Quick Slants with Uva: Midway point of spring

With this week’s edition of Quick Slants coming out a little later in the day, we we able to add some thoughts from practice No.8 in there. And it’s not exactly what you would first think of.

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1- Helping themself

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had a chance to hear from a lot of Gamecocks with in-state ties during media availabilities. The pride they’re taking seeing so many highly-touted recruits committing to stay home has been evident. While Shane Beamer has said many times that players can help sell a program, him and his staff are also doing their part when it comes to in-state recruiting.

On Thursday, I noticed the entire Camden High School football team was in attendance to watch USC’s practice. Aside from it being an incredible opportunity for the Bulldogs to attend an SEC practice, it’s a really smart idea by Beamer. Not only does it allow South Carolina to show off their facilities but it also allows high school players to see who they are up close. The same can be said with South Carolina high school coaches as it can help build stronger rapports with USC. The bottom line, relationships matter and Beamer and his staff continue to show how they clearly understand that.

2- Early opportunity

As much as I’m pulling to see guys Terrell Dawkins and Jordan Strachan bounce back from injuries in 2022, I’d argue that the opportunities at EDGE right now are more open than any position. That includes running back. That opens up a golden opportunity for true freshman Desmond Umeozulu, who arrived on campus this past January. The early reports on Umeozulu is that he’s making great progress and is taking advantage of his length. Teammate Tyreek Johnson echoed those sentiments on Wednesday saying, “Des is long, bro. Long, tall. Great athlete.”

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3- Dr. Strachan

While it was expected, on Tuesday Shane Beamer shared that the NCAA officially granted Jordan Strachan an extra year of eligibility after tearing his ACL this past season. For those keeping tabs at home, that means Strachan will be heading into his seventh year of playing collegiate football.

To recap that for those who need a refresher, Strachan has had two seasons cut short due to injuries. Add in the 2020 COVID-19 season, which gives every student-athlete from that season an extra year of eligibility, and that’s how we’ve arrived at year seven.

Remove the fact that Strachan is a Gamecock. Anybody who has a problem with someone wanting to come back and play a fifth, sixth, seventh, or even a ninth year of college football if they have the eligibility to do so (Cam McCormick) then just admit you’re a little jealous. Let’s be honest with ourselves. I don’t care who you are reading this, what your job is, or how much money you’re making. If college is the party then once that is call post-college the hangover. I think I read that on a poster in college somewhere, but I digress. The point is, growing up will there once Strachan is done.

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