturday night.
The annual Garnet and Black Game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. inside Williams-Brice Stadium, is about identifying roles for players where they fit. That aspect of the spring game is important to plenty of the new faces that have been roaming the field this spring for the Gamecocks.
Garnet & Black Game: How South Carolina football will structure 2022 Garnet & Black Spring Football Game
South Carolina scrimmage: South Carolina football: three biggest takeaways from first spring scrimmage
Story Lines: Top story lines to watch for South Carolina football during spring practice
Here are five newcomers should you be watching:
Spencer Rattler, quarterback
This one is obvious. Four months almost to the day of committing to South Carolina and causing a social media firestorm, Rattler finally gets his chance to perform in a Gamecocks jersey inside Williams-Brice in front of fans.
South Carolina has been missing a consistent vertical threat in its passing game the past couple of seasons. Fans and coaches alike would like to see Rattler, the former Oklahoma quarterback and top-rated high school signal caller in his recruiting class in 2018, create explosive pass plays.
Spencer Rattler: What Spencer Rattler noticed about South Carolina's offense, why he feels he fits
Devonni Reed, safety
Both defensive coordinator Clayton White and defensive backs coach Torrian Gray have described Devonni Reed, a graduate transfer from Central Michigan, as a professional.
The 6-foot, 195-pound, hard-hitting safety appears set to land the starting position left vacant by former Byrnes High star Jaylan Foster. He’s versatile and strong enough to be a vital run-stopper in the backend. Reed’s physicality likely will be on display during the Garnet and Black Game, but his ball-hawking ability remains a question.
Antwane “Juice” Wells, receiver
Like Rattler has said, you wouldn’t know Antwane Wells played FCS football last year. Affectionately known as “Juice,” Wells transferred to USC from James Madison and has pieced together an impressive spring. Now, he must finish it to solidify his role in the offense.
The junior receiver has become a go-to target for Rattler during practice, flashing strong hands and aggressive route running. Wells uses his size (6-1, 204) to be physical, an aspect South Carolina’s receiving corps needed opposite of senior Josh Vann.
Terrell Dawkins, defensive end
Depth at defensive end/outside linebacker was a question coming into spring drills for the Gamecocks, and Beamer said earlier this week it continues to be. Sophomore Terrell Dawkins, a North Carolina State transfer, could entrench himself among the heavy rotators with Jordan Burch and Jordan Strachan with a quality spring game performance.
Defensive end depth: Developing depth at defensive end is a must for USC. There are signs of spring growth.
The way the rosters are made up, Dawkins likely will start for one of the teams, putting a spotlight on him and how he plays. Coaches have raved about his football IQ and his quickness. Now it’s time for him to piece it all together under the lights.
Christian Beal-Smith, running back
Like Wells, Christian Beal-Smith transferred in and provided his running back room a style difference. Smaller than most of USC’s backs, Beal-Smith (5-10, 201) adds more of a downhill attack to the group.
He also adds experience – four years at Wake Forest before hitting the portal – something the team needed at running back. Returning backs MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell at the top of the depth chart don’t have that.
Beal-Smith will play plenty of special teams but he could find a role as a third-down back for the Gamecocks in 2022.
Cory Diaz covers the South Carolina Gamecocks for The Greenville News as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his work for all things Gamecocks on Twitter: @CoryDiaz_TGN. Got questions regarding South Carolina athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football: 5 newcomers to watch in Garnet & Black Game