Shane Beamer says RB Christian Beal-Smith is 'full-go'

South Carolina will need all the help it can get at the running back position during the Gator Bowl Friday night against Notre Dame.

If healthy, senior RB Christian Beal-Smith is expected to earn a healthy dose of carries against the Irish. That is, of course, if Beal-Smith’s foot is healthy in time for kickoff.

“I don’t want to say he’s 100 percent, but he’s full-go. He’s did everything today (at practice),” Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer said Monday after the team’s first bowl practice. “In Columbia, he was a little bit limited where we were building him up each day, but he was 100 percent full-go today. There’s nothing we held him out of. He may tell you his body feels 100 percent. I don’t know but as far being cleared to do everything, there’s nothing we held him out of.”

Beal-Smith had a fairly productive season given his limited role with the offense, taking 36 carries for 148 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season.

His expanded role comes after both of South Carolina’s top running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Jaheim Bell entered the NCAA Transfer portal earlier this month. Beamer noted who he sees rotating through the backfield during Friday’s bowl game.

“JuJu [McDowell], CBS and Rashad Amos would be the three right now, after that you’ve got to get creative,” Beamer said.

Collectively, Beal-Smith, McDowell and Amos have combined for 348 yards and seven touchdowns. Compare that to Llyod’s team-high 573 rushing yards and nine scores.

Regardless of regular season accomplishments, Beal-Smith’s health seems to not be an issue as we head into Friday’s Gator Bowl. Expect him and McDowell to carry the rushing load against the Irish as South Carolina seeks its ninth win of the season. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN.