With a new quarterback taking the helm at South Carolina this fall, pass catchers will play a crucial role in the offense’s performance. Unfortunately, however, this position is the biggest question mark on the roster for Shane Beamer’s team. Several NFL departures and turnover through transfer portals have caused changes at the wide receiver position. Still, the Gamecocks’ roster isn’t completely empty. Several transfers and some talented young players have a lot to offer Beamer, but he’ll need several people to step in. In this South Carolina Gamecocks position preview, we’ll dive into the wide receivers and tight ends.

What will be replaced

Before we look at this year’s receivers, we have to look at what the Gamecocks lost. The biggest blow to this position group was without question the departure of Xavier Legette. Drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers last spring, Legette led all of Carolina’s receivers in both yards and touchdowns last season. The fifth-year senior was also the leader of the receiver group and set the tone for everyone else. Replacing Legette’s production, as well as his experienced presence, will be a difficult task for first-year receivers coach Mike Furrey.

The other big loss for the Gamecocks’ receivers is Antwane Wells Jr. Wells, who was Carolina’s top receiver in 2022, was forced to exit the portal after missing much of last season due to injury. The fifth-year senior was expected to be a big contributor again this season, but instead decided to join Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels.

There’s no way to put a positive spin on losing Wells and Legette in the same offseason. Replacing their performance will be a daunting hurdle, especially considering Carolina is also working in a new quarterback. However, the roster in Columbia isn’t completely empty. There are several talented options for Beamer and his team to consider. The big question is, can one of them step up and be THE man?

Who’s next?

While the Gamecocks have lost some talent to the portal, they have also gained some. Gage Larvadain is a senior who came from Miami, Ohio. The Louisiana native rushed for 675 yards and six touchdowns with the RedHawks last season. Larvadain is a little below average at just 5’9″, but has great speed in the open field.

Another transfer to keep an eye on is Ahmari Bruce-Huggins, who spent three seasons in Louisville. Despite being used primarily as a backup, Bruce-Huggins managed to record 1,118 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns in his three seasons as a Cardinal. Another option with great speed and big play potential.

Most recently, Carolina acquired Jared Brown from Coastal Carolina. Brown brings the best overall performance to the Gamecocks, with 1,973 yards and 13 touchdowns in three years. Brown is also a threat at the runner’s, and has rushed for 400 yards in two seasons for the Chanticleers.

In addition to the new additions from the transfer portal, Carolina also has a few highly touted sophomores who are likely to be in the mix.

Nyck Harbor is a former five-star recruit and the top-ranked athlete in the class of 2023 per 247Sport. The DC native is as primed as anyone to step into that breakout role, as he probably possesses more physical talent than anyone else on the entire roster. Tyshawn Russell is another promising sophomore to keep an eye on, as he possesses a strong combination of size and speed.

Although neither got much playing time last season, both showed their strengths in spring and fall training camp. If they can show consistency, it will be very difficult to keep either of them off the field.

What about the tight ends?

The Gamecocks bring back starter Joshua Simon, who is entering his second and final season with Carolina. In his first year with the Gamecocks, Simon rushed for 256 yards and two touchdowns. While those stats may seem paltry, Simon also has solid blocking skills and a good understanding of the system.

Carolina also brought in Brady Hunt, who transferred from Ball State. The redshirt junior missed all of last season with an ankle injury but was named a 2022 All-MAC conference selection. Redshirt junior Nick Elksnis also returns, although he has never played or recorded a snap in his college career.

Final overview

There’s no sugarcoating it, South Carolina’s receiver corps is without question the biggest concern for this team. When there are virtually no returning players left, it’s hard to see it any other way. There’s definitely plenty of talent, but relying solely on transfers and inexperienced young players isn’t an ideal situation. And it doesn’t help that Carolina has to break in a new quarterback as well.

For the Gamecocks to be successful this season, several players will need to step up quickly. If players like Nyck Harbor and James Brown can reach their full potential, a young offense could blossom.