LaNorris Sellers' popularity has only increased since beating Clemson: 'It's crazy'
As soon as LaNorris Sellers crossed the goal line and ran through the C and L of the Clemson logo in the end zone, his status became cemented at South Carolina. That play, a 20-yard touchdown run to help the Gamecocks beat Clemson in Death Valley, is how he will be remembered when it’s all said and done.
Sellers was already a hot commodity in Columbia ever since he stepped on to the field at Williams-Brice Stadium for the first time and unloaded a 50-yard touchdown pass against Furman in 2023. But there’s something different about being the guy that can say he beat Clemson, let alone doing it on the road. His legend has only grown since that game nearly three weeks ago.
“It pops up on my phone a good bit still to this day,” Sellers said on the go-ahead touchdown run. “So I mean, I’ve watched it a good bit I guess you could say.”
[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]
Right after the win, head coach Shane Beamer let it be known that his redshirt freshman quarterback is “the best player in the country.” Sellers went on to win the SEC’s Freshman of the Year as voted on by the conference’s coaches. He’s even gained national attention as one of the early favorites to contend for the Heisman Trophy next season.
Now being back in Columbia, Sellers can’t go many places without being recognized or stopped by a Gamecock fan for a picture or autograph. He’s like South Carolina’s version of Elvis Presley or even The Beatles.
Top 10
- 1New
Desmond Howard
CGD host calls out Ryan Day
- 2
Nick Saban fired up
Coach rants on outside noise
- 3
Kirby Smart reacts
Notre Dame fans chant 'We want Georgia'
- 4Hot
Carson Beck
Latest on Georgia QB status for Sugar Bowl
- 5
Most valuable college programs
Ranking the athletic departments
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“Oh, I mean, it’s crazy,” Sellers said. “After the basketball game against Clemson, I tried to leave early, and as soon as I got up from my seat and got out of the actual arena, people were outside waiting when I was walking out. I was kind of like, ‘Oh, man.'”
All this to say, Sellers’ life has changed quite a bit since that chilly afternoon in the upstate.
“Honestly, I’m grateful for it and everything,” he said.
[GamecockCentral has gift subscriptions]
Even with all the recognition that has come his way, he’s still his same old self. That hasn’t changed at all. If anything, his focus has shifted towards what’s next, which would be a potential 10th win of the season when South Carolina plays Illinois in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
If the Gamecocks beat the Fighting Illini in Orlando, they would become the fifth team in program history to reach that elusive 10-win mark. And if that happens, Sellers may never have to buy another drink or meal in this city ever again, if that already hasn’t been the case after beating Clemson.
“If he continues the way he has ascended this year, it could be a really cool thing,” new offensive coordinator Mike Shula said. “Kind of a recruiting pitch, but I think if you are a player out there, whether you are a young recruit or a transfer player, it would be pretty exciting to have him as your quarterback.”
