Shane Beamer provides update on QB competition behind Spencer Rattler, Luke Doty

Shane Beamer has been on a search for depth at the quarterback position for South Carolina, and it’s a far cry from last season’s debacle to begin the season.

While Spencer Rattler and Luke Doty are entrenched as the top two options under center, there’s a breadth of talent to follow. As the Gamecocks look for their No. 3, quarterbacks Colten Gautheir, Braden Davis and Tanner Bailey are battling it out.

According to Beamer, Gauthier “has a little bit of a jump” on the spot behind Rattler and Doty, as he’s in Year 2 of being in the Gamecocks’ offensive system. Still, nothing has been finalized, as Bailey and Davis have done some great things throughout the summer

Still, the addition of Rattler from Oklahoma this offseason was huge for Beamer and South Carolina. The Gamecocks started four different players at quarterback in 2021, including Doty, so having a solidified starter will be a major change in 2022. Armed with their guy and an extra year of time to learn the playbook, South Carolina will look to improve after finishing an alarming 13th in the SEC in total offense last year.

Nevertheless, Shane Beamer will welcome his newfound depth at quarterback after a hellacious season under center in 2021.

Shane Beamer describes biggest difference in 2022 offense

The South Carolina Gamecocks surprised many last year by finishing the season with a 7-6 record. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over rival North Carolina provided the perfect exclamation point to head coach Shane Beamer’s first season.

This year the Gamecocks plan to build on that momentum and thrust themselves higher up the hierarchy in the SEC. One of the ways that will be possible is with a more efficient offense; something Beamer has been working on feverishly this offseason.

During a recent press conference, Beamer revealed what has changed for the Gamecocks’ offense from last year to this fall.

“I think the biggest thing is the overall understanding of what we’re doing and being able to go out there and be efficient and operate,” Beamer said. “Last year, at this time, it was still very new for these guys. We’ve been through spring practice in the summertime, but it was still a new system. This year, it’s year two in this system, and we’ve been able to tweak some things to better fit our personnel because we have a better understanding of our personnel. Our players have a better understanding of us as coaches. So that’s the biggest thing I see.”

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.