South Carolina Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

HARRISONBURG, VA - May 02: Antwane Wells Jr. #81 of the James Madison Dukes catches a pass in front of Caleb Nelson #22 of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the NCAA Division I FCS Football Championship Quarterfinal game at Bridgeforth Stadium on May 2, 2021 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Oct 23, 2021; West Point, New York, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Christian Beal-Smith (1) runs with the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Christian Beal-Smith, RB

The Gamecocks are going to be missing their top two rushers from last season and are going to need someone to emerge as the leading back.

There could be some answers on the roster, but South Carolina wanted to go out and get a back in the transfer portal. They landed former Wake Forest running back Christian Beal-Smith, who led the Demon Deacons in rushing last season on one of the best offenses in the country.

Beal-Smith will have to earn his way to be the starter, but he has the most experience on the roster. He has topped 600 yards in each of his last two seasons and is going to be a big factor this season.

While new quarterback Spencer Rattler and the offense might be getting more attention, Beal-Smith should not be forgotten. If be breaks out this season, the Gamecocks could have one of the top backfields in the SEC. Keep an eye on the Wake Forest transfer in 2022.