Luke Doty: South Carolina QB room remains an active competition

There’s a changing of guard at the quarterback position for South Carolina after two-year starter Spencer Rattler was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Leaving behind big shoes to fill after putting together two impressive seasons for the Gamecocks.

Luke Doty has made six starts at quarterback in his South Carolina career, listed as an athlete on the team’s website who’s also made starts at wide receiver and contributed on special teams. But this year’s offseason quarterback battle has been headlined by LaNorris Sellers and Robby Ashford. Two signal callers that differ in experience but not potential in the Gamecocks’ offense.

“So it’s a active competition right now, LaNorris Sellers is the guy coming out of spring but as Coach Beamer has said, it’s still a competition,” Doty said. “LaNorris has still got to do a great job of continuing to get better, leading the offense and the team.”

Sellers is entering his second season with the Gamecocks, redshirting last year after appearing in just three games where he completed all four of his pass attempts for 86 yards and a touchdown. Also bringing rushing abilities to the table as a 6-foot-3, 242 athlete who rushed for 51 yards and a score in his limited snaps last season.

Ashford also possesses dual-threat abilities and more experience than Sellers, appearing in 22 games in his college career with 10 starts. But regardless of who earns the starting job, Doty and the Gamecocks are confident in whoever is named QB1. Raving about the positive environment that’s existed in South Carolina’s quarterback room.

“But yeah, we’ve got guys in that room that no matter who’s out on the field we’re going to be put in a position to have success and win games. But at the same time, everybody in that room has each other’s backs,” Doty explained.

“Like I said, no matter who’s out there, they’re going to have everyone’s support. Everybody on the team, everybody in the quarterback room, everybody’s for each other and wants to see each other succeed.”

Following an eight-win season under Shane Beamer, South Carolina dropped to 5-7 last year and missed their first bowl game since he took over the program. Now hoping that a fresh face at quarterback can help elevate the program to its previous success and beyond in 2024.