What Shane Beamer said during Wednesday's National Signing Day press conference

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer met with the media on Wednesday to discuss the newest editions to the Gamecocks. In addition, he also shared thoughts on the transfer portal, postseason thoughts, and much more.

Below is a quick summary of what Beamer had to say.

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– Shane Beamer thanks his players for the job they did with helping with recruiting. Said when recruits come in they want to talk to players

– Beamer shares that this is the first time in 16 years that he’d not preparing for a bowl game at this time of the year. Loves his players and he’s a positive guy, but he makes it clear “that’s not okay. I’m not happy.” Knows they dealt with injuries and youth but as the head coach he says it starts with him to overcome those challenges

– Signed four of the top five players from the state of SC today

– They signed their highest player ever outside of the state of SC with the signing of Dylan Stewart

– In a shocking upset, Shane Beamer shares that Mazeo Bennett sent his NLI paperwork in first followed by Dante Reno. Shares that a lot of guys in this class made it a competition to get their paperwork in right away.

– Good news on Mo Kaba. Beamer shares that the linebacker is “full speed ahead” as he rehabs his his second ACL injury. “He hasn’t given me any reason to think otherwise.”

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– Because of NCAA rules they had to have a week off but then they went right back to work. Said from talking to the players in their end of the year meetings, the players are eager to get back out there. “They’re very hungry.”

– Beamer speaks on the importance of player retention – says that’s not just some pitch they tell guys at the end of the season. They’re constantly building relationships year round in an effort to make sure guys “want to be here.” Thanks the fans and Garnet Trust for what they’ve been able to do in recent weeks because it’s certainly has helped them.

– Despite the QB room looking thin, as of today, Luke Doty will remain in the same role he’s been in. He’ll still remain active in QB meetings, but will rep at WR and on special teams.

– Of the players who signed today, everyone of them, expect for four, will be in school in time for spring practice.

– Beamer recalls what he remembers about playing ‘Rocket’ Sanders two years ago: “I remember it wasn’t a very fun game … ” Is beyond excited to have him part of this program. The process moved quickly because of some of the connections he had, starting with OC Dowell Loggains. Adds that there were a lot of schools going after him, specifically in his home state of Florida.

– Beamer on what stood out about Mazeo Bennett: “Saw his tape, obviously we liked him but I saw him in camp and saw the competitive spirit that he has.”

– Mentioned that if Doty is working with the WRs, they need to add depth/competition to the QB room. Says both Sellers and Reno know that.

– On their schedule this year: It’s the SEC, it’s gonna be tough. If you don’t want that then you probably shouldn’t be in this conference.

– Beamer shares that the night/early morning that Jalewis Solomon verbally committed to Auburn, he sent Beamer a text telling him not to step recruiting him. Said that’s exactly what they kept doing and they’re glad that he’s here now.

– Said that he’s been having conversations with coaches as far as what the staff will look like next year. Said they’re continuing to work through it but wouldn’t share any specifics.

– Without mentioning him specifically by name, Beamer said Mario Anderson leaving was a little bit of a surprise.

– Beamer shares that there’s been several QBs who have reached out about wanting to be promised the starting spot and he told them all that they’d have to compete for it. Shares that there was a QB who told him he’ll go somewhere else if he wouldn’t start here. **As some of you may recall, on Monday I reported that one of the big reasons as to why AJ Swann flipped his commitment was because USC wouldn’t promise him the starting spot.

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