Shane Beamer wanted the South Carolina job in part to return to the place he considers home. Now he’ll add a veteran Southeastern Conference assistant coach to his first Gamecock coaching staff that was eager to return home.

Arkansas receivers coach Justin Stepp has made the decision to leave Sam Pittman’s Razorback program to join Beamer’s Gamecock program. This news was first reported by FootballScoop.

South Carolina’s new receivers coach is originally from South Carolina, as he attended Pellon High School and graduated from Furman.

Stepp is regarded by many as one of the best rising assistant coaches in the SEC. He was the lone holdover from Chad Morris’ staff to land a job on Sam Pittman’s first Arkansas staff.

Before joining Morris at Arkansas, Stepp served as an assistant coach at Clemson, Appalachian State and SMU.

During Stepp’s time at SMU, he helped develop receivers Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn to fantastic college careers. Sutton went on to become a second-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft (Denver Broncos) and Quinn was named a Biletnikoff Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose semifinalist during his final season at SMU.

At Arkansas, Stepp developed Treylon Burks into one of the SEC’s best receivers and helped Mike Woods and De’Vion Warren to career seasons in 2020. Rivals has named Stepp as one of the best 25 recruiters in the nation for his efforts recruiting for the Razorbacks.

Here’s an updated look at South Carolina’s coaching staff (two full-time spots remain open):

  • Shane Beamer, head coach
  • Mike Bobo, offensive coordinator
  • Justin Stepp, receivers
  • Des Kitchings, running backs
  • Mike Peterson, linebackers
  • Tracy Rocker, defensive line
  • Erik Kimrey, tight ends
  • Will Friend, offensive line
  • Pete Lembo, special teams coordinator