What Shane Beamer said after South Carolina's first scrimmage of fall camp
Following South Carolina’s first fall scrimmage on Saturday, head coach Shane Beamer met with the media to break down what he saw from the team. Here’s what he had to say.
— Got a lot of good work in. Went over 100 plays today. Were very efficient and got a lot of plays in a short time. Doesn’t mean they’re up tempo on offense but just getting a lot of reps and plays in.
— Were able to utilize the iPads today. Said he talked to LaNorris Sellers about it today and he said it was very beneficial.
— Started today at 11 a.m. because they’ll have some midday games this year to prepare for the heat. Thought it would be beneficial to get work in at midday. It was really hot but the players pushed through and got some good work in.
— Really liked the way the guys worked in practice and it carried over into today. Players will be back here at 5:15 to start watching film on the scrimmage. Overall, really like this group.
— Injury wise, normal bumps and bruises. No Markee Anderson, Jakai Moore, Elijah Davis, Juju McDowell, Bam Martin-Scott, Rocket Sanders, Reid Mikeska, Dre Jacobs in the scrimmage today. They’ll be back at practice.
— Michael Smith caught a touchdown in the end zone today.
— Has no problem with the SEC potentially adding an injury report for the season. They’ve been fairly forthcoming with injuries, as long as everyone plays by the rules it’ll be fine.
— LaNorris looked good. Him and Ashford got some work with the first team today. Sellers managed the offense the right way. Beville and Ashford also looked good.
— Had some self-inflicted things on offense that could lose football games. But it’s correctable. Guys did a good job of moving the football. The defense also responded the right way today. But the offense needs to finish drives. Overall, he was pleased. Saw enough good in the first scrimmage. Typically these first scrimmages benefit the defense.
— Thought Mo Kaba looked good out there today. He’s been getting some good work in and his teammates have been very supportive.
— Between Campbell and Harbor, they give a big presence at the WR position. Wouldn’t rule out the TE room making an impact. Says Maurice Brown will play a lot on offense this year. They’ll do what gives them the best chance to win the football game, whether that’s using four receivers on the field or none.
— Got a bunch of running backs working with the first group. Adaway ran physical and had some nice runs. Same deal with Braswell and Howell. Matthew Fuller also ran the ball hard today. Didn’t look like a true freshman out there.
— Told the players in the team meeting today that they want to have a clearer picture of what Aug. 31 will look like and who could be out there.
— In season, you kind of know who your guys are. But today, he’ll be watching the film of all players on the field from each snap. He wants everyone playing with good effort and flying to the ball.
— Had some drives that they couldn’t finish on offense. Some plays took them out of field goal range. Had a little goal line play with Fuller scoring. Isaiah McClary had an interception on a hitch route today. Need more takeaways. Didn’t have many pre snap penalties. Have to make sure they aren’t holding or hands to the face.
— Feels pretty good about the offensive line. Battled for one. Outside of Anderson and Moore, they’ve been healthy. But again, expects both of them back out at practice. Lonnie Teasley is mixing guys in and out and getting guys at different spots on the line. The O-line gave them the opportunity to run the ball well.
— Sellers is consistent. He’s the same guy now that he was in camp last year. Nothing phases him. He’s having fun out there and has the respect of his teammates.
— Showed a video to the team about playing in Williams-Brice Stadium. Wants all of them to embrace it.
— Kicking competition has been very inconsistent. Some guys have missed an opportunity to step forward. Not any closer to naming a starter yet. Kai Kroeger and Mason Love have been punting really well, though. But they’ve been putting the kickers in more pressure situations to help make them better.
— Could play all three DBs opposite of OD Fortune with Emory Floyd, Judge Collier, Vicari Swain. Collier has taken majority of the reps opposite of OD but that doesn’t mean he’s the starter for Week One.
— Energy in practice was sky high for the first day of full pads on Thursday. Extremely spirited that day. The players love football and competing.
— Rocket has done everything in practice. He’s 100 percent healthy. If anything, he’s gotta tell him to slow down a little bit. He’s blocking blitzing linebackers over and over again. But today gave other running backs a chance to shine without Rocket out there. Expects him to continue to get better in practice.
