Now healthy, Ahmarean Brown ready to step up as solid option in wide receivers room
Through the first half of the year, Xavier Legette has been South Carolina’s main weapon. He has led the team in every receiving statistic by a wide margin.
But take him out of the game and what happens?
Nearly two weeks ago, Tennessee did just that, holding Legette to zero catches in the second half of a 41-20 win. It became clear the Gamecocks needed to find a good second option to help Legette.
Who could that guy be?
“I’m definitely ready to step up,” Ahmarean Brown said. “You can’t take (Legette) out, you can’t take him away from the game. He’s him, he’s special. But I’m excited for not only me but other guys to step up. We have a lot of guys who can make plays, not only me. So I think it’s important for all of us to step up and be an option for Spencer (Rattler).”
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Brown had been banged up as of late with a hamstring injury. However, he made his way back and had two catches for South Carolina for 47 yards against Tennessee.
With Juice Wells still down as he rehabs an injured foot, Brown being a playmaker becomes all the more important. He’s second amongst Gamecock receivers with 11 receptions for 133 yards. He’s averaging 12.1 yards per catch.
“I haven’t sat out a lot of games in my career. Dealing with an injury, it messes with your mind a little bit. I’m glad to be back now and rolling,” Brown said.
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When Brown has been out there, he’s been solid. He has a 66.7 overall grade, according to PFF, the best of his career. He’s been a fine No. 2 behind Legette with Wells out.
But Brown is aware it’s going to take more than just him to help the team out. The other receivers, especially the younger ones, have to do their job, as well.
“Coming in as a freshman, it is tough. You’re coming away from home, you’re living on your own. You don’t have mom or dad there to wake you up and do things like that. We’ve all been there before, and I know how tough it is,” he said.
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“For those guys to step in and play how they’ve played, to come in and lock in and mature themselves enough to come and play, it’s important. It’s important for them to get in early as a freshman and get their feet wet and learn things here and there. I think it’ll make them better moving forward in their careers.”
