Shane Beamer speaks about rise of South Carolina program as College GameDay takes notice
By Keith Farner
Published:
Shane Beamer is quick to point out the growth of his South Carolina program, and on Wednesday noted how the Gamecocks 2 years ago were picked near the bottom of the SEC East, just above Vanderbilt.
Beamer also remembered how a national media member said the 2021 team had a ceiling of 2 wins. Now, the Gamecocks will be showcased to open the season as ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand to promote their game against North Carolina.
“Makes a great statement about the progress we’ve made and some of the things that we’ve accomplished,” Beamer said. “We’re certainly proud of that, but we also know that we’re nowhere near being where we’re going to go. And there’s a lot more that we can do in this program and going to continue to do as we build this program and move it forward.”
Asked about facing North Carolina QB Drake Maye, who is in the early conversation among possible Heisman Trophy contenders and a projected early NFL draft pick, Beamer said the defensive players have a bit more focus on preparation.
“Anytime you’re opening up with a really talented opponent like North Carolina is, a really talented quarterback that many people say is going to be is going to be the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the draft next spring, it certainly heightens the urgency as well. Our players are aware, “he said. “We need to worry about ourselves and we will, but certainly we love competition.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
