Why South Carolina wide receivers are poised for a big 2022 season

COLUMBIA – A look to one of the most Enhanced classification on South Carolina’s listing of honor victors for springtime football and also you’ll locate pass receiver Ahmarean Brown provided together with offending electrician Jaylen Nichols.

Throughout the Gamecocks’ Garnet & Black springtime football video game Saturday, Brown didn’t record a catch, but it didn’t stop coach Shane Beamer from acknowledging the growth the senior made during the 15 spring practices.

Though Brown really did not make a catch for the Black team, which lost to starting quarterback Spencer Rattler and offensive line’s Garnet team, 20-13, being the voted by the coaching staff as the most improved player is more indicative of how far the team’s receiving corps has come.

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This time last year, Beamer talked about the overall depth not allowing for a competitive spring game. One year, a winning season and a bowl game victory later, 89 South Carolina players took the field in front of more than 20,000 fans.

More specifically at receiver, the quality of depth created a situation where the team’s most improved player couldn’t garner a catch in the spring game.

The addition of junior Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr., a mid-year transfer from James Madison, has galvanized the position. During the spring game, he had three receptions for 31 yards from Rattler, who has talked about their developed chemistry this spring.

The emergence of elderly Xavier Legette, who played sparingly in 2021, has raised plenty of eyebrows around the Gamecocks’ football building. He reeled in a 30-yard catch on a deep crossing route that Rattler lauded after the game.

On top of that, Dakereon Joyner, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl MVP and one of South Carolina’s top players, sat out the majority of springtime practice because of an injury. Josh Vann continues to be Josh Vann, the leading receiver from a season ago.

The options are there for Rattler. And those options now have a capable quarterback.

“At least two consistent guys on the field at any time,” Rattler said. “There’s times when we’ll have four consistent guys on the field, and also one of them is a big tight end. As well as running backs who catch.

“We’re really deep in our skill positions, so that makes my job a lot easier. Just get the ball in their hands and they’ll make plays. You guys saw some of that tonight.”

Mostly because this is the second year in their system, that’s what Beamer and offending coordinator Marcus Satterfield will expect this fall: efficient and potent playmaking. In 2021, Vann led the receivers with 679 yards and five touchdowns. But he did most of his damage in just three games, not quite consistent throughout the year.

In those stretches last season when Vann couldn’t string solid performances together, South Carolina didn’t have another outside threat who could take some of the defense’s attention away from him.

Because of the retooled receiving corps, the Gamecocks have reliable options now with Joyner and Brown in the slot and Vann, Legette and Wells on the outside. During the offseason, the priority for the group becomes cashing in on its potential, something Wells sounds to be taking seriously.

“Juice has had a great spring,” Beamer said. “He’s gotten more and more confident each practice. He’s got an unbelievable competitive spirit about himself. He’s loves to work.

“Players didn’t have to be over here (Saturday) until 3 o’clock. I walked into the offensive personnel room at 1 p.m. and he was in there with (Satterfield) going over calls for tonight, two hours before he had to be over here. It’s very important to him. To have him on the outside, that whole receiving room has improved. Josh Vann is the returning, leading receiver. What Xavier Legette has done this spring is amazing. He is a weapon for us. Dakereon coming back. Ahmarean Brown, he’s had a great spring. He’s been one of the most consistent receiver we’ve had all spring. Trey Adkins caught two TDs in scrimmage. I really love that getting group. It continues to get better.”

Cory Diaz covers the South Carolina Gamecocks for The Greenville News as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his work for all points Gamecocks on Twitter: @CoryDiaz_TGN. Got inquiries concerning South Carolina sports? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.