South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer understands the impact that a walk-on can have on a football team. Beamer, who also performed at Virginia Tech, shared a story on the national signing day of how a former Gamecock player made a big move alongside teammates in the biggest win in the program’s history.
“One of my favorite graphics in our indoor space (practice installation) is an image on the wall,” said Beamer. “It was when we defeated Alabama in 2010. There is a photo of Trent Richardson, Alabama running back, on the ground after we approached him. Standing over him is Stephon Gilmore, Antonio Allen, two great defensive players, but then Blake Baxley, which was a tremendous down to earth for us. He covered the kickoffs.
“We scored, the crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium is going crazy and we started cockabooses and Richardson tries to bounce the ball back to our touchline and we face him inside the 20’s and there it is Blake Baxley, Stephon Gilmore and Antonio Allen celebrating together with the other guys on the starting team. I love this image because it is everything I want this program to be. I want it to be about altruism and team. “
Baxley, a Columbia native, was a product of Lexington High School. After spending time at Midlands Technical College, he joined the team as a substitute defender in 2007. As a veteran in 2010, he made a great move against the country’s No. 1 team. Beamer says there are more high school players in the state who can do the same thing.
“In this state, there are many players who fail and are overlooked in the recruitment process,” said Beamer. “You are able to bring them here, develop them and make them great players.”
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Notable visitors to Beamer State and his team have welcomed the program to Sumter running back Nathan Harris-Waynick, Greenwood Linebacker KJ Scott, Wide AC Flora receiver Eriq rice and Heathwood Hall linebacker Ronnie Porter.
Congratulations, young bull, it’s time to work !! https://t.co/twpZgoeTDt
– DJ Swearinger (@JungleBoi_Swagg) February 6, 2021
“I was a walk-on. These guys like me, ”said Beamer. “For me, when you have some problems with the candidate list and some friction, one of the best ways to build that support when you don’t have scholarships is with the follow-up program.
“We have been active in trying to find guys and sell them what a fantastic opportunity this is in Carolina. This will always be a critical aspect of this program; bring guys here as walk-ons, develop them as players and student-athletes and put them on the field. The fact that we added guys to this program that refused financial opportunities at other schools to step here, we couldn’t be more excited about these guys. “