Explaining the hype behind South Carolina wide receiver O’Mega Blake

Payton Titus
Joshua Boucher/jboucher@thestate.com

The Gamecock on everybody’s lips who’s poised for a big jump in 2023? It’s O’Mega Blake.

Teammates and coaches have spoken at length about the redshirt sophomore from Rock Hill this preseason. On top of sharing the team’s spring most improved award for the offense with Dakereon Joyner, it sounds like he’s had a tremendous August.

From fifth-year wide receiver Ahmarean Brown’s vantage point, Blake has always been capable of making plays. The difference this year has been Blake’s ability to capitalize on his opportunity of having more reps. With Antwane Wells taking a step back to take care of an undisclosed lower-body injury, Blake has taken more snaps with starting receivers.

Blake (6-2, 180) redshirted his freshman year, with his lone appearance coming in the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over South Carolina. Last season he played in just three games, catching one of two balls thrown his way in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Notre Dame.

Coach Shane Beamer told reporters Tuesday that Wells, Brown and Xavier Legette — if all are healthy — will be the three starting receivers this season. As far as the next receivers up, Blake is in the mix to see plenty of playing time. Consistency in practice will play a key role in how he’s considered as the year progresses, Beamer said.

To Brown, though, one thing is certain: “I can tell you he’s gonna have a big year. I expect a lot out of him. We’ve been seeing him grow and grow up here this past year, and I’m ready to see what he can do.”

Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains echoed Beamer’s sentiment, pointing out consistency as the next step in improving Blake’s game. Loggains praised the pass catcher’s talent and renewed confidence that has come from working more often with quarterback Spencer Rattler.

“O’Mega’s been a great weapon for us,” Rattler told reporters Aug. 15. “He can go get the ball, high IQ football player. He’s just gotta learn the small little details.”

Rattler also said he connected with Blake for a 75-yard touchdown in the first fall scrimmage on Aug. 12.

Blake was a do-it-all talent at South Pointe High School, working at quarterback and cornerback in addition to wide receiver duties. He was offered by then-coach Will Muschamp and South Carolina in June 2020 ahead of his senior season in high school, then committed to the Gamecocks later that month.

Defensive back Keenan Nelson Jr. also heaped praise on Blake this preseason, sharing his thoughts from having played against the wide receiver in practice.

“I think he’s a star,” Nelson said. “…He’s gonna be great for us.”

South Carolina receivers

  • Eddie Lewis, grad transfer

  • Ahmarean Brown, S-Sr.

  • Xavier Legette, S-Sr.

  • Antwane Wells, Jr.

  • Payton Mangrum, Jr.

  • Ben Rollins, R-Jr.

  • O’Mega Blake R-So.

  • Joseph Morris R-So.

  • Aaron Morton R-So.

  • Eriq Rice R-So.

  • Kylic Horton, R-Fr.

  • Landon Samson R-Fr.

  • Zavier Short R-Fr.

  • CJ Adams, Fr.

  • Elijah Caldwell, Fr.

  • Nyck Harbor, Fr.

  • Kelton Henderson, Fr.

  • Tyshawn Russell, Fr.

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