Shane Beamer News Conference with video practice report more
Dec. 26, 2022
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.
THE STORYLINE
South Carolina’s second-year head coach is always upbeat, sometimes bordering on corny. He’s funny, energetic and compassionate, even fiery in spurts. That jibes with the mellow vibes in the Sunshine State around the holidays.
Never mind a handful of opt-outs and player absences. Beamer’s mood ahead of this week’s Gator Bowl matchup against No. 21 Notre Dame isn’t changing. “Last year, we played this game without Cam (Smith) and whoever else was out there. I know we were down some DBs,” Beamer said after Monday’s practice. “But (younger players have) gotten experience and we’ll need them this week.” No. 19 South Carolina has been hit hard by bowl opt-outs and transfers over the last month. Its top two rushers (MarShawn Lloyd and Jaheim Bell) and two starting cornerbacks one of whom (Smith) is in the discussion for first-round consideration in April’s NFL Draft are gone. The tight end room saw three of its top four options depart for varying reasons.
That’s not to mention injuries to receiver Josh Vann, running back Lovasea Carroll, and opt-outs by safety Devonni Reed and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens. Add those departures together and you’ll find yourself staring at a new-look depth chart South Carolina released on Christmas Eve, one that included 16 underclassmen on the two-deep with many of those younger players expected to play bigger roles in Friday’s game. That doesn’t exactly scream “experience” heading into a matchup with one of college football’s most recognizable brands.
“The guys behind them have to step up,” defensive coordinator Clayton White said last week, referencing the secondary. “ Guys like DQ (Smith) and Nick (Emmanwori) may have to play multiple positions. Everybody has got to step up their play.” South Carolina’s offense, with as many issues as it’s had this year, is a veteran group. Quarterback Spencer Rattler and Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. both emphatically noted recently that they’d play in the bowl game. Bell and Lloyd are gone, but there are older, more seasoned bodies to fill their roles this week. The defense, though, will lack much of the experience that made it so stout for the bulk of the 2022 season in particular in the secondary.
Beamer and his staff 2021 inherited a defensive backfield that lacked, from the outside looking in, any discernible playmakers. It hinged on Jaylan Foster evolving into an All-American last year, while Cam Smith blossomed into a worthy
The freshmen. South Carolina’s 2022 recruiting class finished No. 24 in the 247Sports Team Rankings during last year’s cycle. Of the 22 enrollees, six were classified as defensive backs, while DQ Smith was technically listed as an athlete following a prolific quarterbacking career at Spring Valley High. That group has been counted on already this year, and more pieces will be needed this week. Smith and Emmanwori have been stalwarts in the secondary for the bulk of this season. Emmanwori’s emergence and eventual move into the starting lineup functionally forced four-year starter R.J. Roderick into the transfer portal during the regular season. DQ Smith, too, proved a key body at safety and in spelling Cam Smith at nickel.
Next comes involving the rest of a talented 2022 recruiting class, both out of necessity and due to its talent. Four-star prospects Keenan Nelson, Emory Floyd, and Anthony Rose are all expected to play important snaps in this week’s contest.
Beamer noted that players had the rest of Monday off. He and the coaching staff had a dinner planned at a local restaurant. The rest of his squad, as college kids do, will assuredly find something to get into in or around the team hotel at TPC Sawgrass. The Gamecocks will need the youngest members of their travel party to grow up fast come Saturday. In the meantime, Beamer is keeping to that ever-consistent smile of his.
GAMECOCKS WHO ARE OUT FOR GATOR BOWL
DB Cam Smith — NFL Draft DB Darius Rush — NFL Draft DB Devonni Reed — NFL Draft DT Zacch Pickens — NFL Draft RB Lovasea Carroll — Injured WR Josh Vann — Injured
PRACTICE REPORT
No. 19 South Carolina held its first on-site practice at Ponte Vedra High School on Monday morning, ahead of Friday’s matchup against No. 21 Notre Dame. Here’s what happened in the portion of the day open to reporters.
Receiver Jalen Brooks participated in practice as he continues to work through what head coach Shane Beamer called an “off the field” issue last week. Brooks is USC’s second-leading receiver this year behind Antwane “Juice” Wells. The one-time Wingate transfer has 33 catches for 504 yards and one touchdown. After practice Monday, Beamer declared Brooks as doubtful to play in the bowl game.
While Brooks participated, fellow pass-catcher Josh Vann was not at practice during the periods open to reporters on Monday. Vann has been rehabbing from a knee injury he suffered during the Clemson game in the final week of the regular season. Vann did not make the trip and won’t play Friday, Beamer said.
Outside of Vann, the rest of South Carolina’s two-deep appeared during the viewing window portion of Monday’s practice. Defensive end Bryan Thomas, defensive tackle MJ Webb and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune were all upgraded to starters on the depth chart released on Sunday night.
Incoming freshman linebacker Grayson “PUP" Howard was also suited up for Monday’s practice. Howard, a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, enrolled in time to be able to participate in Gator Bowl practices
It’s still unclear who will call plays this week following the departure of offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield to Nebraska. In the interim, offensive analyst Nick Coleman was spotted working with the quarterbacks that Satterfield coached along with graduate assistant Zeb Noland. Coleman, too, is slated to leave South Carolina following the bowl game to take an offensive staff position at UAB.
Running back Christian Beal-Smith, defensive end Terrell Dawkins and offensive tackle Cason Henry all appeared to be working off to the side with the South Carolina training staff for varying reasons. Beal-Smith has had a host of injuries this year, while Dawkins is rehabbing from a lower-body injury he endured during the Charlotte game.
Redshirt freshman tailback Lovasea Carroll and walk-on tight end Jesse Sanders didn’t suit up for Monday’s practice. Carroll transferred to South Carolina from Georgia ahead of this season, while Sanders is in his third year with the program. The former is injured and won’t play in the bowl game, Beamer said last week.
DEPTH CHART BOWL GAME
Dec. 26, 2022
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.
THE STORYLINE
South Carolina’s second-year head coach is always upbeat, sometimes bordering on corny. He’s funny, energetic and compassionate, even fiery in spurts. That jibes with the mellow vibes in the Sunshine State around the holidays.
Never mind a handful of opt-outs and player absences. Beamer’s mood ahead of this week’s Gator Bowl matchup against No. 21 Notre Dame isn’t changing. “Last year, we played this game without Cam (Smith) and whoever else was out there. I know we were down some DBs,” Beamer said after Monday’s practice. “But (younger players have) gotten experience and we’ll need them this week.” No. 19 South Carolina has been hit hard by bowl opt-outs and transfers over the last month. Its top two rushers (MarShawn Lloyd and Jaheim Bell) and two starting cornerbacks one of whom (Smith) is in the discussion for first-round consideration in April’s NFL Draft are gone. The tight end room saw three of its top four options depart for varying reasons.
That’s not to mention injuries to receiver Josh Vann, running back Lovasea Carroll, and opt-outs by safety Devonni Reed and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens. Add those departures together and you’ll find yourself staring at a new-look depth chart South Carolina released on Christmas Eve, one that included 16 underclassmen on the two-deep with many of those younger players expected to play bigger roles in Friday’s game. That doesn’t exactly scream “experience” heading into a matchup with one of college football’s most recognizable brands.
“The guys behind them have to step up,” defensive coordinator Clayton White said last week, referencing the secondary. “ Guys like DQ (Smith) and Nick (Emmanwori) may have to play multiple positions. Everybody has got to step up their play.” South Carolina’s offense, with as many issues as it’s had this year, is a veteran group. Quarterback Spencer Rattler and Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. both emphatically noted recently that they’d play in the bowl game. Bell and Lloyd are gone, but there are older, more seasoned bodies to fill their roles this week. The defense, though, will lack much of the experience that made it so stout for the bulk of the 2022 season in particular in the secondary.
Beamer and his staff 2021 inherited a defensive backfield that lacked, from the outside looking in, any discernible playmakers. It hinged on Jaylan Foster evolving into an All-American last year, while Cam Smith blossomed into a worthy
The freshmen. South Carolina’s 2022 recruiting class finished No. 24 in the 247Sports Team Rankings during last year’s cycle. Of the 22 enrollees, six were classified as defensive backs, while DQ Smith was technically listed as an athlete following a prolific quarterbacking career at Spring Valley High. That group has been counted on already this year, and more pieces will be needed this week. Smith and Emmanwori have been stalwarts in the secondary for the bulk of this season. Emmanwori’s emergence and eventual move into the starting lineup functionally forced four-year starter R.J. Roderick into the transfer portal during the regular season. DQ Smith, too, proved a key body at safety and in spelling Cam Smith at nickel.
Next comes involving the rest of a talented 2022 recruiting class, both out of necessity and due to its talent. Four-star prospects Keenan Nelson, Emory Floyd, and Anthony Rose are all expected to play important snaps in this week’s contest.
Beamer noted that players had the rest of Monday off. He and the coaching staff had a dinner planned at a local restaurant. The rest of his squad, as college kids do, will assuredly find something to get into in or around the team hotel at TPC Sawgrass. The Gamecocks will need the youngest members of their travel party to grow up fast come Saturday. In the meantime, Beamer is keeping to that ever-consistent smile of his.
GAMECOCKS WHO ARE OUT FOR GATOR BOWL
DB Cam Smith — NFL Draft DB Darius Rush — NFL Draft DB Devonni Reed — NFL Draft DT Zacch Pickens — NFL Draft RB Lovasea Carroll — Injured WR Josh Vann — Injured
PRACTICE REPORT
No. 19 South Carolina held its first on-site practice at Ponte Vedra High School on Monday morning, ahead of Friday’s matchup against No. 21 Notre Dame. Here’s what happened in the portion of the day open to reporters.
Receiver Jalen Brooks participated in practice as he continues to work through what head coach Shane Beamer called an “off the field” issue last week. Brooks is USC’s second-leading receiver this year behind Antwane “Juice” Wells. The one-time Wingate transfer has 33 catches for 504 yards and one touchdown. After practice Monday, Beamer declared Brooks as doubtful to play in the bowl game.
While Brooks participated, fellow pass-catcher Josh Vann was not at practice during the periods open to reporters on Monday. Vann has been rehabbing from a knee injury he suffered during the Clemson game in the final week of the regular season. Vann did not make the trip and won’t play Friday, Beamer said.
Outside of Vann, the rest of South Carolina’s two-deep appeared during the viewing window portion of Monday’s practice. Defensive end Bryan Thomas, defensive tackle MJ Webb and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune were all upgraded to starters on the depth chart released on Sunday night.
Incoming freshman linebacker Grayson “PUP" Howard was also suited up for Monday’s practice. Howard, a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, enrolled in time to be able to participate in Gator Bowl practices
It’s still unclear who will call plays this week following the departure of offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield to Nebraska. In the interim, offensive analyst Nick Coleman was spotted working with the quarterbacks that Satterfield coached along with graduate assistant Zeb Noland. Coleman, too, is slated to leave South Carolina following the bowl game to take an offensive staff position at UAB.
Running back Christian Beal-Smith, defensive end Terrell Dawkins and offensive tackle Cason Henry all appeared to be working off to the side with the South Carolina training staff for varying reasons. Beal-Smith has had a host of injuries this year, while Dawkins is rehabbing from a lower-body injury he endured during the Charlotte game.
Redshirt freshman tailback Lovasea Carroll and walk-on tight end Jesse Sanders didn’t suit up for Monday’s practice. Carroll transferred to South Carolina from Georgia ahead of this season, while Sanders is in his third year with the program. The former is injured and won’t play in the bowl game, Beamer said last week.
DEPTH CHART BOWL GAME
