Shane Beamer addressed the media following the Gamecocks first bowl practice in the Jacksonville area, Monday. With the departure of offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield to Nebraska and the loss of multiple starters to either the transfer portal or pre-draft preparation, South Carolina coaches have been forced to adjust the depth chart and their game plan ahead of the Gator Bowl showdown with Notre Dame.
Beamer wouldn’t reveal which of his coaches would take responsibility for play-calling, but emphasized the game plan would be a group effort among the offensive staff. Regardless of what plays are handed down on game day, it’s certain the offense will look different than the one that lined up against Clemson in the regular season finale. Beamer said, “There’s four tight ends that played in the Clemson game and three of them aren’t here right now. So to say we’re going to do two-tight end sets is very irresponsible to say.”
In addition to the lack of depth at tight end, USC will also be down two notable wide receivers. Beamer said, “(Josh) Vann is not here right now. He won’t play this week. (Jalen) Brooks, doubtful. He’s still working through some things off the field.”
The backfield is undergoing a shakeup, as well, thanks to starter Marshawn Lloyd entering the transfer portal earlier this month. Beamer reported that Christian Beal-Smith was a “full-go” at Monday’s practice. With Lloyd unavailable, Beal-Smith, Juju McDowell and Rashad Amos are the Gamecocks top three options at running back.
Defensively, USC will get a boost as freshman DB Anthony Rose is eligible and will debut in the Gator Bowl, according to Beamer. Rose may help fill the void left by starters Cam Smith and Darius Rush. Both players opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft.
Beamer also addressed the recent signings of Vicari Swain and LaNorris Sellers. Swain will start as a defensive back, but Beamer is confident he can also contribute elsewhere. “Big-time athlete. No question with what he can do in the return game, too. Makes plays in all three phases.”
Sellers joined the ranks of USC’s 2023 class despite previously committing to Syracuse. Beamer said, “LaNorris had a special season. We had watched him in camp and were blown away by the plays he made in 7 on 7. We watched his tape throughout the season and each week he was just lighting people up.”
South Carolina will continue its Gator Bowl preparations in Jacksonville ahead of Friday’s 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Notre Dame.
