Before he was a household name, a hero against the in-state rival, or a Heisman hopeful, LaNorris Sellers was just a kid with big football dreams. Under the Friday night lights at South Florence High School, he wasn't thinking of just touchdowns and trophies, but something bigger than himself.
Now, here his two and a half years later, doing something impactful for the community he called "home" growing up.
On Thursday night, surrounded by the community that raised him, Sellers will donate $16,000 to his former South Florence football program. The number 16 being the same number that he has proudly worn on his back from his high school days to making a touchdown against Clemson for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
The gift will be presented during a free meet-and-greet event at 6 p.m. at the high school.
“I’m just really giving back to the school,” Sellers shared. “For everything they’ve done for me, my brothers, all the other players who went to college—the development, the relationships.”
While the journey has been worth it, it hasn't been easy. After losing his freshman season in high school due to the pandemic, and a devastating injury in his junior year, it might have derailed some athletes. But with South Florence head coach Drew Marlowe's belief in Sellers, the Bruins dominated the following year with a perfect 15-0 season and a state title. And young Sellers, accounting for over 4,000 yards and 62 touchdowns along the way, silenced the doubters and reclaimed his spotlight.
Coach Marlowe once told him, “We’re gonna win a state championship here while you’re here.” And they did just that.
As a Gamecock, his stock is rising as the NIL deals roll in and his name is gaining national attention, but Sellers hasn't lost sight of what matters to him the most. And long after the headlines fade, the South Florence and South Carolina star will be remembered not just as a legend on the field, but as a young man who never forgot where he came from.