South Carolina Football: Predictions for the two-deep on the Gamecock offense

South Carolina Football Two-Deep Predictions on Offense:
Quarterback

Most fans were not surprised earlier this spring when South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer named LaNorris Sellers the starting quarterback after the Garnet and Black Spring Game. They also weren't surprised when the name Robby Ashford was brought up as a player who could get some snaps under center, as well.

Because of that, predicting the two-deep at quarterback isn't very difficult:

STARTER, LaNorris Sellers

LaNorris Sellers is just a redshirt freshman, but expectations are high for the talented Palmetto State native. Last year, the hype from summer workout and fall practices was high, despite everyone understanding the bespectacled Sellers was destined for a redshirt.

When he got into the game (playing less than five games so as to preserve that redshirt), Sellers was impressive. He had two touchdown passes against Furman, including a perfectly-located out route to fellow freshman Nyck Harbor and an in-stride bomb to freshman Tyshawn Russell. Against Vanderbilt, he had a nice run in which he checked out of the originally-called play and scampered for a 36-yard touchdown through would-be tacklers.

The offseason reports on Sellers are even more impressive in 2024 than they were in 2023, and some non-Gamecock outlets have jumped onto the LaNorris Sellers bandwagon. He isn't a secret commodity anymore, but if he can live up to the lofty expectations set before him, the Carolina offense could be a fun watch this fall..

BACKUP, Robby Ashford

Almost a carbon copy of LaNorris Sellers from a physical standpoint, Robby Ashford fits the role of backup quarterback perfectly for the Gamecocks. He has not shown himself to be the type of passer that Sellers is believed to be, but he has lots of experience as a part-time starter at Auburn.

With the quarterback run game believed to be a bigger part of the offensive equation this fall (thanks to new run game coordinator Shawn Elliott), Sellers will run the ball a lot, but Ashford could be called upon to take some of the physical load off of the young starter, especially in short-yardage, high-contact situations.

OTHER NAMES TO KNOW

While Sellers will get almost every non-garbage time snap at quarterback and Ashford could get a few looks to take some of the load off of the starter, there is also a chance Carolina fans see some other faces taking snaps this fall.

Luke Doty has continued to work with both the quarterbacks and wide receivers this season, indicating there are some packages in which the former 4-star quarterback could be utilized in the backfield. He is also a candidate for gadget plays from the wide receiver spot like was seen in his 1-yard touchdown on a reverse against Clemson (it looked like there was a pass option on the play).

Davis Beville is a walk-on transfer who started games at Pittsburgh and Oklahoma. While he should not be expected to play unless something strange happens, he has experience. Dante Reno is a 4-star true freshman who should be a redshirt candidate.