Video: Sterling Lucas making a difference at South Carolina
Sterling Lucas has only coached at South Carolina for one season. But in that short period of time, he’s become an important piece to the Gamecocks success both on and off the field.
“Coach Lucas has been great,” said redshirt senior EDGE Tyreek Johnson. “He loves all of us and treats us all the same. He gives us respect and we respect him.”
Just over a week after his wife Brittany welcomed twin girls, Lucas is still glowing about August 1, 2023.
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“Dad of four girls so I’m a girl dad like Kobe (Bryant),” said Lucas. “Quick shoutout to my daughters.”
Not only because he’s added two more children to his family but because on that same date, the Gamecocks landed five-star EDGE Dylan Stewart. A prospect that Lucas played a major role in getting.
“Being authentic and just being yourself,” said Lucas when it comes to recruiting. “Building relationships with guys and just selling the opportunity really. It’s pretty easy to sell the University of south Carolina, especially with the trajectory that we’re going on with what coach (Shane) Beamer has done in the last three years.”
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Within the last year, Lucas has now played a key role in landing not only Stewart but five-star ATH Nyckoles Harbor and four-star EDGE Desmond Umeozulu. And the list doesn’t end there. Simply put, players want to play for him.
“With him coming from the (NFL) and brining his experience from the league it has greatly pushed us to be better,” said Johnson. “The biggest thing is trying to learn everything from him.”
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“That’s my guy. I love coach Lucas,” said graduate senior EDGE Jordan Strachan. “He’s taught me my techniques. For that next level it’s really about technique and it’s a game of inches.”
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But gelling with his positional group isn’t the only thing Lucas has been doing. He’s also developed a strong rapport with new defensive line coach Travian Robertson. A coach who is quickly winning over everybody in the locker room.
“He’s a high-intensity guy,” said Lucas. “I know a lot of you guys know him from his playing days. I call him the mayor here in Columbia.”
“He’s literally been in these same seats here at South Carolina and seats in the NFL,” said redshirt junior defensive lineman Alex Huntley. “He knows the path and knows what it takes. He brings that intensity to practice everyday.”
The Gamecocks will return to the practice field on Thursday afternoon for practice No.6 after being off on Wednesday.
