South Carolina received some encouraging news on the injury front after Sunday’s season-opening win over Virginia Tech. What initially looked like a serious setback for starting cornerback Judge Collier turned out to be less severe than feared.
“Judge Collier and J.T. Geer are the only two coming out of the game with Virginia Tech that we’re concerned about. I would say they are doubtful for this week but thankfully it won’t be long-term,” head coach Shane Beamer said during his Tuesday press conference. “We were a little concerned about Judge, his injury being long-term, but it wasn’t and won’t be. Don’t know if he’ll be quite ready this week, but we’ll see. They’re trying like heck to get back.”
Collier logged just nine snaps before exiting with a knee injury and was later seen on the sidelines using crutches with his knee in a cast.
Senior EDGE rusher J.T. Geer also left the game in the second half after recording a sack. He appeared to be dealing with a shoulder issue, and his status remains in question for this week.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jared Brown dressed out for warmups and initially ran with the first-team offense before being replaced by Vandrevius Jacobs, who ultimately started in his place.
“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 and we didn’t feel like he was quite where he needed to be as the game went on.”
Beamer also addressed the limited usage of sophomore tight end Michael Smith, who made an impact as a freshman last season but only saw one offensive snap against Virginia Tech.
“Mike had been a little bit limited but also practice matters here, and 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,” Beamer said. “And 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 emphasized that both Brown and Smith remain critical pieces of the offense moving forward.
“Those are two of our better players. 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 now turn their attention to their home opener at Williams-Brice Stadium, where they’ll host S.C. State on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
