With less than a month to the start of the upcoming season, South Carolina’s hopes could hinge on a decision out of their control. During fall camp, coaches attempt to plan for every contingency; everything from audibles to depth charts will be addressed before the opening kickoff. What happens when an external issue arises that causes a delay?
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CFB Insiders Detail Process Around South Carolina RB Rahsul Faison’s Availability
Unless a processing error occurs, the transfer portal seems like a rather quick, efficient way for players to move freely and land at the school they wish. The process repeats itself at each opening.
A player will obtain permission from his departing school and head into the portal, where he hopes a school on the other end will make him a suitable offer. After that, everything should start running smoothly. However, that is not currently the case for Rahsul Faison.
Plucked from the portal after two seasons at Utah State, where he ran for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, Faison thought he would be lining up in the Gamecocks’ backfield. According to On3.com, the NCAA granted him the ability to participate in practice.
Still, head coach Shane Beamer, in the same article, said the NCAA hasn’t contacted him about the rusher’s availability to start the season. “South Carolina Sideline” host Matt Dowell discusses the issue.
“Why is he practicing if we don’t know if he will play? It’s not fair to Faison,” Dowell said. “It’s not fair to the Gamecocks. And again, this is why people get frustrated with the NCAA and their leadership; it’s just like making a decision.
“That’s your job, and do right by these kids. It’s unfair to him as a player to sit and play this waiting game. I’m glad they cleared him to practice, but if you’re clearing him to practice, that means you think he should play, because what’s the point?”
According to Ourlads, Faison would sit atop the South Carolina running back depth chart when he becomes active to play. Dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers needs a sound running game to balance his ability to throw and use the RPO.
Faison presents the quality threat required. Last year, the Gamecocks ranked 35th in the nation in rushing offense with 184.3 yards per game. That number also stacks Beamer’s charges, the fourth-best rushing attack in the SEC.
South Carolina plays Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Aug. 31. While Faison waits for word, he will practice, which will help the team. Yet, the length of the delay places a dark cloud over the program.
A year ago, the Gamecocks won nine games for the first time since 2017. Sellers, predicted by many to hear his name called early in next year’s draft, needs offensive balance. Will the NCAA clear Faison before the season starts, and how does that then improve the team’s chances of breaking out?