Shane Beamer addresses unique, complete special teams rebuild
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks are well known for leaning on a strong special teams unit.
Beamer Ball, coined by his father Frank Beamer, has been fully embraced in Columbia. It emphasizes special teams and its role in flipping the field and making game-changing plays whose importance can often be overlooked. One forced fumble, one kickoff return and one monster punt can completely change the flow of a game – especially at the chaotic collegiate level. Beamer and special teams coach Joe DeCamillis demand elite play in special teams each and every year.
It’ll be a challenge to get that done this year, though. That’s because the Gamecocks have to replace their entire special teams unit – they’ll have a new punter, new kicker, new kickoff specialist, new snapper, new holder and new returners.
It’s uncertain who exactly will get which jobs in the special teams room, but look out for Mason Love to potentially win both the punter and kicker duties after serving as the team’s backup specialist last season. According to South Carolina’s site, Love has also served as the placeholder for the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks will next take the field on August 31 at Virginia Tech.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
