Shane Beamer describes Travian Robertson as 'lucky to be alive' after car wreck, will not coach in Week 1

A week ago today, South Carolina’s Travian Robertson was in a serious car accident. Shane Beamer has since shared an update on the Gamecocks’ defensive line coach, who will obviously not be present for their opener this weekend in Atlanta.

Beamer provided another statement on Robertson’s status during his opening statement at a press conference on Wednesday. He said that he was “very lucky to be alive” after the wreck but, now that he’s recovering, Robertson will continue to do so throughout the weekend rather than being at South Carolina’s opener versus Virginia Tech.

“Update on Travian Robertson. Obviously, really, really, really serious accident last week,” said Beamer. “Truthfully, he’s very lucky to be alive, as well. He will not be with us this weekend in Atlanta. He will be back soon. I’ve talked to him. I’ve seen him since the wreck and have talked to him as well, and he’s eager to get back out here and will be as soon as possible.”

Robertson, a former defensive lineman himself for the Gamecocks from 2007-2011, has been on staff for the past three years since 2023. That’s after previously being on staff at Georgia State and Tulane, as he’s returned to his alma mater at South Carolina.

In Robertson’s short-term absence, Beamer explained who on staff is helping to take over his duties. It’ll be a group effort by their defensive staff, though, with them also expecting their defensive linemen to play that much harder for their position coach until his return.

“Jordan Dove, who works closely with our defensive line, is essentially the defensive line coach right now, working with the tackles. Obviously, Sterling Lucas is heavily involved, being that his position lines up next to the tackles. And then we’ve got a really talented defensive staff and everybody’s responsibilities need to increase in Travian’s absence, in the short-term,” Beamer said. “This won’t be an all-year thing by any stretch of the imagination. But, just this week and until Travian gets back.

“Then, we’re fortunate that we’ve got an older group in that room. We’ve got older guys in that defensive line room, and they’ll all do a great job and play their butts off this weekend for Travian and until he gets back here with us.”

Beamer knows Robertson wishes he could be there as the Gamecocks open their season on Sunday. Still, the most important thing for them right now is that he’s alive, healing, and preparing to return to his job with the program when he can.

“Everyone knows what this place means to him and how much it hurts him not to be here with us right now, but his health is the primary thing and (he) had some pretty serious stuff happen to him in that wreck,” Beamer said. “So, would ask for continued thoughts and prayers for he and his family.

“He is going to be okay. It’s nothing long-term. It’s just, physically, he’s not able to be down on the sidelines at a game right now.”