How Shane Beamer thinks his South Carolina team will fill in for star opt-outs
South Carolina will be without All-SEC running back Rocket Sanders and consensus All-American Kyle Kennard when they take the field on Tuesday against Illinois in the Citrus Bowl. Both players announced their NFL Draft intentions this month and are not on the team’s bowl game depth chart. However, head coach Shane Beamer is optimistic about his Gamecock team’s ability to step up without the two No. 5s.
[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]
During his brief time with the media on Friday, Beamer spoke about how his team will handle filling those gaps. He started off by addressing the plan in Kennard’s absence.
“At defensive end, we’ve rotated six in just about every game this year. Dylan, Kyle, Bryan, Dez, JT, Gil. And it’s no different right now going into the game…Dylan will start, and then you’ve got a combination of other guys on that other side. We’re excited about that.” Beamer also added that the bowl will serve as a homecoming opportunity for Bryan Thomas, Jr. (who is from Orlando) and Gilber Edmond (who is from the state of Florida). “There will be great competition in that room at that position.” All of those EDGE players but Edmond will return next season.
When the conversation shifted to running back, Beamer talked about the Citrus Bowl but gave a little insight into 2025.
“Oscar has played a lot of snaps for us. Jawarn Howell, we’re excited about [him], and Juju is a veteran guy. Matthew Fuller is a guy you may see in this game some carrying the ball.” The Gamecock headman shared his optimism about the future of the position, as well. “That’s a position that we’re really excited about our young talent at—the running back position—with Jawarn and Matthew. So, I’m excited to see those guys run the ball.” Adaway, Howell, and Fuller plan to return to the team next fall.
Top 10
- 1
Jalen Milroe
Speculation growing on decision
- 2New
Bielema taunts Beamer
Tempers flare, benches clear at Cheez-It Bowl
- 3
Kirk Herbstreit
Firing back at 'false narratives'
- 4Hot
Johntay Cook
WR takes shot at Quinn Ewers
- 5
Dose of reality
Finebaum unloads on ASU QB
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.
With just two players opting out of the game (and a long list of potential NFL Draft picks playing in the game), Beamer acknowledged that he feels the South Carolina culture is the difference-maker.
“Yeah, it shows [the players] are very invested. It says they are very motivated to go try and get a 10th win. This is a group that has been very committed to one another, going all the way back to last year. Trying to get a 10th win is something they are very hungry to do…our culture is strong. Our players enjoy being a part of this program.”
[Get USC Gamecocks app notifications]
Beamer and the Gamecocks will take the field on Tuesday, December 31st at 3:00 p.m. ABC will broadcast the game, while ESPN+ makes it available for streaming.
