South Carolina will be down a couple of players during the spring, including one expected to be one of the linchpins of the offensive line.
Brandon Shell was bothered by a shoulder issue leading up to the Gamecocks’ bowl game this past season but played in the game. He did, however, undergo surgery earlier this month to repair a torn labrum.
As a result, a school spokesperson confirmed to the Associated Press, the great-nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell will not be able to participate in spring practice this year. The good news, however, is that he could be back in time for summer workouts and should certainly, barring a setback during rehab, be 100-percent healthy for the start of summer camp.
Shell has started 36 of the last 39 games for the Gamecocks, including every game the past two seasons. A right tackle, there’s a possibility he could move to left tackle for the 2015 season.
In addition to Shell, linebacker Marcquis Roberts will miss spring practice as well. Like Shell, Roberts underwent surgery recently for a torn labrum. The time frame for Roberts’ return is similar to Shell’s.
Roberts started 14 games the past two seasons, nine in 2013 and five in 2014.
