South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer spoke with the media on Wednesday, Aug. 27, previewing the Gamecocks’ season opener against Virginia Tech. The discussion included updates on player eligibility, coaching changes and preparing for a highly anticipated matchup against the Hokies.
Beamer emphasized that the team’s goal this weekend is to be a team that plays well under pressure, acknowledging both Virginia Tech’s transfer-heavy roster and the emotional challenge of facing his father’s former program. Frank Beamer, a College Football Hall of Famer, led the Hokies from 1987 to 2015 and is the winningest coach in program history with 280 career wins.
"No matter what's happening, good or bad, you just continue to play with poise and confidence," Beamer said.
Beamer praised the Hokies' balance, coaching and standout quarterback Kyron Drones, whom he compares to South Carolina redshirt sophomore LaNorris Sellers for his running and contact ability.
"They're a play or two away from being a 9-3 team," Beamer said. "This is a top-15 matchup because of the players they have coming back, as well."
Beamer also confirmed he will not be releasing a depth chart ahead of their meetup in Atlanta. The move comes after a conversation with Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry, who was also a graduate assistant coach during Beamer’s playing years in Blacksburg, Virginia.
"I'm just trying to avoid unnecessary overreactions, which is what a depth chart (does) when it comes out," Beamer said. "I mean, we still got position battles going on out there on the practice field."
Beamer said his message to players and staff is to be who they are in terms of execution and mentality. He added that the team is in a better position this week regarding injuries, special teams and positional depth.
One of the most notable updates came regarding now-seventh-year running back Rahsul Faison. After a two-season stint at Utah State and junior college, Faison successfully petitioned for an extra season under the NCAA’s unofficial “Pavia” rule, which excluded junior college time from eligible years. He is now cleared to play and will compete for a starting role. After receiving the news from the NCAA, Beamer called Faison for a bittersweet celebration.
"All he kept saying was 'Thank you, thank you, thank you,'" Beamer said. "He came and saw me yesterday just to thank me again."
Beamer said fans can expect a small group of freshman wide receivers to have a lot of playing time this Sunday. Special teams, however, lack the same confidence from Beamer. Despite the team looking better than it did on Aug. 1, Beamer said he wishes it had kicked better in the week of preparation and that he has no answer on who will start on Sunday as of now. Right now, Beamer said he is looking for more consistency.
Beamer also addressed the absence of defensive line coach Travian Robertson, who survived a serious car accident last week. While Robertson won’t travel with the team to Atlanta, he is expected to recover. In his place, defensive assistant Jordan Dove has stepped in temporarily, while veteran redshirt senior lineman Nick Barrett is expected to play a key role.
“He’s very lucky to be alive,” Beamer said. "I've seen him since the wreck and talk to him as well."
What's next?
The Gamecocks will kick off against Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, Georgia, on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.