When the news finally broke that running back Rahsul Faison had been cleared to play, the South Carolina locker room erupted with the kind of energy usually reserved for game day. After weeks of uncertainty and anxious waiting around his NCAA eligibility decision, Faison’s return was more than just a roster boost — it was a moment of relief, excitement, and unity for his teammates.
Several Gamecocks admitted they had been quietly rooting for the decision to swing in Faison’s favor. Veteran players described the moment as “a win for the whole team.” Offensive lineman Vershon Lee said, “Rahsul’s been grinding with us every day, even when he didn’t know if he’d be able to suit up. To see him finally get that green light… man, it fired us up. That’s our brother, and he deserves this shot.”
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers echoed those sentiments, pointing to the emotional lift Faison’s clearance provided in practice. “The day the news came through, practice just felt different,” Sellers said with a grin. “He walked out there with the biggest smile, and it was contagious. Everybody fed off it.”
Younger players also looked at Faison’s journey as motivation. Wide receiver Mazeo Bennett shared that the situation taught the team about perseverance. “It wasn’t easy for him, waiting every week not knowing what would happen. But he kept showing up, kept working, kept leading. For the younger guys like me, that’s an example of what it means to be a Gamecock.”
Even on the defensive side, there was a strong sense of pride. Linebacker Stone Blanton said the ruling felt like a morale boost that extended beyond the offense. “We all wanted to see Rahsul get this chance. He’s been through it, but he never once hung his head. That says a lot about his character, and it makes us want to fight that much harder with him.”
Head coach Shane Beamer also noted how the team reacted in the moment. “You would’ve thought we had just won a championship when the news got to the guys,” Beamer said. “That’s how much they care about Rahsul, and that’s how much respect he’s earned in this program.”
For Faison, being cleared to play wasn’t just about stepping onto the field again — it was about validation. And for his teammates, it was a reminder that football is more than stats and game plans. It’s about family, resilience, and celebrating the victories, big or small, that bring a team closer together.
With Virginia Tech looming in the opener, the Gamecocks believe Faison’s presence will not only impact the depth chart but also fuel their mentality heading into the season. As one player put it: “Now it feels like all the pieces are falling into place.”
