Will Muschamp says South Carolina will get creative in using WR Deebo Samuel
By Andrew Olson
Published:
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp knows that the more WR Deebo Samuel touches the ball, the more good things happen for the Gamecocks.
Samuel’s biggest game of the year, a 14-catch, 190-yard monster performance against USF in the Birmingham Bowl helped USC to its highest scoring game (39-46) against an FBS opponent (South Carolina beat FCS Western Carolina 44-31). In South Carolina’s three-game win streak over Massachusetts, Tennessee and Missouri, Samuel logged eight receptions or more in every game. It’s no surprise that Muschamp wants to make getting the ball in Samuel’s hands a priority this season.
Will Muschamp wants Deebo Samuel to get 10-15 touches per game. "Have to be creative to find ways to get him ball."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) July 30, 2017
With Samuel, it’s easy to get creative. More than just a pass-catcher, Samuel was also the team’s co-leader with six rushing touchdowns, matching RB Rico Dowdle. Most important for the Gamecocks offense, however, is keeping Samuel healthy. The redshirt junior has dealt with soft-tissue injuries throughout his career.
Muschamp says the biggest hurdle for Deebo Samuel is staying healthy. They think they know what to do. Says was elite when playing.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) July 30, 2017
WM: Better handle on how hard to work Deebo in practice to protect those soft tissue injuries.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) July 30, 2017
Samuel was the only SEC player to make the conference’s top 40 pass-catchers in receiving yards to play in only games. In fact, Samuel finished in the top 10 (No. 8) despite not playing against East Carolina, Kentucky or Texas A&M. When healthy, Samuel averaged 78.3 yards per game, fourth best in the conference.
If Muschamp and offensive coordinator Kurt Roper can get the ball in Samuel’s hands 10-15 times per game, South Carolina should be able to put plenty of points on the board.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
