Shane Beamer remains confident in South Carolina's linebackers after Bangally Kamara's impending transfer
College football rosters are more fluid now than they have ever been in the history of the sport. In the era of a revamped transfer portal and NIL, in-season roster changes have become a part of the “new normal” for college sports programs across the country.
South Carolina experienced that “new normal” earlier this week with Bangally Kamara‘s decision to redshirt and transfer at the conclusion of the regular season.
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“He came in my office (Monday) and told me that he was redshirting,” Shane Beamer said. “I told him that’s not quite how this works. That we can have a discussion about his role and is redshirting best?”
Heading into Saturday’s game against Alabama, Kamara was a key contributor in South Carolina’s linebacker room. He had appeared in four contests, making nine tackles and one tackle for loss. His 70 defensive snaps were the fourth highest of any Gamecock linebacker.
Beamer said Kamara’s role was expected to grow as the season went along. But after a brief discussion with Kamara on Monday, Beamer decided it was best for the fifth-year linebacker to find opportunities elsewhere.
“He was a guy that played a season high in snaps on Saturday at linebacker – that was going to continue to play more for us moving forward. My job is to do what’s best for the team, and what was best for the team, in my mind, is Gally continuing to play and help us try to beat Alabama this weekend,” Beamer said. “He didn’t quite feel the same way, so in the end, I made the decision for him – that it’s probably best for him to move on.”
Despite Kamara’s impending departure from the football program, Beamer remains confident in South Carolina’s remaining linebackers.
Debo Williams, Bam Martin-Scott and Demetrius Knight have played the majority of snaps at linebacker this season. All three bring experience to the linebacker room – Williams is a redshirt senior, while both Martin-Scott and Knight are sixth-years.
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But all three have been key contributors on the Gamecocks’ defense, too. Williams, Martin-Scott and Knight rank second, third and tied for fourth on the team in tackles, respectively. They have combined for 7.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
“If you watched us on Saturday, Debo, Bam, D-Knight and Gally – those four guys all rotated through,” Beamer said. “We’re fortunate that we still have D-Knight, Debo and Bam.”
South Carolina also has Mohamed Kaba and Fred Johnson – two players who Beamer said are expected to see increased playing time in Kamara’s absence – at its disposal. Kaba has yet to record a statistic this season, but Johnson has made three tackles and one quarterback hit.
“Mo Kaba has played a lot of football for us, and he’s really doing a good job on special teams and defense for us. I love what he’s all about right now,” Beamer said. “And then, Fred Johnson’s a guy that is doing a great job on special teams and will continue to come along.”
At the end of the day, Kamara’s transfer decision was a personal one with more than 2024 in mind. But Beamer is still focused on what South Carolina can do this year.
“We’re moving on, and (I) wish him well in wherever his next stop is. I appreciate all he did for us,” Beamer said. “But we’re not getting ready for ’25 around here. We’re trying to win in ’24.”
