On Thursday night, South Carolina football fans tuned in to the season’s first “Carolina Calls” show featuring Shane Beamer. During the radio broadcast, Beamer provided some updates on his team to Todd Ellis and Gamecock Nation.
Offensive linemen Aaryn Parks and Jakai Moore are sidelined with injuries and could be out for “a while,” according to Beamer. A few other players have minor issues but are expected to be ready for the season opener next weekend.
Additionally, another player won’t be on the field when Old Dominion visits. After days of speculation, Beamer confirmed Thursday night that wide receiver Ahmari Huggins-Bruce is no longer with the team.
Huggins-Bruce, a native of the Palmetto State, spent the first three years of his college career with the Louisville Cardinals as a part-time starter. He transferred to South Carolina this offseason, hoping to become a key contributor to a receiver group with many uncertainties. However, Huggins-Bruce fell behind other receivers in the rotation and was seemingly out of the two-deep during fall practice.
According to the University of Louisville’s student directory, Huggins-Bruce has re-enrolled at Louisville. He has not yet rejoined the football team but is expected to do so.
For the Gamecocks, Huggins-Bruce’s departure likely won’t significantly impact wide receivers coach Mike Furrey’s plans. As a depth player expected to take most of his snaps in the slot, Huggins-Bruce’s absence will open up opportunities for other slot-oriented receivers, such as freshman Mazeo Bennett, sophomore Tyshawn Russell, and veteran transfers Gage Larvadain and Jared Brown.
Huggins-Bruce was one of five wide receiver transfers (and seven scholarship newcomers) who joined the South Carolina program this offseason. With only one year of eligibility remaining, his scholarship spot might be given to a walk-on this season or used for an additional roster spot after the 2024 season.
Beamer and the Gamecocks have just nine days left before their season opener against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game kicks off at 4:15 PM ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network and streamed on the ESPN app.
