Freshman offensive lineman Shed Sarratt, one of South Carolina’s most talked-about newcomers this offseason, is set to make his Gamecocks debut in Saturday night’s Week 2 matchup against South Carolina State.
Sarratt, who landed on the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List, was expected to see the field last weekend against Virginia Tech but was still working back from an injury. This week, head coach Shane Beamer confirmed the highly touted lineman is cleared to go.
“Shed is gonna be a really good player for us,” Beamer said on his weekly call-in show. “He was not on the trip to Atlanta, was not healthy. He is this week. He’ll play this Saturday night, so it’s good to have him back as well, a young offensive lineman that’s got a big future.”
While Sarratt returns, South Carolina will be without starting cornerback Judge Collier and senior EDGE Jatius Geer, both of whom suffered injuries in the season opener.
“Judge and JT Geer will not play on Saturday night,” Beamer said. “It’s nothing long-term with either one of them. I expect them both back next week, but they’re just not to where they would be able to play this Saturday.”
Collier exited last Sunday’s game after just nine snaps and was later seen on crutches with his knee in a cast. Geer, who recorded a sack against Virginia Tech, left in the second half holding his shoulder.
Beamer noted the Gamecocks were fortunate to avoid more serious issues.
“We were very fortunate coming out of Virginia Tech, that was a very physical football game on both sides,” Beamer said. “I hate that those two guys got banged up a little bit but very fortunate that it was no one beyond those two and that those two aren’t long-term injuries.”
Meanwhile, sophomore pass rusher Dylan Stewart briefly left the Virginia Tech game but returned, and Beamer reassured fans that he’s fine.
Sarratt, a four-star signee from Gaffney (S.C.) High, chose South Carolina over Colorado and enrolled early to participate in spring practices. His versatility and toughness have drawn rave reviews from coaches.
Beamer also addressed two offensive weapons — wide receiver Jared Brown and tight end Michael Smith — who saw limited action in Week 1.
Brown was dressed and warmed up with the starters but didn’t see much time after being slowed during the week.
“Jared was healthy but he was a little bit limited in practice going into the game,” Beamer explained. “So we had planned on playing him but then when we got into the game, he didn’t feel like and we didn’t feel like he was quite where he needed to be.”
Smith, who played just one snap, was edged out by teammates in practice leading up to the opener.
“Mike had been a little bit limited but also practice matters here,” Beamer said. “Not saying that he didn’t practice well, but we just felt like Brady Hunt, Jordan Dingle, and Moe Brown had been a little bit more efficient in practice going into the game. We had planned on playing Mike a little bit more than what he did but he got a catch and didn’t have a ton of reps.”
Beamer made it clear both players remain central to USC’s plans moving forward.
“Those are two of our better players,” he said. “And we need them to prepare the right way during the week and then be able to go play more on Saturdays than what they did the other day.”
The Gamecocks host South Carolina State in their home opener at 7 p.m. ET Saturday under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will stream live on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
