What makes Robby Ashford a viable option at quarterback for South Carolina
Two weeks from now, South Carolina will take the field for its first game of the 2024 season. Leading the way for the Gamecocks, almost everyone expects LaNorris Sellers to start at quarterback.
From everything seen and heard in fall camp, Sellers continues to impress in what would be his first year as the starter. While he is the big name, don’t discount what Robby Ashford could also bring at quarterback this season.
More likely than not, Ashford will serve as Sellers’ backup. But from what Ashford has said, there have been talks about using both quarterbacks in specific in-game situations.
“This is the SEC. You never want to see injuries happen, but you’ve always got to have a next man up mentality, because you’re one play away. Whoever the backup is, you’re always one play away from being in the game,” Ashford said. “When you don’t have two quarterbacks ready, that’s where a lot of teams get in trouble. We’ve got two quarterbacks that are ready and another group, another three guys that are ready on top of that. So I feel like it’s just a recipe for success. Feel like the coaches will make the best decision and I respect it regardless.”
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Should something happen to Sellers, or Ashford’s services be required, the redshirt senior might prove to be a solid option. He made ten starts under center during his two years at Auburn, where he just over 50 percent of his pass attempts for 1,758 yards and nine touchdowns with nine interceptions.
Some will look at the numbers and probably won’t be overly impressed with what he has done as a passer. But to Ashford’s credit, he wouldn’t be at South Carolina, much less still in the SEC, if he couldn’t throw.
“I feel like I can make every throw on the field,” Ashford said. “Coach (Shane) Beamer and Coach (Dowell Loggains) have just told me that because there were times where I didn’t believe in myself.”
Much like Sellers, being mobile in the pocket will be a true ally for Ashford. While at Auburn, he rushed for 927 yards and 12 touchdowns on 199 carries. He averaged 4.7 yards per run, nearly two yards more than the Gamecocks (2.8) did as a team last year.
Because he can move around, Ashford will be able to make those “split second” decisions much quicker than if he were a slower quarterback.
“I mean, that’s all it takes between a catch and a pick — it’s split second, definitely in the SEC,” he said. “I know I’ve got to throw in a dirty pocket. It’s not always going to be clear, but nobody cares. You’ve still got to go out there and make the throw. They’ve instilled that on me. So I feel like those are my strengths and then just being able to get out the pocket, too, make plays with my legs and my arm, knowing a play is not dead.”
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Realistically, if Sellers stays healthy this season, Ashford won’t see a ton of snaps regularly. But going back to the potential of using two quarterbacks, he could be a key player in short yardage situations. Why risk getting Sellers hurt when you can use a guy that’s willing to give his all every time?
With a 6-foot-2, 229-pound frame, Ashford can be a big piece in the Gamecocks’ offense this year. He just might end up being one of the more underrated additions from the transfer portal when it’s all said and done.
“It’s really a blessing to be big, fast and explosive. Just being able to use that size in certain situations like 3rd and 1, 4th and 1, when we need it. I know I have the size to be able to put that shoulder down, get that yard if I need to — same for LaNorris. You’ve got two guys who can do that,” Ashford said.
“It gives you more confidence for us in the short yardage game and then just knowing we can break a lot of tackles. The first guy should never tackle us and that’s kind of our mindset, me and LaNorris. We feel like the first guy should never tackle us. It should take multiple people.”
