South Carolina’s Gator Bowl depth chart features new starters, jersey number changes

Dwayne Mclemore

South Carolina will hold the first of four on-site Gator Bowl practices in Jacksonville, Florida on Monday morning. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks’ depth chart for Friday’s game against Notre Dame reflects USC’s roster movement in the four weeks since the Clemson game.

At least seven new starters were listed on bowl game depth chart for the Gamecocks, who are managing changes caused by players either entering the transfer portal or leaving early to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Either Juju McDowell or Christian Beal-Smith will start at running back with the departure of MarShawn Lloyd to the portal. Among other changes: Bryan Thomas Jr. is listed as an edge starter, replacing Gilber Edmond (portal); O’Donnell Fortune is projected to start at corner in place of Darius Rush (NFL); Tyshawn Wannamaker is listed atop the two-deep at right tackle, where Dylan Wonnum (NFL) started this season.

McDowell, who was wearing No. 21, is now wearing No. 0 — with that jersey number freed up by tight end Jaheim Bell’s transfer. Defensive back DQ Smith is wearing No. 1 instead of 27. Lloyd previously wore No. 1 for the Gamecocks .

Other notes:

▪ Wide receiver Jalen Brooks is not listed on depth chart. Head coach Shane Beamer said Brooks was dealing with an off-field issue but was expected to travel and practice with the team.

▪ Nate Adkins is the only tight end listed on the depth chart. Earlier depth charts listed four tight ends, including two starters at the position.

▪ Wide receiver Josh Vann (leg) is considered doubtful to play, but he’s still listed as a possible starter at receiver and punt returner.

University of South Carolina defensive back O’Donnell Fortune (25) runs drills during practice on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.
University of South Carolina defensive back O’Donnell Fortune (25) runs drills during practice on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.

South Carolina depth chart

——Offense——

  • QB: Spencer Rattler (Luke Doty)

  • RB: Juju McDowell --OR-- Christian Beal-Smith

  • WR: Antwane Wells Jr. (Xavier Legette)

  • WR: Ahmarean Brown --OR-- Dakereon Joyner

  • WR: Josh Vann --OR-- Dakereon Joyner

  • TE: Nate Adkins

  • LT: Jaylen Nichols (Jakai Moore)

  • LG: Jakai Moore (Trai Jones --OR-- Vershon Lee)

  • C: Eric Douglas (Hank Manos)

  • RG: Jovaughn Gwyn (Wyatt Campbell)

  • RT: Tyshawn Wannamaker (Cason Henry)

——Defense——

  • Edge: Jordan Burch (Tyreek Johnson)

  • DT: M.J. Webb (T.J. Sanders)

  • DT: Tonka Hemingway (Alex Huntley)

  • Edge: Bryan Thomas Jr. (Hot Rod Fitten)

  • MLB: Sherrod Greene (Stone Blanton)

  • WLB: Brad Johnson (Debo Williams)

  • Nickel: DQ Smith -- OR -- Keenan Nelson Jr.

  • CB: Marcellas Dial (Kajuan Banks)

  • CB: O’Donnell Fortune (Emory Floyd)

  • SS: Nick Emmanwori (Peyton Williams)

  • FS: DQ Smith -- OR -- BJ Gibson

——Special teams——

  • PK: Mitch Jeter (Alex Herrera)

  • KO: Mitch Jeter (Alex Herrera)

  • P: Kai Kroeger (Alex Herrera)

  • LSN: Hunter Rogers (Matthew Bailey)

  • SSN: Hunter Rogers or Matthew Bailey

  • H: Kai Kroeger (William Joyce)

  • KOR: Xavier Legette (Juju McDowell)

  • PR: Josh Vann --OR -- Ahmarean Brown

GATOR BOWL SOUTH CAROLINA VS. NOTRE DAME

  • Who: No. 19 South Carolina (8-4) vs. No. 21 Notre Dame (8-4)

  • Where: TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

  • When: Friday at 3:30 p.m.

  • TV: ESPN

  • Stream: via ESPN app/ESPN.com

  • Line: Notre Dame by 2.5

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