Juice Wells will play in Gator Bowl, discusses upcoming NFL decision
For the record, South Carolina wide receiver Juice Wells is definitely playing in the Gator Bowl.
The Gamecocks’ leading receiver is still weighing his options for after that.
Wells, who opened up to Gamecock Central about a number of topics in an exclusive Garnet Trust interview, presented by Gaffney’s Progressive Screen Printing and Embroidery, was notably absent from South Carolina’s first bowl practice.
But Wells, who was involved in a traffic accident (no injuries) that kept him from making it back into town as initially planned, is now back in Columbia with his team.
“Yes, I will be playing in the bowl game,” Wells said with a smile. “We’re going to turn up, man.”
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The former transfer from James Madison has emerged as the Gamecocks’ top receiver and primary target for quarterback Spencer Rattler, catching 63 passes for 898 yards and six touchdowns in his debut season at South Carolina.
Both Rattler and Wells will lead the South Carolina offense into battle against Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 30, an opportunity Wells is looking forward to.
“I’m very excited, it’s a different team and a different conference so we get to get some different type of work,” Wells said. “They’re a very good team and we’re just happy to be out there and we’re going to go out there and do what we can and do our best.”
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After that, the former Highland Springs (Va.) standout will have a decision to make.
The 6-foot-1, 207-pounder’s big season has almost certainly put him in a position to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His last two games — when he combined for 20 catches for 208 yards and three total touchdowns as the Gamecocks beat back-to-back Top 10 opponents in Tennessee and Clemson — certainly raised that draft stock.
To his credit, Wells isn’t rushing into a decision, one way or another, and it’s not one that he will take lightly.
“A lot is going to go into it,” Wells said. “I’ve got to figure out what my quarterback is doing. I’ve got to figure out what’s best for me, mentally, physically. It’s really just how I feel. I’m not going to rush into the decision. It’s really just in the air right now. We’ll see after the bowl game.”
As Wells said, he will pay close attention to what Rattler is doing, but he adds that neither is putting any pressure on the other.
“I’m really just letting him do his thing,” Wells said. “I don’t want to be in his ear or nothing like that. Because this decision really determines our life. This is a big decision. I’m really just letting him do his thing, he’s going to let me do my thing. And whatever he decides on, whatever I decide on, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be what’s best for both of us.”
