As the news of the change in quarterback at South Carolina became more public and understood, Gamecock players shared their reactions with the media on Tuesday.

RB Rico Dowdle, whose career has overlapped with QB Jake Bentley’s at South Carolina, had a simple reaction to the news that Bentley has suffered a broken foot, and will be replaced by freshman QB Ryan Hilinski.

“I hate it for him,” Dowdle said.

The Gamecocks are simultaneously trying to tamp down concerns following the season-opening loss to North Carolina, and move on to support Hilinski as he makes his debut. Dowdle and teammate CB Israel Mukuamu heaped praise on Hilinski, who has obviously impressed them in practice.

“He has a great arm,” Dowdle said of Hilinski. “I think we will see that. He’s kind of laid back. He doesn’t say too much. He’s cool. It’s not like he doesn’t practice. We have our same goals on offense.”

Added Mukuamu, “He’s a great quarterback. He knows how to throw the ball. The coaches trust him. He’s a good guy. I like him a lot. He came here to compete and now is his time to compete.”

With Charleston Southern on tap this week and Alabama next week, Hilinski’s progression will go a long way toward determining the trajectory of the Gamecocks season. For starters, it’s a positive sign that he already has the respect of teammates even as a freshman.