Will Muschamp would have loved to have Deebo Samuel healthy all of last season but, like he says, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.

While Samuel was out the last 10 games of the season, it gave Bryan Edwards a chance to step into the limelight in the No. 1 receiver role, giving him experience he now takes into his junior season.

“I just learned how to fill those shoes and learned how to be the man and be the guy people look at to make a play,” Edwards said. “That pressure’s on you, so it just makes my job easy. Having that pressure on me made me ready for the next moment.”

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Edwards stepped into that leading role and didn’t skip a beat, catching 64 passes for 793 yards, both career highs.

He averaged 12.4 yards per catch and had a few big moments, including a 41-yard catch to set up the game-winning field goal against Louisiana Tech and a huge touchdown that helped spark the Gamecocks’ comeback win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl.

Now, he won’t have all of the pressure on him any more as the No. 1 receiver, with No. 1 Samuel getting inserted back into the fold.

“Things just collectively feel better when Deebo’s on the field,” Edwards said. “He’s another playmaker that goes out there and plays hard and everyone knows what No. 1 does.”

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Samuel was off to a potentially historic season last year before a season-ending injury derailed it. Through roughly 2.5 games, he picked up 474 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns.

After a long offseason in which Samuel had to fight through a few setbacks, he’s now fully healthy and ready to contribute again, which excites his teammates.

“It brings a smile to my face, seeing No. 1 back,” Edwards said. “You saw him go through so much, so seeing him back on the field and 100 percent back making plays, it’s a special thing. I’m really excited for it.”

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Aside from Edwards and Samuel, who would both be top receivers on any other team, behind them is a group of supporting receivers that is versatile and talented.

Two sophomores, Shi Smith and OrTre Smith, who were incredibly productive their first year on campus, are joined by Josh Vann, a four-star prospect that’s already taking reps with the second team this fall.

With all of the talented receivers on the roster, there will be plenty of competition for those guys vying for snaps.

“Coach McClendon talks about we’re going to throw the ball 50/50,” OrTre said, “so if you want to play make a play.”

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