Photos of Shane Beamer, Spencer Rattler, Kai Kroeger and Tonka Hemingway (Jimmy Mitchell/SEC)
SEC Media Days for 2023 is wrapping up today, and USC was one of the final three programs to appear at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Nashville. Head coach Shane Beamer was joined by quarterback Spencer Rattler, defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway and punter Kai Kroeger.
Media around the league continue to be impressed with Beamer, both with how he represents his university and for the product he is building. He has taken the Gamecocks to back-to-back bowl games and is 15-11 overall and 7-9 in the SEC after two seasons.
Beamer can count on one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC to lead the offense in Spencer Rattler, and he can also point to an uber-talented receivers room. A running game has to be found and turnovers have to be reduced for the Gamecocks offense to take that next step after averaging 32 points per game last season.
There’s also the question of who will play left tackle, a concern now that expected starter Jaylen Nichols is probably lost for the season after suffering a knee injury in the spring game. Jakia Moore and Sidney Fugar are the top two at the position going into camp.
The defense looks good throughout, though the Gamecocks lost a pair of corners to the NFL Draft. There is strength up front, experience in the middle and talent on the back end.
Beamer also pointed out the core of the special teams unit will return, meaning the snapper, holder and kickers. The Gamecocks have emerged as the model for special teams play in the country with Pete Lembo keeping opponents on edge with his penchant for calling fakes.
Starters Returning
Offense (4): WR Xavier Legette, LG Jakai Moore,
LT Jaylen Nichols, QB Spencer Rattler
Defense (4): CB Marcellas Dial, S Nick
Emmanwori, DT Tonka Hemingway, S DQ Smith
Specialists (2): PK Mitch Jeter, P Kai Kroeger
2022 Offensive Statistics
Scoring Offense…………………………………….32.2 (7/39)
Rushing Offense……………………………118.8 (12/106)
Passing Offense………………………………….260.0 (6/41)
Passing Efficiency……………………………145.56 (6/35)
3rd Down Percentage……………………….388 (10/74)
Total Offense……………………………………….378.8 (9/72)
2022 Defensive Statistics
Scoring Defense………………………………..28/8 (10/87)
Rushing Defense…………………………..198.0 (13/117)
Passing Defense…………………………………206.7 (5/34)
Pass Efficiency Defense………………..121.76 (7/27)
Opponents’ 3rd Down Pct. ………….434 (12/114)
Total Defense……………………………………404.7 (10/89)
