Gamecocks hold first practice of 2022 camp: News, notes and observations from Day 1
South Carolina football is officially underway.
The Gamecocks held their first practice of fall camp on Friday. Reporters were allowed into the session for six periods, or about 40 minutes. Here’s a look at the news and notes from Friday viewing window:
- No surprise here, but quarterback Spencer Rattler ran with the first-team offense, while Luke Doty worked with the second team. Freshman Tanner Bailey appeared to be working with the third team during the brief portion of practice open to media members.
- Former New York Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas Sr. was at South Carolina practice on Friday. His son, Bryan Thomas Jr., is a freshman defensive lineman for the Gamecocks. The elder Thomas was a first-round draft pick in 2002 out of UAB and played for the Jets for a decade.
- Defensive lineman Rick Sandidge was out at practice with his teammates. Sandidge, who medically retired from football last month, is expected to be with the program throughout the season, though that official capacity has yet to be determined, head coach Shane Beamer said on Thursday.
- Two different players repped at holder during Friday’s practice. Freshman punter/kicker Daniel Lester and second-year punter William Joyce each held for extra points during the open segment. The Gamecocks are without starting punter and holder Kai Kroeger for the “short term,” per Beamer. Kroeger suffered a foot injury last week and it’s unclear how long he’ll be out for.
- Freshman defensive lineman Jamaal Whyce worked in the indoor facility with assistant strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton, away from the rest of the squad. Whyce had been away from the team briefly, but returned in recent weeks. His health status is not clear.
- The Gamecocks trotted out a first-team offensive line that consisted of Jaylen Nichols (left tackle), Vershon Lee (left guard), Eric Douglas (center) and Jovaughn Gwyn (right guard). Tyshawn Wannamaker and Dylan Wonnum are both competing for the starting right tackle slot.
- Running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell both repped with with the No. 1 offense. As did receivers Xavier Legette and Josh Vann. Austin Stogner was the first tight end into drills on Friday, though Jaheim Bell will also play in a number of spots with that unit — including tight end, receiver and running back.
This story was originally published August 5, 2022 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Gamecocks hold first practice of 2022 camp: News, notes and observations from Day 1."
Ben Portnoy
The State