Here’s what Shane Beamer said following the first scrimmage of fall camp.
The first scrimmage of fall camp is an important one for coaches and players as they prepare for the season. This is when coaches may assess their players’ growth and the players can begin to separate themselves from the group.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer spoke with the media after Saturday’s scrimmage. He discussed everything from the offense, injuries, to new technology employed this season.
Coach Beamer was asked how LaNorris looked and how the battle for the QB1 job was proceeding.
“LaNorris looked good,” Coach Beaner commented. “He and Robby [Ashford] had some work with the first group. LaNorris received some work from the second group. I think LaNorris did a good job. He was poised and composed out there, making some excellent throws, running some nice plays, and managing the offense effectively. “Robby Ashford flashed.”
Teams will be able to interact on the sideline using iPads and in-helmet communication, just like NFL players, starting in 2024. This should greatly benefit both offenses and defenses in the future.
“We were able to utilize the Ipads like we’ll be able to use in games this season,” Coach Beamer said. “I know from just talking to LaNorris it was beneficial to him. We utilized the radio in the helmet communication with the quarterbacks and the guys on defense. That was very beneficial.”
Health will be a big topic floating around the Gamecocks program this season as they struggled with injuries at certain spots last year. Though several players missed the first scrimmage, fortunately for South Carolina there doesn’t seem to be any major injuries so far.
“These guys didn’t scrimmage today, Markee Anderson, Vandrevius Jacobs, Elijah Davis, Jakai Moore, Reid Mikeska, JuJu McDowell, Bam Martin-Scott, and (Raheim) Rocket Sanders,” Coach Beamer said. “Nothing Major. All those guys practiced this week and had some normal bumps and bruises and did not go today. Expect all of them to be back at practice tomorrow and ready to rock and roll.”
Coach Beamer was asked how the offense performed at today’s scrimmage. While there were some positive aspects, he says that there are many issues that require cleaning up.
“We had some self-inflicted things today,” Coach Beamer explained. “From an attacking sense, that will cost football games. Whether it’s drops or penalties, there’s something we can fix today. Overall, I was satisfied.
Last season, the offensive line suffered as players came in and out of the lineup. Jakai Moore, a sixth-year guard, indicated earlier this week that the line had put in extra work this summer. It appears to be paying off.
“I feel pretty good,” Coach Beamer admitted. “Aside from Markee and Jakai not playing today, they’ve been in good health. Markee just had something that he tweaked somewhat yesterday. Jakai, the same thing. Overall, I have been happy. “I like how those guys have been working.”
South Carolina is slated to hold two more scrimmages during fall camp before its August 31 opening against Old Dominion. Stay with Sports Illustrated as we provide all of the updates building up to week one.
