If you ask any average college football fan who South Carolina’s best playmaker is, the answer will likely be wide receiver Deebo Samuel. That is true at the moment, but it seems as though Samuel’s replacement is already taking snaps on the South Carolina offense as Samuel is playing his final year of eligibility.

When asked about who the fastest player on the team is, Samuel did not hesitate to credit sophomore Shi Smith, according to Ben Breiner of The State.

“As everybody can see, Shi is probably the fastest guy on the team,” said Samuel. “He really can run. So if you give him a little space, you see what’s going to happen.”

Casual South Carolina fans may not have known who Shi Smith was before last week’s game against Vanderbilt, but they certainly do now. Smith caught five passes for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Commodores. So far in 2018, the sophomore has racked up 191 receiving yards.

South Carolina coach Will Muschamp commended Smith’s versatility, but reassured Gamecock fans he will stay on offense.

“He could go play corner or nickel or safety for us right now,” Muschamp said. “And be really, really good at it. But he’s going to stay on offense. Nobody panic.”

Smith has a chance to showcase some of that big play ability as South Carolina has a huge SEC road game against surging Kentucky on Saturday.