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As the Gamecocks turn the page on their season-opening victory over Eastern Illinois, one question looms large: Will starting quarterback Luke Doty be healthy enough to play this week against East Carolina? And will returning leading SEC rusher Kevin Harris, who had offseason back surgery and missed Week 1 with illness, be ready to go as well?
The good news is that the answer to both questions appears to be yes. Head coach Shane Beamer offered updates on both players on Tuesday, and Luke Doty made a media appearance as well, saying he’s expected to be “100 percent” on Saturday and technically had an outside chance at playing last week, too. The biggest key is his mobility, which he sounds confident about:
Doty: Says he has confidence in running, and that's the biggest thing for him in getting ready to play on Saturday. He wants to feel 100 percent that he can move.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 7, 2021
It should be noted, though, that Beamer declined to name a starting quarterback. It seems likely that Zeb Noland will take the first snaps against East Carolina, with Doty coming into the game on an as-needed basis.
As for Harris, Beamer said simply that “he’ll play,” although he might be brought along more slowly back into the running back rotation, especially after strong play from ZaQuandre White and MarShawn Lloyd:
Beamer: Will talk to the other coaches about Kevin Harris' work load after the presser. There's no limit from a medical perspective, but they want to see how they can work in carries for four backs.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 7, 2021
Oh, and if you’re curious about this week’s uniform report (and we know you are), here’s how it’s looking at the moment:
Beamer asked about the uniforms.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 7, 2021
Says they're probably going to be in all-white this week. "The way we're trending right now."
I don’t personally care for the all-white “Stormtrooper” look (too boring for my taste, and too many other schools do it too), but I know I’m in the extreme minority here and that most folks will be excited to hear this.
In other news, the Gamecocks already have their first SEC weekly honor, courtesy of linebacker Debo Williams, who is co-freshman of the week!
From FCS To SEC‼️Always Bet on Yourself. https://t.co/BSFv8Sy3KP
— Debo Williams (@Debowilliams13) September 7, 2021
Williams earned the distinction after blocking two punts against Eastern Illinois, which I think we can all agree is an impressive day at the office. The former three-star prospect who transferred in from FCS Delaware was the first SEC player to block two punts in a game since 2010, when Florida’s Chris Rainey pulled it off. Great start to his South Carolina career.