South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is confident in his team, even if not many others are.
The Gamecocks’ fourth-year coach had been improving with two winning seasons and high hopes for a breakthrough year with quarterback Spencer Rattler and receiver Xavier Legette, who is expected to be a first-round NFL pick.
But things went wrong last season, from mistakes at crucial moments to six season-ending injuries on a struggling offensive line. Beamer even needed a boot for a broken foot after kicking a trash can in frustration following a crucial loss to Florida in a 5-7 season.
The Gamecocks are projected to finish 13th in the expanded 16-team Southeastern Conference this fall. But Beamer is ready for the challenge.
“I really, really, really like our football team going into 2024. Most of you don’t. That’s OK,” he said.
Beamer sees a lot to be excited about.
He has 20 fifth-year players, the most in his time at South Carolina. Even though Rattler and Legette are heading to the NFL after great seasons, redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers is expected to step up, and the receiving group is packed with talent.
South Carolina’s defense will feature nine upperclassmen as starters, led by tackles Alex Huntley and Tonka Hemingway.
Beamer believes that the struggles of last year will lead to better results this season.
“You’ve got to be uncomfortable in order to grow. We certainly had some uncomfortable moments last year as a team, but we also showed throughout the season how strong our culture is,” he said.
Beamer is confident that this strong culture will help the team bounce back from a tough year and improve in the SEC.
