This chance mattered more to R.J. Roderick, perhaps more than most.
The South Carolina commit was a late add to the Shrine Bowl roster. A back injury had seemed season-ending but turned out not to be. His addition was a better-late-than-never moment, and it could have a key impact on his game.
Roderick spent most of his high school days on offense, transitioning to defense in his last year and most heavily after the injury. That was only a few games, but he'll be expected to work at safety in Columbia. So his abbreviated week and game Saturday will provide something of high value: competitive work at his new spot and work against top-flight opponents.