South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is sticking to tradition rather than following the crowd with college football spring games. In a recent trend across college football, several programs have canceled their spring games, but Beamer emphasized the invaluable experience it provides for the team, especially those transitioning from high school to college.
Recently, Beamer discussed the current debate over canceled spring games with ESPN's Heather Dinich, expressing the importance and giving no indication that he would be ending the tradition any time in the future.
“We don’t get preseason games in college football,” Beamer said. “I’ve got an opportunity with all of these freshmen — the last game they played in was in high school — and I’ve got an opportunity to let them play a game in front of tens of thousands of people. They get a chance to perform in front of a big crowd as opposed to the first time they’re playing a game in front of a crowd is the first game of the season over in Atlanta against Virginia Tech.”
In a landscape where 19 Power Four programs have canceled their spring games prior to the upcoming season, Beamer's steadfast support shows his dedication to player development. The upcoming spring game in April not only serves as a vital tool to prepping for the season but also solidifies the commitment to maintaining cherished football traditions.
Practice for the Gamecocks start on March 19, with the Garnet and Black Spring Game slated for April 18 at 7:30 p.m.