The South Carolina Gamecocks suffered a scare in Week 8 when star WR and top 2024 NFL Draft prospect Xavier Legette left the game against Missouri with an upper-body injury. Could they get Legette back in Week 9, or will his absence be extended? Here’s a look.
Xavier Legette Injury: Updates on Status of South Carolina WR
Ahead of South Carolina’s Week 9 clash with the Texas A&M Aggies, Legette was listed as questionable, per Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer.
During his initial Sunday teleconference, Beamer named Legette as one of several players questionable for the coming action. Tuesday’s update revealed that Legette has been a limited participant in practice and is still questionable for Week 9.
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Legette caught just one pass for 20 yards before exiting the Missouri game with an upper-body injury. On the year, he’s caught 38 passes for 736 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Those 736 yards are almost double what Legette earned in four total seasons before 2023.
If Legette misses Week 9’s game against Texas A&M, there’s a good chance he’ll be back for Jacksonville State the following week and for a season-closing stretch that includes Vanderbilt, Kentucky, and Clemson.
Meanwhile, fellow South Carolina WR and 2024 NFL Draft prospect Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. will remain out for the Gamecocks. He’s been off the field since mid-September after reaggravating a foot injury that he first suffered in the summer.
Update: Xavier Legette made the trip to Kyle Field and has reportedly been cleared to play versus the Texas A&M Aggies.
Xavier Legette’s 2024 NFL Draft Stock Soaring
Legette’s production this year has been jaw-dropping — not only the efficiency of it (19.4 yards per catch) but also the suddenness with which it appeared.
In four total seasons at South Carolina before 2023, Legette compiled 42 receptions for 423 yards and five touchdowns. In 2023 alone, he’s blown those numbers out of the water.
Some teams might be scared away from Legette as a late breakout and 23-year-old rookie, but the 6’3″, 225-pound receiver is one of the most explosive size-speed athletes in college football, and he’s also a big-play threat with his catch radius and vice-grip hands.
In the latest full 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft at Pro Football Network, Legette was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 62nd overall pick in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In Miami, Legette would add even more speed to a unit that includes Tyreek Hill and Jayden Waddle — but also bring unique RAC utility with his size.