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Gamecock Defenders Send Cryptic Messages About Lack Of Playing Time After Embarrassing Loss

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Kajuan Banks makes an interception in a game between South Carolina and North Carolina.

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South Carolina defensive backs Keenan Nelson and Kajuan Banks don’t seem happy with their position on the depth chart. The cornerbacks posted cryptic messages on X (formerly Twitter) following an embarrassing Gamecocks loss.

On Saturday, the team blew a 10-point lead in the final five minutes to give Florida a 41-39 SEC win. The loss dropped South Carolina to just 2-4 on the year.

The defense struggled mightily in that contest, allowing Graham Mertz to throw for a career-high 423 yards and three scores. This, coming after allowing Mississippi State’s Will Rogers to rack up 484 yards in the home game prior.

With opposing offenses moving the ball at will through the air, many are asking for a change in defensive approach.

Most criticized defensive coordinator Clayton White for his personnel decisions, most notably, continuously trying to cover Florida’s top wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with a safety. Pearsall totaled 10 catches for 166 yards and caught a crucial 4th-and-long pass to keep the final drive going, as well as the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of play.

@gatorsszn LFG GATORS WIN! #gatorsszn #cfb #floridagators #floridafootball #collegefootball ♬ original sound – Florida Gators

In both cases, he was lined up on Nick Emmanwori, a 6-4, 220-pound safety.

Upset South Carolina fans called out the coaches for their lack of adjustments, and it seems a few players are voicing that frustration, too.

Defensive back Kajuan Banks posted a few of his own personal highlights after the loss, one of which showed an interception and another of a tackle in space. The original post came accompanied by a line of “thumbs down” emojis.

Banks deleted the initial message, but then reloaded it with a new caption.

Teammate Keenan Nelson appeared to echo that sentiment.

The Gamecocks currently rank dead last in the nation in passing yards allowed, so maybe it is time for a change. We’ll see if Banks and Nelson get their wish of more playing time in next Saturday’s matchup against Missouri.