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SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic was on the sideline for a few South Carolina football games in 2025. Cubelic heard a recurring theme from coach Shane Beamer during those broadcasts.
“We had them three times in a six-week period last season and every game Shane Beamer would come to me at some point during the game and say, ‘We’ve got to run the quarterback,’” Cubelic said while speaking on the "SEC Now” show Tuesday from SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida.
Beamer discussed the topic at length with reporters Tuesday. The sixth-year Gamecocks head coach was asked about QB LaNorris Sellers’ ability to run the ball - and if fans can expect more of it as he enters his third year as a starter.
“I think we would be crazy not to utilize LaNorris’ legs,” Beamer said. “He is a load to bring down. Do we want him running the ball 40 times a game? No. But what makes LaNorris great is his ability to throw the ball and run the ball. Will there be some designed runs for LaNorris? Absolutely. Will there be plays that break down from a protection standpoint that he needs to improvise and make plays with his feet? I’m sure there will be.
“... We would be remiss, in my opinion, if we don’t utilize what makes LaNorris Sellers great. And his legs are a big part of it.”
Sellers’ running numbers took a big dip from the 2024 to 2025 seasons. In 2024, the former South Florence High standout had a pair of 100-yard rushing games and finished the season with 674 yards and seven touchdowns.
Sellers’ most memorable performance that year came when he ran for a career-high 166 yards in the 17-14 win over Clemson that nearly put the Gamecocks into the College Football Playoff.
Last year, Sellers ran the ball 17 fewer times than his 166 carries in 2024 and finished with 270 yards and five touchdowns.
Sellers’ best rushing game was against Coastal Carolina (82 yards).
With the addition of Kendal Briles as USC’s new offensive coordinator, it appears likely that Sellers’ mobility will be showcased more. At Arkansas from 2020-22, Briles worked with KJ Jefferson (6-foot-3, 247 pounds), who has a similar frame and skillset to the 6-3, 238-pound Sellers.
Jefferson rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final two years working with Briles.
“He is one of the more dynamic athletes in all of college football, and I think they need to continue to use him like that as they figure what this offense looks like,” SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers said of Sellers.
