Talking Tuesday: Shane Beamer breaks down the Gamecocks during their “mock week,” addresses recent addition to the secondary, gives update on Stewart & Peak (AUDIO)

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer on Tuesday held his final press conference prior to opening week, and he sounded like a coach who is tired of talking and ready to see the product he and his staff will put on the field. Beme covered everything from criticism of LaNorris Sellers for interning at a driving range this semester to the health of Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak.

Some key comments from Beamer:

• Criticizes those who took shots at LaNorris Sellers for having an internship this semester to complete his degree; pointed out that Sellers has been an SEC All-Academic selection and might be an Academic All-American this season.
• Had a scrimmage of over 100 plays last Saturday, did some live tackling, stayed injury-free, said adding Ethan Johnson is good for the team, not a big fan of adding players late, but needed help at corner.
• Said he talked with his older DBs about signing Ethan Johnson, and they were all on board, and he talked with older players on defense, and they all agreed with the signing. He would never cut a player to add a player late. Johnson was at practice today.
• Very confident that Johnson’s case to be heard next Monday will be in his favor. DQ Smith is in the same lawsuit but never really considered bringing him back because of the four they have at safety at this point.
• Would not have brought Johnson in if he could not help immediately. Johnson has kept himself in shape. He’s had to learn the new terminology and is picking things up.
• They are now into their mock game week, which is very important this week since they have new coaches; today was a good start. Will have a situational-type scrimmage on Friday afternoon. Everyone is off on Saturday.
• Stewart and Peak have been more involved with on-field work in the last week; the next step is to get to physical contact before they move forward with them. Does not feel they’ve ever taken a step back in their rehab.
• More likely than not, they’ll play more than five offensive linemen in their games; feels like they are very close to having a top eight offensive linemen to roll in and out.

Shane Beamer Tuesday Press Conference