The latest South Carolina football news from the last week, including updates from football, basketball, and more
Here’s a recap of the latest news around the South Carolina Gamecocks from the past week, beginning with updates on Shane Beamer’s football team during their bye week.
Though the Gamecocks didn’t play, they’re climbing the rankings—though perhaps not as high as they should be. ESPN’s FPI and the Kelley Ford Ratings both place Carolina at #25 nationally. While they received votes in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll, they remain outside the top 25.
Quarterback Robby Ashford and wide receiver Mazeo Bennett earned noteworthy accolades following the Gamecocks’ game against Akron last weekend. Ashford, stepping in as the starting QB, delivered the highest-rated performance in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Meanwhile, freshman Mazeo Bennett was recognized as the top freshman wide receiver in the country.
Two veteran defensive linemen also received award nominations. Tonka Hemingway was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors players who excel both on and off the field. Boogie Huntley made the early-season watchlist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, celebrating players’ achievements in all aspects of life.
In other news, former Gamecock wide receiver Ahmarean Brown has signed a practice squad deal with the Buffalo Bills.
On the basketball front, Lamont Paris’ South Carolina program extended a scholarship offer to elite shooter Grant Polk, a 6’6″/6’7″ prospect from Washington D.C. He was slated to visit Columbia but had to postpone due to Hurricane Helene.
Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s basketball team is ranked #1 in ESPN’s preseason top 25, a fitting spot for the defending champions.
Finally, Gamecock legend A’ja Wilson has led her team through the first round of the WNBA playoffs while making the All-Defensive First Team. However, despite her stellar defensive performance this season, she was overlooked for the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, which went to Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier.
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