Shane Beamer shares thoughts at "Birdies with Beamer" Golf Tournament at Cobblestone Park Golf Club

On Monday, July 28, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer met with the media following the "Birdies with Beamer" golf tournament at Cobblestone Park Golf Club. What were the biggest takeaways following the golf outing?
Missouri v South Carolina
Missouri v South Carolina | Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages

You know football season is officially back in Columbia, SC when the "Birdies with Beamer" golf tournament is held. On Monday, July 28, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer met with the media following the golf outing at Cobblestone Park Golf Club. What were the biggest takeaways as Beamer met with Gamecocks media?

One of the first questions was about Rahsul Faison, the running back who's still waiting on the decision from the NCAA to see if he is eligible to play or not. Beamer stated, “No. Wish I had a different answer for you. He texted me earlier, and I called him back, talking about Civil War, and I was on the phone with some people yesterday, trying to get some things done from that standpoint. (I’ve) got a lot of respect for Charlie Baker, who heads up the NCAA, and confident that they will do the right thing when that time is.”

It's a tough spot to be in for Faison, who wants to come play for the Gamecocks, but is in limbo with the NCAA. If he isn't granted eligibility, then he will have to find an NFL camp to join. If he is granted, however, then he adds another weapon to the Gamecock's offense in 2025. tough place to be for him and the Gamecocks, who are playing the waiting game with the ever-slow-moving NCAA. When asked if Faison can practice, even if not cleared, “That’s my plan. He asked me the same question today, and I told him yes. So until somebody tells me otherwise, he’s practicing.”

Another talking point was the addition of Defensive Analyst Geoff Collins. He joins the Gamecocks following his time with the UNC Tar Heels as the defensive coordinator. The former DC and head coach at multiple programs will bring 28 years of coaching knowledge to Beamer's staff. Beamer was asked about the hiring of Collins, "...I’m not a guy that just hires people to hire people. I’ll never want to be the head coach who has the biggest staff in the country. I’m not that guy. If you bring somebody into our program, there’s a reason you’re bringing them in. Certainly, with Geoff, there’s a reason he’s a really talented coach. You look at his background in coaching, the places he’s been, who he’s worked with, the roles that he’s had."

Shane Beamer, Taylor Davis
South Carolina v Clemson | Isaiah Vazquez/GettyImages

Collins was the head coach at Gegoria Tech for four seasons, and at Temple for two years. He even had time as the DC with the Florida Gators, so he has some experience in the SEC. Beamer even went on to say, "But to answer your question, just his knowledge from a defensive standpoint. But I think anytime you can add experience in that room, and we got an amazing defensive staff already, those guys have been together. They work well together. They’re really knowledgeable. There’s talented coaches in that room."

Beamer has massive repsect for his coaches already, and adding a guy like Collins just gives that room a boost, not only for the players for the coaches. That's veteran knowledge entering the defensive room for the Gamecocks.

The last thing was about the Gamecocks playing against the Virginia Tech Hokies, a team Beamer has deep roots with. When asked about that season opener against the Hokies, “I’m happy to be playing a marquee opener. It makes it a little bit different, obviously, because it’s where I grew up and my dad’s got a statue outside the stadium. That’s a little bit different. But I love playing marquee openers where you’re where you jump right into it. You look around college football, great matchups like that across the country."

There was a lot more as Beamer met with the media for almost 19 minutes following the "Birdies with Beamer" golf tournament. It's worth a watch as he dives into a multitude of things throughout the press conference. Camp starts on Friday, and the season begins in 34 days. It's going to be an exciting time in Columbia for Gamecock fans.