Shane Beamer Provides Final Update on Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers for Akron Game
Shane Beamer stated that he is not yet ready to rule out LaNorris Sellers for the matchup against Akron on Saturday. During a radio call-in show on Thursday, Beamer mentioned that coaches are uncertain whether Sellers will start or play against the Zips at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Sellers sustained an ankle injury during the first half of last week’s game against LSU. He returned for one series in the second half but was limited and did not continue playing.
Beamer said, “LaNorris has done a little bit more in practice each day this week.” He noted that Sellers made progress each day, improving from Sunday to Wednesday. Beamer will evaluate his condition on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Sellers described how his ankle “flattened” during a tackle by an LSU player. Early in the week, two sources indicated that his ankle was in a cast, but by Wednesday, he was practicing without it. Though Sellers was heavily taped, he managed to perform drop-backs with his helmet before changing into street clothes.
If Sellers is unable to play, Robby Ashford will start. Ashford filled in for Sellers during the previous game. He is in his first season with the Gamecocks after stints at Oregon and Auburn. Ashford had previously made nine starts at Auburn and recorded 2 of 4 passing for 42 yards, along with 11 carries for 11 yards against LSU. Overall, he has tallied 1,807 passing yards, 964 rushing yards, and 21 total touchdowns in the past two-plus years.
Beamer also mentioned that receiver Jared Brown and linebacker Bangally Kamara are in similar situations and will likely know closer to game time whether they will play. Additionally, receiver Gage Larvadain and Trovon Baugh, who missed last week’s game, are both “a week healthier.” Safety Nick Emmanwori and defensive lineman TJ Sanders, who left the LSU game with injuries, are reported to be fine.
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