South Carolina football: Erik Kimrey to join Gamecocks coaching staff

Former player Erik Kimrey expected to join South Carolina football staff.

Erik Kimrey is expected to be the next coach to join the staff in Columbia, according to a report by 247 Sports. The former Gamecock football player has been head coach at Hammond High School in the midlands for the last 17 years, where he built an unstoppable program and led his teams to 12 state titles.

On Wednesday, Kimrey announced his resignation from Hammond, a move signaling his acceptance of the position on Shane Beamer’s new staff. He’s expected to coach tight ends in his new role.

Due to the fact that the Gamecocks have first-year players on the roster that played for Hammond, Kimrey has to work in an on-field capacity. In last year’s class, South Carolina landed the commitments of stud defensive linemen Jordan Burch and Alex Huntley, both of whom played for the Skyhawks.

Kimrey played for the Gamecocks under head coach Lou Holtz, between 2000 and 2002. His most memorable moment in college football came in a 2000 matchup between South Carolina and Mississippi State.

Both teams entered the game undefeated, with the Gamecocks having already pulled an upset over ninth-ranked Georgia. It was the season following a 21-game losing streak, and the team was trying to get their second win over a ranked foe in four games.

On a late fourth quarter drive, with the Gamecocks trailing 19-13, quarterback Phil Petty was injured on a third-down play with the team driving to take the lead. Kimrey was inserted into the lineup, telling coach Holtz that he can throw the fade route.

Kimrey took the fourth down snap and lofted a looping pass to receiver Jermale Kelly. Kelly was able to run under the pass and haul in the game-winning touchdown reception.

Kimrey becomes the first hire for Shane Beamer. Offensive line coach Will Friend is expected to join the staff, too.