The atmosphere inside Williams-Brice Stadium should be rocking on Saturday night when Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks look to take the next step in the program’s development with the annual Garnet and Black game.

Spencer Rattler will get the bulk of the attention, along with the night atmosphere, which is unique across college football. While there are several players out or limited, including wide receiver Dakereon Joyner, defensive lineman Rick Sandidge, defensive back David Spaulding and wide back Jaheim Bell and linebacker Mo Kaba, it will be interesting to see who suits up and who steps up.

There’s also a kicking competition that shapes up to be interesting as the Gamecocks replace Parker White.

Here are the 5 biggest storylines ahead of Saturday’s spring game:

Dakereon Joyner

One of the most versatile players in recent memory, Joyner has been somewhat limited this spring, but could be a Swiss Army-type player since the quarterback position appears settled with Rattler. Joyner is coming off an MVP performance in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and has the experience of playing in 32 games over 4 seasons. But this is also the 3rd year working primarily at wide receiver. Joyer was also named to the Associated Press All-Bowl Team, and last year served as a team captain in 4 games: East Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Auburn. While plenty will be made of Josh Vann, Joyner will have plenty of chances to make big plays, and that will be needed if the Gamecocks truly build on last year’s win total.

Recruits, atmosphere

Shane Beamer understands that recruits often make decisions on commitments because of events and atmospheres like the Gamecocks will have Saturday night. After all, the decision to have the game at night obviously took that philosophy and reality in mind. Beamer also recalled how being on the Georgia staff for Kirby Smart (and prized 5-star QB Jacob Eason’s) first spring game, the so-called “93K Day” helped Georgia land several notable recruits.

The Gamecocks don’t yet have a commitment for the 2023 class, so look for this event to produce some announcements in the coming weeks.

TJ Sanders

The fan base already knows plenty about Zacch Pickens and Jordan Burch, but among the players and coaches, there aren’t too many players getting more hype than Sanders, who has steadily gained a strong reputation on the defensive line. The Gamecocks have plenty of reason to believe one of the strengths of the team will be the defensive line, and Sanders, a 6-5, 300-pounder, is a big reason. He appeared in just 2 games last season, Eastern Illinois and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina, but has impressed on the scout team against the starting offensive line.

Backup QBs

Given that Rattler is settled into the starting job, the natural attention turns to the likes of Luke Doty, who may be limited, true freshman Braden Davis, and 2nd-year QB Colten Gauthier. If recent history is any indication, the Gamecocks may need multiple quarterbacks in the fall, and Gauthier, who remained the highest-rated recruit to go through the coaching change from Will Muschamp, has received high praise from the coaching staff.

“Colten is executing things at the line of scrimmage right now that NFL quarterbacks are doing now,” offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield previously said, per the Charlotte Observer. “We’re not we’re not executing like NFL quarterbacks yet, but from the mental standpoint of actually knowing the ‘why,’ I think that’s pretty cool that he’s already to that point.”

With the way offseason workouts are, there are countless stories of young quarterbacks finding a special connection with

New running backs

MarShawn Lloyd and Juju McDowell may get the most attention, but the Gamecocks brought in several notable transfers in the backfield alone, including Christian Beal-Smith, who led Wake Forest in rushing last season and is expected to be a big part of the offense. Lovasea Carroll, a converted defensive back, is another piece to the puzzle.

For Beal-Smith, last season he scored 9 touchdowns while adding 131 carries and 604 yards, a year after he rushed for 732 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2020. Running backs coach Montario Hardesty has noted that Beal-Smith was a captain and special teams player at Wake Forest, and is good in pass protection.

Carroll, who played running back in high school, brings speed to the table, so it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff integrates this quartet.