Players Who Could Surprise In 2023

South Carolina's Football team is much deeper from top to bottom in 2023, meaning there's plenty of players who could take people by surprise this Fall.

When looking at South Carolina's current roster compared to last season, there's plenty of cautious optimism amongst the staff and fanbase regarding the returning veterans on the team and the newcomers that have joined the program, whether it be a transfer or high school signee. Which Gamecocks could surprise people in 2023?

WR Elijah Caldwell

This is a name most Gamecock fans have likely heard by now. Quarterback Spencer Rattler has brought up the South Carolina native's name several times, and Caldwell brings a skillset that makes him a threat in the short and deep passing game. He might not start, but a rotational role is very well in play for the true freshman.

S Jalon Kilgore

Kilgore is another name Gamecock fans have become quite familiar with this offseason. The Georgia native brings a skillset similar to Nick Emmanwori, being a fundamentally sound run defender. Jalon has also gotten looks as a returner in Spring practice and Fall camp and, thus, could fulfill multiple roles this Fall.

OT Jaxon Hughes

One of multiple transfer o-linemen Shane Beamer and his staff brought in this offseason, Hughes has been given some significant opportunities so far in Fall camp. He took first-team reps in an open practice last Thursday and again repped with the ones in Saturday's scrimmage, per 247Sports' Brad Crawford on a recent radio hit with 107.5 The Game. He might have the notoriety of a Nick Gargiulo, but Jaxon Hughes could trot out with the starting o-line in week one.

WR O'Mega Blake

One of the more talked about players in Fall Camp has been O'Mega Blake, who, according to Spencer Rattler, has performed well on the practice field in Juice Wells' absence. He's only recorded one catch to this point in his Gamecock career, but this South Carolina native could be putting it all together in lieu of his redshirt sophomore campaign.

WR Ahmarean Brown

One of a couple of wide receivers heading into his final season of college ball, Ahmarean Brown has seen plenty of action since arriving in the 2020 offseason but has yet to make a noticeable impact for this team. That all could change this Fall, as it's been said by Spencer Rattler and others that Ahmarean Brown has gotten after it this offseason and looks prime to be a weapon in the slot for South Carolina in 2023.

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