10 buzzworthy players for South Carolina
With ten practices in the books in Columbia, numerous players have been generating buzz for Gamecock football this preseason.
From newcomer true freshmen to impact transfers, GamecockCentral.com gives subscribers some behind-the-scenes information on some players who have impressed so far.
WR Vandrevius Jacobs
The Gamecocks signed five receivers from the transfer portal this offseason, and two of them – Jacobs and Dalevon Campbell – enrolled in the summer.
An FSU transfer, Jacobs only has one year of college experience. And even as a former four-star prospect with known talent, perhaps that took the expectation level down a notch relative to some other transfers who arrived with more playing time.
Jacobs immediately started turning heads when he arrived in Columbia and has had a very productive preseason camp so far. He’s drawing a look as a punt returner but has made plenty of plays at receiver. There’s some legitimate behind the scenes talk that he could be a starter.
TE Michael Smith
The Gamecocks held off a push from other SEC programs to keep Smith committed. He was described to us on more than one occasion as a “freak” athlete.
At 6-foot-6, 255-pounds with receiver-like ball skills, Smith has been making some big-time plays in practice. Shane Beamer said publicly this weekend that the Georgia product is going to play “a lot” this season.
With his skill set, Smith’s one of those guys you just have to find a way to get on the field. What he’s doing is even more impressive, since he also arrived this summer and didn’t go through spring drills.
OL Torricelli Simpkins III
We knew that South Carolina was looking to add some depth and competition to the offensive line through the portal this offseason. Simpkins has played at a lot of college football, albeit at the FCS levle. He’s looked natural transitioning to the SEC and has been making a legitimate push for playing time.
Earlier this year, he was singled out by Beamer as a player who’s impressed. He’s drawn first-team reps in practice and could end up being a starter.
WR Mazeo Bennett
It’s not a bad thing that another young pass-catcher shows up on this list. It seems that Bennett may be the most consistent performer at receiver this calendar year for the Gamecocks.
He may not have eye-popping physical traits and measurements, but he just knows how to get open and catch the football. Like Jacobs, he’s going to play a lot and may start. Sources consistently mention him as a standout.
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EDGE Dylan Stewart
“As advertised” comes to mind for this five-star prospect who was a gem of the 2024 class for South Carolina.
Stewart has the total package from a size and athleticism standpoint and has also impressed with his work ethic during his short time in Columbia. He’s been mentioned as a standout who’s flashed in every scrimmage situation this year.
LB Demetrius Knight
One of the fastest players on the team, Knight carries his 240-pound frame well and can really move. He’s a former high school quarterback, and his teammates rave about him.
Whether it’s on special teams or as a key part of the linebacking corps, it’s expected that he’s going to help the team a lot this season.
OL Josiah Thompson
Another five-star lineman from the 2024 class, this one on the other side of the ball, makes the list. Anytime a true freshman has a chance to start – especially at left tackle – and it’s not out of necessity, that says something.
Thompson has continued to get bigger since arriving in January and has potentially elite physical traits. The staff seems very happy with how he’s coming along. At the least, he should see some playing time this year.
CB Vicari Swain
One of the best athletes on the roster, Swain could be a key factor on special teams (perhaps as a returner?) and is battling for a starting corner spot.
He fits the profile of a player who could see his playing time rise as the season continues, too. We have heard many accounts of him making plays in practice that are just “different” from an athletic standpoint.
QB LaNorris Sellers
An immense talent, Sellers is also a cool customer. Ask anyone who’s viewed USC’s practices and scrimmages, and they’ll all talk about Sellers and how he looks.
It can be a scary thing to break in a first-year starter, but Sellers’ presence seems to be giving some confidence in the building.
RB Rocket Sanders
Although Sanders did not play in the first scrimmage of the preseason, everyone has been pleased with his physical rehabilitation from offseason surgery. Shane Beamer’s said he is 100 percent.
And those around the program remain very excited about him, in part from what he did at Arkansas and in part because of what they’ve seen from him since getting to USC.
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