FORT LAWN, S.C. — The University of South Carolina football team has gone from a bad taste in its mouth to a hunger for better going forward.
After South Carolina went 5-7 last season and missed a bowl game, fourth-year head coach Shane Beamer termed the no-postseason situation last fall “unacceptable.”
At the same time, Beamer noted an ever-battling approach last season, which saw the Gamecocks rally for three wins in their final four games, and that drive has carried over to the 2024 season.
South Carolina’s returning players were adamant about getting back in the weight room and getting better for the new season.
“No one was pleased with our record,” said Beamer, guest speaker at the annual Lancaster County Gamecock Club’s spring meeting at the Catawba Fish Camp on April 15.
Beamer, heading into the final week of spring practice, said the Gamecocks continue to make progress.
“I like where we are,” he said. “There’s a great hunger on this team. Usually in spring practice, the defense is ahead of the offense, but I like the strides our offense and quarterbacks have made.”
Beamer also likes the fact the bulk of his incoming recruiting class is going through spring drills.
“That’s huge, great for development,” he said. “I like our youth and our young talent. Last season, we started five freshmen and three of those didn’t get here until June.”
Beamer also noted four new coaches who have joined the program and made an impact.
“They have hit the ground running,” he said. “They’re hungry and they’re excited about being here. Their actions show that.”
The group includes former Gamecocks interim head coach Shawn Elliott (run game coordinator), along with Mike Furrey (wide receivers), Joe DeCamillis (special teams) and Marquel Blackwell (running backs).
Beamer noted several positions where he feels the Gamecocks will be better, including the defense with four returning starters.
He said linebacker should be better, some seven deep with key experience.
“There’s no doubt we’re better at linebacker,” he said. “We’re deeper and more athletic.
“We’re also going to be better on our defensive front,” Beamer said.
On offense, a key position is at quarterback, which is a battle.
“All are new faces in the quarterback room,” Beamer said.
Returnee LaNorris Sellers, who drew some playing time last season, is in the mix, along with Dante Reno, Auburn transfer Robby Ashford, Oklahoma transfer Davis Neville and versatile veteran Luke Doty, who also plays receiver.
“I like the competition, which is only going to make them better,” Beamer said.
The running back room also benefited from the transfer portal, with the addition of Raheim “Rocket” Sanders (Arkansas), Oscar Adaway (North Texas), Jawarn Howell (S.C. State), along with returnees Juju McDowell and Djay Braswell.
Beamer said getting back on track is boosted by a winning culture among the Gamecocks’ athletic staff and coaches of other sports.
He noted a recent practice when women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, less than a week after winning the school’s third national hoops crown, visited the team.
“I didn’t even know she was coming by until halfway through our scrimmage (April 13),” Beamer said. “Our players are all fans of the women’s basketball program and they were real excited to have her there.
“Coach Staley’s a football fan, and I’m fortunate to have her as a colleague,” he said. “I’m so blessed to be a University of South Carolina head coach. I love to pick their brains.
“When we’re winning in all sports, it makes our job easier. There’s no better place to be than here.”
Lancaster County Gamecock Club president Kyle Rogers said the club’s fifth annual tailgate party at USC Lancaster is Nov. 9 when South Carolina visits Vanderbilt.
“We’ve been pleased with the event and we feel this one will be bigger and better than before,” Rogers said. “Go ahead and save the date.”
