Shane Beamer: LaNorris Sellers was 'really good' in spring game

Shane Beamer has not named the South Carolina starter quite yet. But you have to feel pretty good about where LaNorris Sellers stands at this point. Sellers impressed during the spring game over the weekend, potentially taking another step ahead of Robby Ashford and others competing.

When asked his thoughts about Sellers’ performance, Beamer had nothing but praise. South Carolina likes the quarterback for his dual-threat abilities and Beamer let Norris run at times. Taking command of the offense is what he was most looking for, though, and Norris delivered.

“I thought Sellers was really, really good,” Beamer said. “He has been good all spring. He won an award, at halftime, that we decided on as coaches, and thought he looked very poised out there, very efficient. Looked good running the ball… I thought he did a really good job of operating the offense.”

Sellers only played in the first half and received his award at halftime, being named the Joe Morrison Offensive Player of the Spring. Not just for his nine of 11 performance with 70 passing yards and 38 yards plus a touchdown — but for how Sellers played through all 15 practices.

Ashford heavily struggled during the South Carolina spring game, completing just one pass for 14 yards. He was not able to run outside of the pocket either, having a noncontact jersey on. Using his feet is a big part of Ashford’s game dating back to his time at Auburn.

The difference between the two was stark and Beamer was impressed with Sellers. The quarterback himself took some time to asses his own performance, having high praise too.

“I think I did pretty good,” Sellers said. “We moved the ball, we scored, kept the ball safe. So, that’s the most important thing.”

Even so, the competition will go into the summer and potentially the fall. Beamer will have to name a starter eventually, likely when the NCAA transfer portal window is not open.

A big season is ahead of South Carolina, needing to get back to winning ways in Beamers’ fourth season in charge. Spencer Rattler carried the offense for the last two seasons but it’s a new era for the Gamecocks in Columbia.

Sellers is likely hoping he is the guy to lead the program for the 2024 season. And while he has not officially won the job yet, his mindset seems to be in the right place.