Shane Beamer assesses the South Carolina running backs group

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer is thrilled with his running back room heading into his second season with the Gamecocks. He went in deep detail on that room and its components at recent media availability. When prompted to talk about his tailbacks, specifically likely starter MarShawn Lloyd, here’s how he responded:

“I really like that group. I’m eager to see how that room shakes out from a competition standpoint. Because there’s a lot of unique skillsets in that room. And with MarShawn coming back — to answer your question with him — he’s been great. He’s another one that’s had a great summer. He’s on a mission and has really stepped up his game this summer. MarShawn has always been all business.”

So Lloyd is clearly ready to step in as one of the leaders of the team both on and off the football field. However, even behind him, Beamer likes the depth of solid options he has to cycle in.

“But [Lloyd] realizes it’s time to bring in Christian [Beal-Smith]. And he’s an older guy that’s played a lot of football. And the leadership and the maturity that he brings to that group. That’s the thing. Not that it wasn’t last year, but Juju [McDowell] was a true freshman. And I love ZaQuandre White. But ZaQuandre is ZaQuandre and I miss him, don’t get me wrong. But it’s a different kind of vibe in that room. And not that they weren’t all business. But when you got guys like MarShawn and CBS, and then you add Juju to that. But then also, other guys that we’re excited about.

“Dante [Miller], who we brought in from Columbia. I’m excited to see him. I think he’s got a chance to help. Lovasea [Carroll] coming in from Georgia and being able to take the next step. So it’s a bunch of guys in there. That’s going to be a great competition for sure.”

So, legitimately 4-5 options that Shane Beamer feels good about out of the backfield, headlined by a star in MarShawn Lloyd. Since there is so much depth at this one position, Beamer also revealed he and the staff will try to find other ways to use their talents from the RB position.

“Not just at that running back position. But then who could do other things to help us — that we want to flex out wide and do different things with in the offense. But that’s a fun group. And there’ll be some great competition in that room here in preseason camp.”