South Carolina running back room stands out in spring game
Many players and positions showcased their skills in the 2024 Garnet and Black spring game. But the improved running back room collectively excelled with many players standing out to South Carolina coaches and fans last Saturday.
North Texas transfer Oscar Adaway was fast and active in the first half. Adaway rushed for 14 yards with another 14 receiving yards. The future is bright for Adaway as a positive addition to the Gamecock offense.
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“I thought all those guys did well. Oscar, I just told him he had some good runs, some runs early and did some good things. Saw him getting north-south and really all those guys,” head coach Shane Beamer said.
With the depth of the running back room, many players got reps in game situations during the spring game. With both Rocket Sanders and Juju McDowell unable to play in the game due to injuries, others stepped up.
“Nathan Harris-Waynick, Larry Scott both guys that are walk-ons,” Beamer said. “Chase McCraken, Jawarn Howell, all those guys got in there and got carries.”
Harris-Waynick rushed for a total of 19 yards, Scott rushed for 29 yards on seven carries, Howell rushed for 17 yards on six carries and McCraken rushed for one yard on three carries.
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Sophomore Djay Braswell’s speed and athleticism especially helped him stand out. Braswell ended the game with 26 yards on five carries. He didn’t play a ton last year as a freshman but could see more action in 2024.
“Djay’s a guy that can run, he’s got home run ability because of his speed, showed some of that ability tonight,” Beamer said. “He obviously in there and played some last year as a true freshman and certainly with his speed he brings an element to that running back room without a doubt.”
However, Braswell and other running backs showed their diverse skills aside from running the ball.
“But again with all those guys, Djay included, it’s about so much more than just the ball in your hand. It’s the pass protection part of it and it’s the catching the ball aspect of it as well,” Beamer said. “He had a good night tonight and continued to commit to what we wanted out of that running back position and continued to develop as a player.”
