South Carolina still searching for someone to return punts
Punt returns continued to be a problem for South Carolina on Sunday in a 28-14 loss to Georgia.
TE Hayden Hurst has a new appreciation for the position after getting his first shot at returning punts in Sunday’s loss, according to The State:
“That’s the first time I’ve ever punt returned in my life,” Hurst said. “It’s difficult to get a read on those balls. Ball was wobbling, looked like it was going to fall short and then took a heck of a bounce. That’s a tough one.”
Hurst didn’t actually register a return on Sunday, though five punts came his way. Chris Lammons had a fair catch on his one attempt.
In his postgame press conference, coach Will Muschamp said he’ll let anyone give it a shot moving forward:
“I’m up for anybody,” said Muschamp, USC’s head coach. “You figure at a Division I program, we’ve got to have somebody who can catch a punt.”
WR Deebo Samuel returned from an injury on Sunday, but didn’t return punts. He could get another shot at the role once healthy.