Shane Beamer names South Carolina transfers who have shined this spring

Shane Beamer helped reload South Carolina‘s backfield with a couple of transfers this offseason. After Kevin Harris decided to move on to the NFL following his junior year with the Gamecocks and Zaquandre White graduated, Beamer was left to replace his leading two rushers.

He went out and added Wake Forest running back Christian Beal-Smith, the No. 56 running back in On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings. Beamer also added Georgia cornerback Lovesea Carroll, who will transition to running back at South Carolina this season.

During a press conference following the Gamecocks’ fourth spring practice, the coach talked about what he has seen out of both players so far.

“You talk about Lovasea Carroll, he’s a really talented running back,” Beamer said. “He was playing defensive back most recently before he came here. So just kind of knocking the rust off and getting back into the swing of things at running back, but you certainly see the natural talent. Christian Beal-Smith has done a great job of running the football and understanding the way we practice here.”

Aside from the two running back transfers, Shane Beamer singled out a couple more. Antwane Wells, who goes by the nickname “Juice,” transferred in from FCS powerhouse James Madison, which will move up to FBS in 2022. Wells set several single-season school records for the Dukes in 2021, including receiving yards (1,250), touchdowns (15) and receptions (83).

Beamer also liked what he has seen from former Central Michigan safety Devonni Reed and NC State edge defender Terrell Dawkins.

“‘Juice’ Wells has done a great job catching and just competing,” the coach said. “His mentality that he brings to practice every day — I think one of the guys in here yesterday used the word ‘dog’ to describe him and that’s very accurate. He loves to play football, loves to compete and has made a lot of really good plays for us. Devonni Reed, noticed him today. We had a run and a hole opened up and I think it was Marshon was about to take it the distance and all of a sudden here comes Devonni filling the gap and making an open field tackle. Terrell Dawkins continues to get better and better on the pass rush. What he was doing scheme-wise at NC State is a little bit different than what we’re asking him to do here, so just getting more and more comfortable in that.”

Of course, the Gamecocks also have Oklahoma transfer quarterback Spencer Rattler, a former five-star recruit who expects to start at quarterback next season. These South Carolina transfers will get their first chance to show the impact they can make for their new team during the annual spring game on April 16.