Best quotes from South Carolina players and coaches on rivalry game against Clemson

Some of South Carolina’s players and coaches all spoke to the media earlier this week. Here are the best quotes from each player and coach about playing in the Carolina-Clemson rivalry and more.

Tonka Hemingway

Hemingway is no stranger to the Tigers or the intensity of the Palmetto Bowl. However, this year, the stakes are even higher as both teams are ranked within the top 15.

“This one, it’s going to be a little different out there,” Hemingway said. “A little scrappy, a lot of trash talk. So you just have to keep your composure.”

Kyle Kennard

For the fifth-year transfer Kennard, this will be his first time competing in the Palmetto Bowl. He is quickly learning what this rivalry means for Gamecocks.

“I knew the rivalry was intense,” Kennard said. “I mean I figure just because it’s a rivalry anyway that it would be intense. But I’m getting here and learning more about it and how it didn’t go our way last year. But the last time we went up there it did so things like that and how different factors of the, I won’t get too deep into it, but how different factors of the game have affected previous performances against them. And how we’re going to do better this week and things like that. So I’m learning more about the history and its meaning more to me.”

LaNorris Sellers

This Palmetto Bowl will be the first for Sellers as a starting quarterback. Despite being on the sidelines during last year’s Palmetto Bowl, Sellers learned a lot about what to expect.

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“It’s just like I said, a high energy game. The people care about it. Just two teams — Carolina and Clemson,” Sellers said. “Probably the biggest game in our state. But, I mean, they just took it as another game, so that’s just how I’m going to do it, too.”

Shane Beamer

Beamer has been a part of numerous programs through his career but the Carolina-Clemson rivalry is one that stands out.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of great rivalries in my time of the places that I’ve coached and this one’s right there at the top, as well. Just feel so fortunate to be a part of this rivalry,” Beamer said. “So much history, tradition, great players, great coaches that have been a part of it, as well. I know how much it means to this state.”

Dowell Loggains

Loggains, in his second year as offensive coordinator, complimented the Tigers on the effort and talent ahead of the big matchup. The Gamecock offense will have their work cut out for them going up against a talented defense.

“I think the thing that sticks out when you watch their tape is their effort and how hard they play. It’s a group that plays extremely hard. They run the ball fundamentally,” Loggains said. “They’re very good up front, it all starts with those guys. It’s a very talented team. They’ve done a great job recruiting, but they also do a great job coaching the fundamentals and technique once they get there.”

Clayton White

White knows the Tigers offense almost better than anyone. White has faced Clemson plenty during his time as a player as well as multiple times as a coordinator and coach.

“This is like my 12th time going against Clemson. As a player, four games at NC State, four games here, obviously. They’ve never lacked offensive production,” White said. “So things that we see on tape is obviously they have really good tight ends between Jake [Briningstool], OP Henry [Olsen Patt-Henry]. And then they also have [Josh] Sapp, they have really good tight ends, tight end room is really good. The running backs between [Phil] Mafah and [Jay Haynes] are really, really productive.”

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