South Carolina’s New LB Addition Shawn Murphy Raves About ‘One-of-One’ Gamecocks Experience
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Shawn Murphy has spent time in some of college football’s top programs, but according to him, his first offseason with South Carolina has been the best training experience of his career.
Before arriving in Columbia, Murphy, a former top-100 prospect in the 2022 class, spent two seasons with Alabama before transferring to Florida State for the 2024 season. Now, as he settles in with the Gamecocks, he’s experiencing a completely different level of training.
‘One-of-One’ Weight Room Experience
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Murphy couldn’t hold back his excitement about South Carolina’s strength and conditioning program.
“I’ve never done stuff like this before, and it’s definitely changing my body in different ways,” Murphy said. “I’m working stuff that I’ve never worked before. It’s different, very different.”
Though the workouts have been tough, Murphy sees it as a positive challenge.
“In the weight room, there’s a lot of stuff that’s going to challenge you, make you stronger, and make you better–[more so] than at other programs.”
More Than Just the Workouts – The Perfect Fit
It’s not just Luke Day’s strength program that has impressed Murphy—it’s the entire Gamecocks culture.
“Just the culture, the people, players, everything that has to do with this program,” Murphy said. “There’s a lot of stuff that this program has that nobody really talks about, but I’m experiencing. I’m loving it. I think everything is about ‘best fit,’ and I think this program is the ‘best fit’ for me.”
Before committing to South Carolina, Murphy had two main requirements for his next school:
✅ A proven model of linebacker development
✅ A strong, winning culture
The Gamecocks checked both boxes.
This year, South Carolina boasts three linebackers with NFL Draft potential—Demetrius Knight (a projected draft pick) and Bam Martin-Scott & Debo Williams, who could be selected in the later rounds. None of them were blue-chip recruits, and all started their careers at different schools—just like Murphy.
Shane Beamer’s Pitch Holding True
Since arriving, Murphy has seen firsthand that Shane Beamer’s culture-building approach isn’t just talk.
“Just talking with everybody, seeing their mindsets, how they run the program, the culture of the program… how they take care of their players.”
One familiar face has also made an impact—Jakai Moore, who Murphy faced during his freshman year of high school.
“He’s been here for a long time. Just to see him still here through it all, that means a lot.”
Both Murphy and Moore, Virginia natives, have battled injuries throughout their careers, making Murphy’s transition to South Carolina even more meaningful.
Now, with a new program, new challenges, and a new culture, Murphy is confident he’s in the right place to thrive.
