Beamer seeing ‘priceless’ reactions when former players visit

The number of former South Carolina football players who have visited the program since then Shane Beamer was hired as head coach in early December is already in double digits.

From Byron Jerideau and Shaq Wilson returning to the team off the field to Alshon Jeffery, Melvin Ingram and Patrick DiMarco returning to visit the operations facility, it was a Spurrier era meeting at the back of Gamecock Park.

“It’s been great to see so many former players who came by last week; from Alshon Jeffery to Melvin Ingram to Patrick DiMarco to Steve Taneyhill, ”said Beamer this week. “The text messages and phone calls I received from guys, they are going to arrive soon, is what they told me. I am certainly very grateful for them and that is what makes this place so special. “

Beamer had a clear message for ex-Gamecocks, young and old; “This is their program.”

“They built it. I was an assistant coach here and now I’m the head coach, but none of that would be here if it weren’t for these guys and what they did, ”said Beamer. “I met many ex-players in groups, over the phone and via SMS. I said to everyone, ‘You are always welcome and this is your program. I am the head coach, but I am leading your program. ‘”

Ter Ingram – an NFL defender who made three Pro Bowls in his 9-year career – going through these doors has the attention of players.

“They are a valuable resource for our current players,” said Beamer. “The reaction of Jordan Burch when Melvin was walking around the building it was priceless. To see Luke Doty when different guys show up, these guys lead the way. Being able to take advantage of that is great. “

“I saw it in Oklahoma, when former players would be back in the off-season. When Kyler Murray was back or Baker Mayfield, it’s such a big impact. The more I can get these former players to get closer to our current players, the better. “

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