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South Carolina plans to start freshman WR Shi Smith against NC State
By Cody McClure
Published:
Head coach Will Muschamp said on Thursday that freshman wide receiver Shi Smith would be a starter for the Gamecocks in Week 1 against NC State.
That is, at least, if South Carolina opens up the game with its base three-wide receiver set, a report from The State said. That set likely will also include Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards.
Smith was the top high school prospect out of South Carolina last year in ESPN’s recruiting rankings. He has apparently been impressive enough in preseason camp to start at the slot wide receiver position.
Smith is a smaller, shifty receiver, at about 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.
“He’s an electric guy who can make some plays with the ball in his hand,” Muschamp said. “Shi’s development puts more speed on the field and anytime you do that you put stress on the defense.”
Quarterback Jake Bentley also has been impressed by Smith’s speed, the report stated.
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
