JuJu McDowell discusses importance of sideline handshakes to culture

Most players worry about memorizing plays. Caleb “JuJu” McDowell stresses over handshakes. The South Carolina running back recently discussed the efforts behind his infectious energy.

“Energy and positivity is something I was born with,” McDowell said. “I had talks with Coach Beamer, and we’ve been working on ways to better implement that and drive the team forward and do a better job of concentrating my energy into the team to allow the team to prepare.

“That’s just me,” McDowell told the press. “I got to make like six or seven handshakes before the game, new ones. But, me and [O’Donnell Fortune], we’ve been doing that since my freshman year, every game, every practice. It’s a ritual.”

McDowell’s handshakes are more intricate than a third base coach’s steal signals. Each high five, fist bump, spin and turn, McDowell has practiced in his head hundreds of times. His dedication to the details is what simultaneously makes him such a dynamic running back.

In the past, South Carolina fans have only seen McDowell’s talent in short spurts. Last season, McDowell started just two games, recording 219 yards on 62 carries with two touchdowns. Now, the 5-foot-9 RB is expected to be the team’s top carrier this fall.

In fairness, he doesn’t face much competition. The Gamecocks entered spring with just two scholarship players in the running back room. The team even moved former WR Dakereon Joyner to the backfield simply to beef up the unit. Earlier this summer, head coach Shane Beamer discussed the thinly-spread group.

“I was concerned about the depth at the running back position,” Beamer admitted at SEC Media Days. “I told our running backs this: ‘I’m not concerned about the talent level. We have plenty of good backs. That’s a wear-and-tear position. You need more than one or two running backs to get through a season.’

“Those guys, too, are typically core special teams players for us as well: returning kicks, covering kicks, you name it…So the depth concerns me. I like where the group is. It’s a good group of guys. Now the key is going to be continuing to get them better and continuing to stay healthy.”

South Carolina’s backfield wasn’t a pivotal piece of its offense last season, averaging just 118.8 yards per outing. Nonetheless, opposing defenses must fear the Gamecocks’ run game to free up quarterback Spencer Rattler‘s aerial attack.

Watch McDowell’s sideline handshakes on Sept. 2 when South Carolina kicks off its season against North Carolina.