Will Muschamp shares positive update on Deebo Samuel’s recovery from injury
Published:
South Carolina’s offense appeared poised for a huge season early in the 2017 campaign thanks in large part to the emergence of receiver Deebo Samuel. Will Muschamp even went so far as to suggest Samuel should be in the Heisman Trophy conversation last year.
Then, unfortunately, misfortune struck Samuel and the Gamecock program. Samuel broke his foot against Kentucky and South Carolina suffered its first setback of the season in a 23-13 defeat at home. The offense and special teams unit, Samuel returned a kickoff for a touchdown in consecutive games to open the season, never fully recovered from his loss.
While Samuel attempted to make a return to the field late last season, a setback ruled him out for the 2017 campaign. After spurning a chance at the NFL, Samuel has apparently attacked his rehab with a passion and made a full recovery for spring football.
Here’s what Muschamp had to say about his star receiver during his Tuesday media availability:
“I saw him attack the offseason like I felt he would. The injuries were obviously very frustrating for him, but he’s a great young man, and he understands the situation. Control what you can control is what we talk about all the time. The injuries happen. We can grieve about it for a short time, but we’ve got to get ready to move on, and that’s what he’s done and done quickly.
“I’m extremely proud of how he’s approached the offseason and how he’s worked. We’re going to gradually move him through spring as he sees fit. He’s been cleared, and he looks good.”
That’s great news for South Carolina but considering Samuel’s injury history, he’s basically lost 2.5 seasons to injury in his college career, expect the Gamecocks to ease him back onto the field. Considering he’s already been cleared, he should have plenty of time to continue to strengthen his injury to be ready for what could be a special fall in Columbia this season.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
