Joe DeCamillis Highlights Youth, Consistency, and Execution in Special Teams Ahead of Kentucky Matchup
South Carolina special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis met with reporters Wednesday to evaluate his unit’s progress and preview Saturday night’s SEC showdown with Kentucky. The veteran coach emphasized the growth of his young contributors, praised the specialists for steady improvement, and underscored the value of “great operations” in the kicking game.
William Joyce’s Steady Kicking
DeCamillis credited kicker William Joyce’s offseason dedication for his strong start to the year.
“He’s done a good job. He’s really worked hard during the offseason and then during the summertime,” DeCamillis said. “The operation’s gotten better. Cole [Rasmussen] has done a really good job with his snaps, and I think we got a good operation so far between the three of them. That’s really what helps kickers more than anything else: great operations.”
Joyce has been nearly automatic on shorter field goals, and DeCamillis expressed confidence that his consistency will soon extend to longer distances.
Developing Young Talent
DeCamillis also pointed to the importance of giving freshmen live reps. Last week, true freshmen Mike Tyler and Donovan Darden saw action on special teams.
“You’re always looking to try to get young guys out there,” he explained. “In my opinion, part of my job is to help those guys develop as players down the road, and the only way you get better is by playing football. And football is special teams.”
Sophomore Jaquel Holman stepped up with four returns as opponents continue to avoid kicking to Nyck Harbor. DeCamillis hinted that fans could see more young players rotated into action this week.
Mason Love’s Punting Presence
Freshman punter Mason Love has settled into his starting role with impressive results.
“Obviously, you’re always going better, no question about it, but he’s done well,” DeCamillis said.
He praised Love’s control of field position, highlighting a punt that was downed at Missouri’s half-yard line. “If he can continue to do that, we’ll be in good shape.”
Holman’s Versatility as Returner
With Harbor being schemed out of return opportunities, Holman has embraced the challenge.
“He’s an aggressive kid. All through camp, he showed some toughness and showed some real burst,” DeCamillis said. “He played at running back in high school… and he’s only going to get better as a cover player and all those things too. Hopefully, that experience will help him become a better defensive player down the road.”
Looking Ahead
Special teams excellence has long been a trademark of Shane Beamer’s program, and DeCamillis’s focus on detail and development continues that tradition. With a mix of steady veterans and emerging young playmakers, the Gamecocks will look to maintain that edge when they host Kentucky on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET, televised on SEC Network.
