Shane Beamer explains decision to choose LaNorris Sellers as starting quarterback

On Tuesday, South Carolina head coach Shame Beamer named LaNorris Sellers the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against Old Dominion. Auburn transfer QB Robby Ashford was Sellers’ main competition for the QB1 title. Beamer claims one particular trait boosted Sellers above Ashford in the QB race.

“Just the consistency,” Beamer said. “Both those guys have been good. When I was over in Florence (SC) earlier this spring and said that LaNorris was our starting quarterback coming out of the spring, I said that and did that because he had a good spring and he was a little bit further along because of his familiarity with the offense.

“LaNorris has been consistent. Just speaking about LaNorris specifically — I think he continues to get better each week. His poise, his consistency, his understanding of what we’re trying to do — he’s done what we’ve asked him to do coming out of spring practice.”

In the 2023 campaign, Sellers made three appearances for the Gamecocks. In his limited time on the field, Sellers completed all four of his pass attempts for two touchdowns. He also recorded five carries for 51 rushing yards and a score.

Sellers’ momentum didn’t slow after the season. He was named the Joe Morrison Offensive Player of the Spring. Nonetheless, he wasn’t simply handed the keys to South Carolina’s offense. Ashford made him earn them.

Ashford transferred to South Carolina this offseason after spending two seasons at Auburn. Ashford also spent two years at Oregon, where he began his collegiate career.

In 2022, Ashford was Auburn’s starting quarterback, tallying 1,613 yards and seven touchdowns through the air while adding 709 yards and seven scores in the ground game. Last season, Ashford made 10 appearances for the Tigers, including one start.

Although LaNorris Sellers will start for the Gamecocks in Week 1, the quarterback competition isn’t over. Beamer emphasized Ashford can still earn the starting spot behind center on any given day.

“I met with them this morning, like I said, both of them were great,” Beamer said. “I really feel like we have multiple quarterbacks that we can win with, and Robby really did some good things on Saturday, and he’s going to help us win football games this season.

“The guy that gives us the best chance to be successful is going to be the guy that’s out there week in, week out. And that’s not to say that we’re going to be rotating quarterbacks every two plays or anything like that. We’re not doing that. But LaNorris has got to continue to progress like he has been, and Robby’s got to continue to progress like he has been, and that’s only going to make us better.”