Shane Beamer names newcomers, young players that have shined early in spring

Through spring practice, South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is getting a close look at his new faces and younger players. This week, he discussed which players are standing out — even though he might not consider some of them “young.”

Beamer pointed to a few different players who jumped off the page through spring ball as the Gamecocks approach their first scrimmage on Saturday. He specifically pointed to redshirt junior EDGE Tyreek Johnson, who he said is stepping up to help replace some departed players.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a younger guy, but Tyreek Johnson has flashed,” Beamer said. “I mean, he’s getting a lot of opportunities with JJ [Enagbare] and Aaron Sterling being gone. Tyreek’s a guy that I feel like has taken another step from that standpoint. Bam [Martin]-Scott has been a little banged up here and there, but he’s a guy, young guy that didn’t play much last year. I think he’s doing a good job.

“We’ve got some young linebackers that walked on last year. Andrew Colasurdo and KJ Scott and Ronnie Porter, those are three guys that flash and then you see them during special teams periods and things like that. Been pleased with some of the things that Rashad Amos has done out there on the field at the running back position. He’s not necessarily young, but I think Hank Manos is showing … consistent physicality and has done a nice job on the offensive line. So, those are a few that jump out.”

South Carolina had the No. 27 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings, but had plenty of success in the transfer portal. Notably, the Gamecocks landed Oklahoma transfer Spencer Rattler, the No. 11 transfer in the portal, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Shane Beamer: ‘There’s guys that have made statements and have made progress’

Beamer also noted some transfers have impressed so far, which is a good thing as he gets ready for his second year at the helm. He added that Devonni Reed, who transferred in from Central Michigan, had a highlight-reel play earlier this week.

Beamer said that’s one of the good things about spring ball. There are chances for the new faces to step up and make an early impression on the coaching staff.

“I think every day, there’s guys that have made statements and have made progress,” Beamer said. “And these young freshmen continue to get better that were mid-year arrivals. … There’s a lot of new faces that continue to make plays and that gets you excited.”