South Carolina football: Shane Beamer compares Luke Doty to Jalen Hurts

South Carolina football’s Shane Beamer compares Luke Doty to NFL QB.

South Carolina wrapped up its first Spring practice season under head coach Shane Beamer on Sunday with the conclusion of its annual Garnet and Black Game. It was a low scoring affair, and one that was cut a bit short due to the health of the team. Though nearly 25% of the roster was on the sidelines for the scrimmage, there were some nice performances by a few Gamecocks that are sure to be contributors in the upcoming season.

One of those players was the incumbent starter at quarterback, Luke Doty, who led the Gamecocks in their final two games of 2020. Though both were losses, Doty’s athleticism was evident, and his potential ceiling at the position is sky high. Moving on to 2021, it appears as though the soon-to-be sophomore is continuing to build upon the lessons learned in his first campaign, as he prepares for a second stint under center.

His new coach is taking note, too, as Beamer has praised both Doty’s performance and leadership throughout the offseason. Beamer went as far as to name the passer as the team’s starting signal caller following the Spring Game.

"“Unless something totally changes between now and when we watch the tape, Luke Doty is our starting quarterback.”"

That should give his young quarterback some confidence heading into Summer workouts, and eventually into the Fall, as the Gamecocks look to erase the memories of a two-win season from last year. But Beamer didn’t stop there. The first-year head coach would go as far as to compare Doty to former Alabama and Oklahoma star, and current NFL quarterback, Jalen Hurts.

"“I was around Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma. Jalen’s ability to lead, intelligence, athleticism, and the way he’s able to run the football and throw it well enough, Luke reminds me of him in a lot of ways.”"

Hurts threw for more than 3,800 yards in his lone season with the Sooners, after a national championship winning career in Tuscaloosa. He also ran for over 1,200 yards and accounted for 52 touchdowns to finish second in the Heisman voting.

Doty is going to be a huge key to the success of South Carolina’s season, and though no one expects him to post these video game numbers in 2021, his leadership will go a long way in turning around the program. The talent and potential are certainly there, as the former four-star prospect was courted by a number of big time schools throughout the recruiting process.

Doty’s ability to use his legs and arm against opposing defenses will make him hard to contain. The offense, particularly the passing game, sputtered for much of last year. Here’s to hoping Doty can flip the script next season.