Key South Carolina defender, offensive lineman out for Gamecocks against Tennessee
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
South Carolina will be without one of its top defensive players and an offensive lineman as it takes on Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday.
According to the Post & Courier’s David Cloninger, neither cornerback Cam Smith nor left guard Jaylen Nichols dressed out for the game and will miss the contest. Smith leads the team with 5 passes defended on the season and has recorded 15 tackles, while Nichols is out for the 2nd straight time due to an ankle injury.
Notables not on the dress roster:
Cam Smith
Hot Rod Fitten
Keveon Mullins
Rico Powers
Jaylen Nichols (Beamer said he was doubtful to travel with a high ankle sprain)— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) October 9, 2021
Smith suffered a head injury during the Gamecocks’ win over Troy on Oct. 2 and didn’t play in the 2nd half. Although head coach Shane Beamer said that Smith would be ready to go for the game against the Volunteers, that’s not the case, and at the very least it appears that the redshirt sophomore is being held out for precautionary reasons.
Meanwhile, Nichols was mentioned by Beamer on Thursday as “hopeful” to play despite his ankle sprain, but will be held out as well.
Kickoff between the Gamecocks and Vols is set for noon ET and will be televised on ESPN2.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
