Observations and insights from South Carolina preseason practice No. 1

South Carolina football is back.

The Gamecocks hit the practice fields Friday morning for practice No. 1 of preseason camp and GamecockCentral was on hand for the first three sessions of the workout.

Below are some observations from South Carolina’s practice facility.

— It was warm and humid yet an otherwise Chamber of Commerce Day as the Gamecocks hit the practice fields in helmets and shells for the first practice of camp on Friday morning.

The team was going through its stretch session when we were let in and it seemed like every coach on the entire staff was going around dapping up and slapping hands with each player, regardless of position, and locking them in for the practice.

While there may have been a guy or two in the indoor doing injury rehab (we know Zahbari Sandy is out) or standing around being held out, this was a stark contrast to the end of the spring when there were a bunch of players out — it felt like an actual full team out there.

Injuries will of course happen in camp but even Mo Kaba, whose injuries have been well-documented, was in a white jersey (not a non-contact one) with a brace on his knee. As expected, running back Rocket Sanders was full-go, as was Juju McDowell who missed a large portion of the spring.

— As has been the case throughout the Shane Beamer Era, a large part of the first portion of practice was dedicated to special teams drills with various of those units operating at the same time and spread throughout the field.

During the field goal kick portion, I believe Alex Herrera was up first and that William Joyce was holding for him. Then Joyce was the kicker next with Herrera operating as the holder. Of course, Kai Kroeger can hold but I believe he was punting at the time.

— New special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis has a different style and cadence to him than Pete Lembo but there’s no doubting his passion for the game and for special teams. We’ve heard that Joe D, who also serves as associate head coach, as quickly become a favorite among the players has he’s gotten to know them and that he’s a true “football guy.” He also is a teacher and I watched him be very intentional and specific when correcting one blocker on the field goal team.

— There was a huge group of players catching both punts and kicks, probably moreso than we’re used to seeing during that portion of practice.

Those I personally saw during punt returns were Gage Larvadain, Jared Brown, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Vicari Swain. Jalon Kilgore is in that mix as well.

As Chris Clark posted on The Insiders Forum was going to be the case, Nyck Harbor was among the many players catching kickoffs. Juju McDowell was also over there.

— Almost all of South Carolina’s newcomers went through spring ball but this was the first true practice for wide receivers Dalevon Campbell and Vandrevius Jacobs, defensive back Jalewis Solomon, tight end Michael Smith, and running back Matthew Fuller.

We’ve been told that Dowell Loggains wants to add some size to the field at receiver and Campbell certainly looks different than pretty much all the other receivers (except for Harbor) from that standpoint. He’s tall and also looks like a veteran physically who has been in a college weight program for years now. Jacobs is what could best be described as “wiry” but we’re told he’s athletic and has flashed this summer. I’m not counting him out in that receiver competition.

Solomon told me Thursday that he’ll play wherever the staff wants him but his focus leading into camp has been to learn the nickelback spot to the best of his ability. Admittedly, there’s a lot to it from a run support and coverage standpoint but he thinks it’s a position that fits his skillset and that he can make an impact at from a playmaking standpoint.

Even with the talent ahead of them, Fuller and Smith have the talent to potentially help at their respective positions.

— South Carolina will be back on the practice fields Saturday morning with three segments of the workout once again being open to the media.

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