The Shane Beamer era in South Carolina will begin without any familiar faces in 2021, when senior wide receiver Shi Smith and junior linebacker Ernest Jones announced their intentions to prepare for the NFL Draft through their respective Instagram accounts.
Smith, who would have been able to return due to the NCAA allowing an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, had the type of Gamecock supporter from the senior season that he wanted to see from him after major matches of the team’s receiving body left him more veteran and talented option. Smith finished with 57 receptions for 633 yards and four touchdowns, culminating in a career that saw him accumulate 2,204 yards and 13 points in 174 receptions.
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Jones, the Gamecocks’ main tackler this season and last, came even stronger in 2020 and was one of the few highlights in a defense that otherwise suffered his blows. He finished with 86 tackles (42 solo) and added a sack, three hurries and a forced fumble and recovery. For his career, he recorded 169 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
This now causes four South Carolina greats to declare themselves for the draft: Defenders Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu announced their intentions at the start of the season, opting out of the remaining games when coach Will Muschamp was fired. The friction – whether through draft or transfers – will be something to keep an eye on while Beamer settles down.