South Carolina’s annual newcomer team talent show featured a unique challenge this week — a spelling bee.
When running back Rahsul Faison stepped up, his word was “eligibility.”
It couldn’t have been more fitting. The Utah State transfer is still waiting on the NCAA to decide whether he’ll be granted a waiver for one final year of eligibility.
“No update on Rahsul; I know you’re going to ask,” head coach Shane Beamer told reporters Tuesday. “Same story as last week, hopeful and optimistic we’ll hear something from the NCAA soon.”
Faison, who joined the Gamecocks this offseason, is aiming to be on the field when South Carolina opens the season against Virginia Tech in less than two weeks. But for that to happen, the NCAA must grant him clearance.
With other high-profile waiver cases being resolved recently, Beamer was pressed on whether there’s been any word on when a decision could come.
“I think we’re just in line,” Beamer explained. “We’ve given them everything that they’ve asked, and they’ve come back a couple of times in the last few months, just wanting a little bit more. I think that process, that communication has been very clear and concise. Obviously, the (case) that I’m most worried about is this one, there’s also other cases like you’re alluding to as well and I think we’re in line, if you will.
“I don’t know the logistics of how everything works there at the NCAA, but it’s not a matter at this point of, they don’t have what they need. Now, they may call me as soon as I walk out of here or call us and say they still need clarity on this scenario but until they tell me otherwise, I think we’re just in line.”
While the Gamecocks await a ruling, the coaching staff has been practicing as if Faison will be available.
The running back room is deeper this season with Oscar Adaway, Matthew Fuller, Jawarn Howell, Bradley Dunn, and transfer Isaiah Augustave, meaning plenty of rotation is happening in practices. Beamer emphasized that the distribution of reps isn’t just about Faison’s situation but standard preparation to keep multiple backs ready.
“I’ve been proud of (Faison), the way that he’s worked,” Beamer said. “Proud of that whole group and the way that they’ve supported him throughout this process as well. I believe this, we’re better in that running back room than we were last year. And that’s nothing against anybody that was here, nothing against Rocket (Sanders), Rocket was the guy in that room. He got the bulk of the reps and the carries (but) we have more depth in that room this year, and they’re all really supportive of each other.”
For now, the Gamecocks continue to wait, hoping the next time Faison hears the word “eligibility,” it comes with good news.
