Deebo Samuel will play in his first game in nearly a year when South Carolina opens the season against Coastal Carolina on Saturday. And the Gamecocks wide receiver is ready.

Not only that, but Samuel’s teammates can tell that he’s ready.

“He looks really explosive,” quarterback Jake Bentley told the media on Tuesday, adding that Samuel is a “full go.” “He looks like himself.”

Samuel played three games last season, totaling 15 receptions for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. But he broke his leg in the third game of the year, which ended his season.

The Gamecocks still went 9-4 last season. With Samuel returning to action, they could be poised for an even better year in 2018.

Samuel told the media on Tuesday that he is set for the season opener.

“It’s been 11 months. I’m really ready to get back out there and play,” Samuel said. “I think everybody has been waiting on this for about a year.”

Saturday’s game will also be one of the only times that Samuel has even been on campus so far this fall. Nearing graduation in December, Samuel said he is only taking one class this semester.

“It feels good, I’m about to go home and go back to sleep after this,” Samuel told the media.

The Gamecocks open the season against Coastal Carolina on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.