A former South Carolina football star gives his views on DB’s new signing.
Shane Beamer hired former Florida quarterback Torrian Gray to take on the same role on the South Carolina football team next season. Gray brings with him more than 20 years of coaching experience, both at university and professional level.
Shortly after the hiring was made public, a former Gamecock star gave his opinion on the new addition to the South Carolina team.
Defensive defense DJ Swearinger gave an enthusiastic endorsement to Gray, who coached high school while Swearinger played for the Washington Football Team.
The endorsement should come as no surprise to Gamecocks’ coaching staff, as Gray has been a key target for the defense coach since the beginning. His experience includes time at ACC, SEC and NFL, and he has helped players like Kam Chancellor, CJ Henderson, Kendall Fuller, Kyle Fuller and Teez Tabor to reach the professional level.
One of the most outspoken alumni on social media, Swearinger has no problem saying what he thinks when it comes to the Gamecock program. Earlier this year, he criticized some of the defenders who chose not to participate in the last three games of the season due to the dismissal of coach Will Muschamp. He has been loyal to the university and wants to see the program return to the level of success seen during his tenure at Gamecock.
Over a four-year career at Columbia, Swearinger recorded 244 tackles, six choices and three touchdowns. He was a member of two 11-win teams, as well as the SEC’s Eastern division championship team 2010.
Swearinger is now in his eighth season in the NFL, where he recorded 424 tackles, 14 interceptions and nine forced fumbles. He is currently part of the New Orleans defense that leads the NFL in interceptions. Swearinger and Saints will continue their playoff race next weekend when they face Tampa Bay Buccaneers.