South Carolina football: opposing coaches speak on Beamer

South Carolina football’s new coach received praise from SEC coaches.

Shane Beamer took the stage yesterday at 4 PM as he closed out the first segment of SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama ahead of his inaugural season with South Carolina. His message to the members of the media was one of excitement, positivity, and growth as he tries to navigate the Gamecock program back to the top of the league standings.

Beamer was able to touch on the health of his roster, give an update on the quarterback situation, and convey his outlook for the future, but first, he had to wait his turn.

While Beamer waited patiently for his opportunity to speak at the podium, the two coaches ahead of him took a moment to give their opinions on South Carolina football’s new leader and their expectations of the program during his first season in Columbia. Those two coaches were LSU’s Ed Orgeron and Florida’s Dan Mullen.

Orgeron led off the event, and had the following to say about coach Beamer.

"“I know him a little bit. I saw him at the airport… Yes, it’s his first job. I’m excited for him… [T]here’s a tremendous amount of talent in South Carolina. I think that he’s going to do a tremendous job… I wish him the very best.”"

Orgeron has been at multiple stops throughout his head coaching career, including Southern Cal, Ole Miss, and, now, LSU. He struggled at previous stops, but reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2019 as his Tigers took home a national title. That team possessed maybe the most potent offense in college football history, and concluded a perfect 15-0 season with a blowout win over Clemson in the CFP championship.

His words come as a huge compliment to South Carolina’s new leader, and hopefully will resonate a message that greatness can be accomplished through patience.

Second on the list was Florida head man Dan Mullen. Mullen, sporting his custom made Jordan’s, gave some insights to his familiarity with Beamer.

"“I know Shane really well. I’ve known him for a long time. I’m really excited for him, really happy for him. Great football coach. Obviously, comes from a football family… I’m excited for the opportunity that he’s going to have, to go build his own program now and put his stamp on it.”"

Beamer has been all over the SEC, having coached as an assistant at Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi State. His past has connected him with a number of the league’s coaches, as has the relation to his father, Virginia Tech legend Frank Beamer.

Mullen is gearing up for year four in Gainesville after leading the Gators to an SEC Championship appearance last season. He’s gone 29-9 in his first three campaigns following a nine-year stint with Mississippi State.

Beamer will have his first opportunity to lead the Gamecocks this Fall, and fans are hoping that these predictions come to fruition. South Carolina will kick off its 2021 season on September 4th against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at 7 PM in Williams-Brice Stadium.