Shane Beamer could be poaching a defensive coordinator from an SEC team.

Mike Uva of WACH FOX in Columbia, South Carolina reports that Beamer is in Starkville, Mississippi to see Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett. Uva notes that he cannot confirm if Beamer’s trip to Starkville is to hire Arnett or simply meet with him.

Beamer’s flight west follows reports that the new South Carolina head coach was targeting a sitting SEC defensive coordinator for his Gamecocks coaching staff. The Bulldogs defense was one of the highlights of Mississippi State’s 4-7 season in Year 1 under Mike Leach.

MSU finished No. 5 in the SEC in total defense, giving up 389.7 yards per game and No. 6 in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 28.1 points per game. The Bulldogs were No. 4 in the conference in containing the rush, allowing 126.36 yards per game on the ground. The passing defense was No. 10, allowing 263.4 yards per game through the air.