It is crazy the difference one offseason can make. A year ago, South Carolina started a former graduate assistant, an FCS transfer, and a wide receiver under center. As Spring practice commences for the 2022 campaign, the Gamecocks QB room has been completely rebuilt with talent. The transfer of Spencer Rattler, the commitment of two high-level freshmen, and the return to health of Luke Doty has flipped the perception of the signal-callers in Columbia. The Gamecocks QB room is now among the best in the SEC from top to bottom, after being mostly a patchwork unit in 2021.
Gamecocks QB Room Upgraded for 2022 Season
The quarterback has always been the most important position in football. The way that offenses have evolved in both their concepts and pace of execution, that importance continues to grow. A talented roster can underperform if the guy under center is not up to the task. On the flip side, an elite quarterback can raise the level of a team with lesser talent. The position has never been more crucial to a team or program’s success. The Gamecocks now have a group full of talented guys to work with under center.
Star Turn
Rattler arrives in Columbia with a point to prove. After a huge freshman season, he did not have the sophomore year he had planned for Oklahoma. He got benched midseason, and immediately there were rumors and discussions about both his abilities and his character. He wants to use his junior season in garnet and black to show everyone that is the guy who was a potential 1st round NFL draft pick heading into last Fall. Rattler will have that opportunity in the SEC this Fall.
His plan is to get back among the top prospects for next year’s NFL draft. While that would mean the Gamecocks QB room would only have him for a season, it would still be a win-win for both sides. If he has the chance to leave after the 2022 season for the net level, then that would mean he had a big year in Columbia, and South Carolina would greatly benefit from that. He is the most talented quarterback this program has had in a long time. Now he just needs to show what he can do and lead this offense.
Depth
Doty is likely to be the number two signal-caller, especially once he returns to full strength over the summer. The Myrtle Beach native was solid at times last season, but never really had a chance to show what he can do. His preseason foot injury took away one of his better attributes in his ability to escape the pocket and use his legs. He was also hampered by injuries around him. In the handful of games, he started in 2021, he never had a fully healthy set of skill players around him. Whether it was Kevin Harris, Josh Vann, or Zaquandre White, none of the Gamecock top weapons was 100% when Doty was under center. Combine that with his own injury and it is hard to evaluate his performances under center.
The rest of the Gamecocks QB room will be made up of freshmen. Colton Gauthier redshirted a season ago. Braden Davis and Tanner Bailey were both four-star commits in the most recent signing class. Davis has already enrolled and is involved in Spring practice. That could give him a leg up on Bailey, but both are likely to redshirt. They each have loads of potential, meaning the future is in good hands under center for South Carolina.
Spring Forward
All accounts are that Rattler has looked good through the first week of practice. The hope for Shane Beamer and company is that the former Sooner can regain the production levels he had his freshman season. The offensive struggles were well known for this South Carolina team in 2021. If they can get the upgraded play under center that they expect, the team’s overall production in yards and points should take a big leap. They also have an experienced back-up in Doty, which is a luxury this program has not had in quite a while. The rapid make-over of the Gamecocks QB room is not only a reason for optimism in 2022 but also has them set up for the future with the freshmen talent.
