Oscar Adaway makes strong first impression in South Carolina debut
Saturday may have only been a spring game, but don’t tell that to South Carolina running back Oscar Adaway III.
Getting his first taste of playing at Williams-Brice Stadium, the North Texas transfer didn’t let the glorified practice takeaway from his chance to soak in the atmosphere. An atmosphere that he admitted that he’s not used to playing in front of.
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“It was crazy. It was a blessing. The fans were amazing,” said Adaway. “Playing in front of so many people — the other day I looked up how many people could fit in my old stadium and it was about 30,000. Today… I had never played in front of something like that before so it was pretty cool.”
The versatile back flashed in his limit action rushing for 12 yards to go along with two catches for 14 yards while also contributing in pass protection. What Adaway showed is that he’s capable of playing on any down.
“I caught the ball well. I probably need to get better with finishing runs a little harder. Probably alignment (could be better). Coach Marquel Blackwell talks about alignment and techniques so I need to get my alignment and technique right.”
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Despite Rocket Sanders, Juju McDowell, and Bradley Dunn not playing, South Carolina’s running backs as a room had a strong performance. Along with Adaway’s night, Djay Braswell put together a good showing rushing for 26 yards on five carries. Walk-ons Larry Scott and Nathan Harris-Waynick rushed for 49 yards, combined, on ten carries.
“We all view it the same way with that spot (at running back). But as a team, we all want to win. That’s all that matters at the end of the day.”
With spring ball in the books, Adaway and South Carolina will return to Williams-Brice Stadium in less than 19 weeks, in front of a much larger crowd, when they kickoff the season on August 31 against Old Dominion.
