Shane Beamer states South Carolina's running back depth 'concerns' him
Looking to build on an eight-win season that concluded with back-to-back top-10 wins late in the year, South Carolina will have a slightly retooled offense. And running back depth is of concern to coach Shane Beamer.
Top back MarShawn Lloyd transferred to USC this offseason after running for a team-best 573 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.
“I’m concerned or was concerned about the depth at the running back position,” Beamer said at SEC Media Days. “I’m not concerned about it from a talent level. We’ve got plenty of good backs. That’s a wear-and-tear position. You need more than one or two running backs to get through a season.”
Caleb McDowell is the leading candidate to tote the rock in the backfield this fall, having run 62 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns a year ago.
Talented athlete Dakereon Joyner could also provide some snaps and additional running back depth, while incoming freshman Dontavius Braswell should also factor into the mix. Braswell was a top-250 recruit and a four-star prospect.
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Beamer is preparing all of them to be ready to play in 2023.
“I’ve been a part of teams where we lost four running backs during the season to injuries,” Beamer said. “I was at Georgia in 2017, we had Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, DeAndre Swift and Elijah Holyfield were our four running backs, all four guys were good football players and we needed all of them that season.”
Whoever plays for the Gamecocks this fall, they’ll be looking to improve upon the team’s 2022 production. While Lloyd was good, the group didn’t produce much on the ground.
South Carolina finished ranked 106th nationally, averaging just 118.9 yards per game.
The running back depth being a little light could also be a factor elsewhere for the team, though, Beamer pointed out.
“Those guys are core special teams players for us, as well,” the South Carolina head coach said. “So the depth concerns me. I like the guys, and I’m pleased they’re going to get better and hopefully stay healthy.”