ESPN analyst sees 'flashes of Cam Newton' in LaNorris Sellers performance

Quarterback play was a mixed bag around college football during Week 1, with some disappointing performances. One quarterback who certainly did not disappoint was LaNorris Sellers of the South Carolina Gamecocks. In fact, he seemingly positioned himself for plenty of success moving forward in the sport.

ESPN had several analysts praise LaNorris Sellers on Get Up. That included Louis Riddick, who called the game against Virginia Tech. He’d praise Sellers for his blend of athleticism and decision making. Then, former quarterback Jordan Rodgers took it a step further, comparing him to Cam Newton.

“Man, I saw flashes of Cam Newton for exactly what Louis is saying,” Jordan Rodgers said. “The big, physical, strong runner who can throw you and run by you, I thought was so impressive. He can change a game with his feet.”

There is a physicality to the way that Cam Newton ran with that LaNorris Sellers does seem to replicate. On top of that, they’re both capable passers, and they’re both certainly more consistent throwing the ball than some running quarterbacks. At the same time, Newton put together one of the best seasons of all time for a college quarterback in his national championship run at Auburn. So, that is a lot to live up to for Sellers.

In the win against Virginia Tech, Sellers completed 12 of 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 25 yards and another touchdown. That came in a winning effort, though it could have been even better if the players around him performed better.

“Now, I’ll say, he needs some help around him. Only six receptions by wide receivers in that game. Only 12 completions. Nyck Harbor had a couple of big drops, one early on a drive route that could have been a big catch and run,” Rodgers said. “And a touchdown where he’s got two hands on it. You’ve got to bring that down. The one pass attempt that went further than 15 yards downfield, that bomb to Nyck Harbor that changed the game, that’s the flash of brilliance we see from LaNorris Sellers, and that’s why I think he’s put himself in position to be a Top 10 pick next year because of that.”

Cam Newton would go on to become the first overall NFL Draft pick after his Heisman Trophy-winning season. Both of those races are very much now on the table for LaNorris Sellers. He’s now firmly in the public consciousness for both of those, just as long as he can continue to play up to his potential.

Next week, South Carolina will have an FCS opponent coming to town in South Carolina State. After that, SEC play begins in earnest for the Gamecocks and Sellers with Vanderbilt coming to town.