
6 Gamecocks Earn All-SEC Honors; Beamer Named Eddie Robinson Award Finalist
Gamecocks on top! 6 players from the University of South Carolina football team were named to the Coaches’ All-SEC teams, the Southeastern Conference announced. The honors included three first-team selections, highlighting a standout season for the Gamecocks.
All-SEC Honorees
First-Team Selections:
- Kyle Kennard (DL): The senior from Atlanta, Georgia, dominated the field, leading the SEC with 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, which ranked sixth nationally. The Nagurski Trophy winner also contributed 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles.
- Nick Emmanwori (DB): A junior from Irmo, South Carolina, Emmanwori led the Gamecocks with 83 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss. He tied for the SEC lead with four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
- Kai Kroeger (P): Returning to the All-SEC first team, the senior from Lake Forest, Illinois, averaged 47.6 yards per punt, with 18 punts of 50 yards or more and 18 downed inside the 20-yard line.

Other Gamecocks as Honorees:
- Raheim Sanders (RB): A second-team pick, the senior rushed for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 316 receiving yards and two scores in a strong bounce-back season.
- LaNorris Sellers (QB): The redshirt freshman and third-team selection passed for 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 655 rushing yards and seven scores.
- Torricelli Simpkins III (OL): The senior right guard earned third-team honors after stellar performances that included SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week and Outland Trophy National Player of the Week recognition.
Shane Beamer Named Eddie Robinson Award Finalist
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, presented by the Football Writers Association of America and the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Beamer led the Gamecocks to a 9-3 regular season, including a school-record four wins against ranked opponents and a six-game winning streak to close the season. This marks South Carolina’s highest ranking since 2013 and the program’s most regular-season wins in over a decade.
Scratch that semi!
Congratulations to @CoachSBeamer on being a FINALIST for the National Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/8R6dLo1Eyq
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 10, 2024
In his fourth season, Beamer’s 29 wins surpass Steve Spurrier’s record for victories in a coach’s first four years at the school. He also earned SEC Coach of the Year honors for his accomplishments.
Beamer’s Gamecocks will face No. 20 Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, televised nationally on ABC at 3 p.m.
The Eddie Robinson Award winner will be announced on Dec. 18, with the official presentation taking place on Jan. 18, 2025, in Atlanta.
Coach Shane Beamer Sings
WHo knew that Shane beamer may have a singing career if his coaching gig doesn’t work out? Don’t fret Gamecocks, Beamer is staying put for now. But he sure had a lot of fun in Columbia last Friday at the Gamecock NIL concert, featuring Darius Rucker.
@crimeandcask♬ original sound – Crime and Cask
New Offensive Coordinator
Former Alabama coach Mike Shula is being promoted to offensive coordinator at South Carolina after spending this past season as an analyst for the Gamecocks, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
Shula played a key role in the development of redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers, who blossomed into one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Shula will replace Dowell Loggains, who left to become the head coach at Appalachian State.
What’s Next?
Besides beating Clemson, the ACC Champ. The Gamecocks will continue their preparation for the Citrus Bowl versus Illinois, as they celebrate a season of remarkable individual and team achievements. CC News Network Sports will provide ongoing coverage of South Carolina’s journey to the postseason.
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