LaNorris Sellers Earns Viral Respect After Game-Saving Play vs. Virginia Tech
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers continues to prove why he’s one of the toughest players in college football to bring down. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, the redshirt sophomore showed once again in the Gamecocks’ 24-11 victory over Virginia Tech that he’s a nightmare for defenders.
Hokies defensive lineman Kemari Copeland experienced that firsthand—and his reaction has gone viral. After the game, Copeland posted a TikTok video recapping his season debut. In the clip, which has already racked up over 60,000 views, he singled out one moment in particular: trying (and failing) to tackle Sellers on a critical 3rd-and-13.
“A clip of me went viral, missing this tackle,” Copeland admitted. “But I want to say, this dude, LaNorris, is strong as heck.”
The play came late in the fourth quarter with South Carolina looking to close out the game. Copeland, a 6-foot-3, 283-pound redshirt junior, blew past USC guard Markee Anderson and had Sellers wrapped up for what looked like a drive-killing sack. Instead, Sellers broke free.
“I’m not going to lie, bro. Any other quarterback, I would’ve sacked on this play. But this dude is strong as heck, bro,” Copeland said.
After escaping Copeland, Sellers slipped past two more defenders and scrambled 16 yards for a first down. That run allowed South Carolina to kneel out the clock and secure the win. Sellers finished with 25 rushing yards and a touchdown, including that highlight-reel scramble.
Copeland still put together a solid performance, recording five tackles, a tackle for loss, and half a sack. But even he couldn’t deny what it felt like to face Sellers.
“I’m going to give respect where respect is due. I’m not even trying to glaze,” Copeland said. “This dude is strong as heck, bro. Then I got up and tried to chase him. He’s fast as heck, too.”
Sellers also impressed through the air, completing 12 of 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown—good for a 63 percent completion rate in the opener.
“Hey man, my respect goes to LaNorris, bro. He’s strong as heck,” Copeland added. “My respect to South Carolina. They’ve got a good squad. They’ll be pretty good this year.”
The Gamecocks now turn their attention to their home opener against South Carolina State on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., streaming on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.
