Shane Beamer shares lessons, takeaways from transfer portal

Shane Beamer has used the transfer portal to his advantage this offseason, as South Carolina has brought in supremely talented athletes. After a promising first season with the Gamecocks, Beamer’s program is on the rise.

A program or two can learn a couple things from Beamer and the way South Carolina has utilized the portal. In an off-season press conference, Beamer shared the lessons and takeaways he has from the transfer portal.

“One, I think I’ve learned with these transfers, because they’ve been through the recruiting process before, they’re very focused on what they want to see, and they know what they’re looking for,” started Beamer. “They don’t need necessarily the glitz and glamor and to be wined and dined and things like that. They’re very much focused on here’s what I’m looking for in a school, can you guys provide it to me?

“So, it’s very, you know, bottom line, and a different conversation. Learning that with the transfers, that they’re transferring for a reason. What exactly is it that you’re transferring from your school for, and what is it that you’re looking for?” Beamer continued. “Whether it be a degree program, whether it be playing time, fresh start. Just finding that and showing how we can give that to them is probably a big thing. And then I think just being flexible. Being willing to change. There’s just been so much over this past year with transfer portal, COVID, NIL — it’s just a lot.

“I think the biggest thing is understanding that things are going to change, and you’re constantly trying to stay one step ahead and continue to put your program in the best position to be successful.”

Beamer on transfers: ‘We should have everybody here pretty soon’

Furthermore, six impact players are scheduled to transfer into South Carolina ahead of next season. Of the six, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is the biggest name — reuniting with Shane Beamer.

Last week, the South Carolina head coach gave an update on where the incoming transfers stood. He said all of them are still working toward getting to campus but could only address Rattler and tight end Austin Stogner publicly due to NCAA rules.

“The transfers that you guys have read about most recently — they are all in the process of getting here,” Beamer said. “Should be here in the next few days if they’re not here already. Austin Stogner still has a couple of classes he has to finish at Oklahoma. So he’s got to finish that up this spring. Spencer (Rattler) is taking care of some loose ends in Arizona and isn’t on campus today but will be here soon. Other than the high school guys that didn’t enroll midyear, we should have everybody here pretty soon.”

Wake Forest running back Christian Beal-Smith, James Madison wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr., Central Michigan safety Devonni Reed, and North Carolina State defensive end Terrell Dawkins are the other four who have verbally committed to the Gamecocks.

Beamer is looking to improve on his first season in Columbia, which included a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win against North Carolina. Big wins against Florida and Auburn help set the tone for the Gamecocks but losses to Missouri and in-state rival Clemson can bring you crashing back to reality.