Top offensive weapon Adams likely to miss opener

Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks look like they'll be without one of their top offensive weapons in the season opener. 

Tight end Jerell Adams is doubtul to see action versus North Carolina on Thursday night. He's been plagued by a hamstring injury.

"Jerell Adams hasn't practiced in three days," said Spurrier. "I doubt if Jerell will start now. We'll see how he feels Thursday night."

Adams is the second-leading returning receiver (behind Pharoh Cooper) for the Gamecocks. A season ago, he had accrued 21 catches for 279 yards and a touchdown. Not only will his injury adversely hinder the passing game, but it'll also hurt South Carolina from a run-blocking standpoint. 

Younger options such as Hayden Hurst, Kyle Markway and Jacob August will all have to step up if Adams isn't able to go. Markway is a true freshman, and August and Hurst are freshmen walk-ons. Spurrier echoed this sentiment after practice Monday night. 

"We got three tight ends. All three of them are freshmen, and two of them are walk-ons, and they're going to play the whole ballgame Thursday night. We're sort of young at tight end, but they're good players and they'll scrap."