College Football VAVEL
Coach Shane Beamer's initial success at South Carolina was overshadowed by a disappointing season last year, and now he faces a challenging schedule with new quarterback LaNorris Sellers. To secure a bowl game and a promising future, Sellers' growth and an improved defense are crucial, or the team may face increased scrutiny.
By Merrick Harding
Coach Shane Beamer Leads South Carolina into a New Era
As the University of South Carolina's football team prepares for the 2024 season, anticipation is high among Gameco*ck fans and players alike. The team officially reports for fall camp on August 1, with the first practice scheduled for August 2. Head coach Shane Beamer, now entering his fourth season, faces a pivotal year as he aims to steer the Gameco*cks back on an upward trajectory following a challenging 2023 campaign.
Beamer's tenure in Columbia began with promising results. He inherited a program that went 2-8 in 2020 and swiftly turned it around, leading the Gameco*cks to a 7-6 record in his debut season. This impressive turnaround earned him a share of the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year Award. Beamer continued to exceed expectations in 2022, guiding the team to an 8-5 record and a national ranking. However, the 2023 season proved challenging, as the Gameco*cks finished with a 5-7 record. Injuries, particularly along the offensive line, played a significant role in the team's struggles. Despite this setback, Beamer is determined to revitalize the program and compete at the highest level in the newly expanded and highly competitive 16-team Southeastern Conference (SEC).
In response to last season's disappointments, Beamer made strategic changes to his coaching staff, seeking to inject new energy and expertise. One of the notable additions is Marquel Blackwell, a seasoned SEC coach, who takes over as the running backs coach. Blackwell, who previously coached at Ole Miss and Texas A&M, brings a wealth of experience to the position. His primary task will be to revamp a running backs room that struggled with consistency last season.
The departure of special teams coordinator Pete Lembo, who accepted a head coaching position at Buffalo, left a significant void. However, Beamer made a bold move by hiring Joe DeCamillis as the new associate head coach and special teams coordinator. DeCamillis, a veteran with over 30 years of NFL experience and two Super Bowl rings, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Gameco*cks. His hiring is particularly noteworthy given his family ties to the program—he is the son-in-law of Gameco*ck legend Dan Reeves. DeCamillis is expected to continue South Carolina's tradition of strong special teams play, building on the foundation laid by Lembo.
Another key addition to the coaching staff is Shawn Elliott, who returns to Columbia as the run game coordinator and tight ends coach. Elliott, a Camden, S.C. native, previously served as the head coach at Georgia State for seven seasons. Before that, he was an assistant under Steve Spurrier during South Carolina's glory years, when the Gameco*cks posted three consecutive 11-win seasons from 2011 to 2013. Elliott's experience running his own program and his intense, high-energy coaching style are expected to benefit the team significantly.
The final piece of Beamer's revamped coaching puzzle is Mike Furrey, who joins as the wide receivers coach. Furrey, who spent eight years playing in the NFL and another four coaching in the league, brings a wealth of professional experience. He most recently served as the head coach at Division II Limestone University. Furrey's background as both a player and coach at the highest level is expected to be invaluable in developing South Carolina's receiving corps.
Off the field, Beamer and his staff have been busy upgrading the roster. The Gameco*cks have added 20 scholarship transfers, along with 15 freshmen, many of whom arrived in January and participated in spring drills. This influx of talent, combined with the return of key players, has transformed nearly two-thirds of the team's spring roster. The most significant additions came at wide receiver, where five new players have joined the team, and at running back, where three transfers were added. The offensive line, which was heavily impacted by injuries last season, has also been bolstered with three new transfers, while four defensive linemen and two linebackers have joined the team.
The challenge for the coaching staff will be to integrate these newcomers into an already established culture and get them to gel with the returning players. The Gameco*cks have 44 lettermen returning from last year's squad, including 14 starters—five on offense, eight on defense, and one specialist. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains faces the task of replacing two of the most talented players in recent school history: quarterback Spencer Rattler and wide receiver Xavier Legette. Rattler, who had been a standout for the Gameco*cks, leaves big shoes to fill. Redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers has been named the starting quarterback coming out of spring practice. Sellers is a different type of quarterback compared to Rattler, known for his size and athleticism. Loggains will likely adjust the offensive scheme to take advantage of Sellers' unique skill set.
The running game is expected to play a more prominent role this season. Raheim "Rocket" Sanders, who struggled with injuries last season at Arkansas, looks to regain his All-SEC form from 2022. He will be joined in the backfield by transfers Oscar Adaway III and Jawarn Howell, as well as returning player Juju McDowell. This group gives the Gameco*cks much-needed depth at the position. The offensive line, a unit that suffered numerous injuries last year, will see four starters return, including left tackle Tree Babalade, left guard Jakai Moore, right guard Trovon Baugh, and right tackle Vershon Lee. This experienced group, along with the new talent brought in, should lead to better competition and depth as the coaches finalize the best starting lineup.
At tight end, veterans Joshua Simon and Brady Hunt will look to provide stability and production. The wide receiver room, though overhauled, features Nyck Harbor, who returns after an All-American track season. The five new transfers will compete for starting roles and playing time, making fall camp a critical period for determining the depth chart.
Defensively, coordinator Clayton White has a solid core to work with. The Gameco*cks return eight starters who have battled through the rigors of SEC play. The defensive line is anchored by veterans Tonka Hemingway, Alex Huntley, and T.J. Sanders. The EDGE position is deep with experienced players and promising young talent. Linebacker Debo Williams, an All-SEC performer, returns to lead a unit that should be more athletic and deeper than last year. The secondary boasts a strong safety duo in Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith, along with Nickel Jalon Kilgore, a Freshman All-American last season. O'Donnell Fortune returns as a starter at cornerback, providing stability and experience in the defensive backfield.
Special teams will be a focus under Joe DeCamillis, who has the challenge of continuing South Carolina's strong tradition in this phase of the game. The Gameco*cks feature one of the nation's top punters in Kai Kroeger, a 2022 All-American, and returning All-SEC long snapper Hunter Rogers. DeCamillis' NFL experience and innovative approach should help the team maintain its edge in special teams play.
The 2024 schedule presents a formidable challenge for the Gameco*cks. With the expanded SEC, South Carolina will face new opponents, including powerhouse programs like LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Notably, they will not face traditional rivals Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee this season. This slate offers the Gameco*cks an opportunity to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country and potentially secure a spot in the expanded College Football Playoffs.
As the team heads into fall camp, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and optimism. With a revamped coaching staff, an influx of new talent, and a challenging schedule, the Gameco*cks are poised to make a statement in the 2024 season. For Coach Shane Beamer, the goal is clear: to return South Carolina to its winning ways and continue building a program that can compete at the highest levels of college football. The journey begins on August 2, and fans are eager to see how this new era of Gameco*ck football will unfold.
