COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers faced the media Tuesday, offering insight into the Gamecocks’ mindset as they prepare for their Week 8 SEC clash against Oklahoma. Sellers spoke candidly about the team’s recent offensive struggles, the transition under new offensive line coach Shawn Elliott, and his growing leadership role in the locker room.
When asked about differences between former offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley and Elliott, Sellers immediately pointed to Elliott’s intensity.
“Coach Elliott is just a little bit more hands-on,” Sellers explained. “He’s right in the middle of it. Even during the play, he’s just talking to them, communicating with them throughout the play.”
Despite the midseason change, Sellers said he trusts his offensive line completely.
“I don’t think I really need to hear them say, ‘We got you,’” he said. “I just trust them. Everybody can do their job on offense. If they make mistakes, they’ll say, ‘Hey, that’s on me.’ That’s what I need more.”
The Gamecocks’ offensive line was under siege against LSU, allowing pressure on 60% of passing snaps. Sellers admitted the constant rush made life difficult.
“You just have to make quicker decisions,” he said. “We knew they liked to pressure, so you’ve got to work faster on the fly.”
Sellers confirmed he’s part of the decision-making process when it comes to protection adjustments.
“Yes, just a little,” he noted. “I make sure we both talk about it.”
He added that the defense’s aggressive blitz packages, particularly nickel and corner pressures, made rolling the pocket tricky.
“They may send a nickel or a corner cat when we try to roll out. It just brings up different looks,” Sellers said.
When addressing Teasley’s firing, Sellers said it took time for the reality to sink in.
“Yeah, it’s sad,” he admitted. “We found out the news, then went straight into meetings and practice. I don’t think it hit a lot of people until later that night.”
Discussing accountability, Sellers explained that protection issues are a shared responsibility between himself and the line.
“It’s a mixture of both,” he said. “Certain protections are zoned one way, or if they’re bringing a four-weak, I should see it. Everybody has a hand in it.”
Sellers emphasized that consistency remains the team’s biggest offensive obstacle.
“We do a lot to shoot ourselves in the foot once we get past the 50,” he said. “Whether it’s sacks or pre-snap penalties, we just have to be more consistent.”
The young quarterback also acknowledged that mistakes are part of his learning process.
“There’s definitely a couple of plays I wish I had back,” he said. “Somewhere I could’ve stepped up faster or hit a guy if I moved one way instead of rolling out.”
As for communication and leadership, Sellers said his relationship with the offensive line has grown stronger.
“It’s not about yelling,” he explained. “It’s more one-on-one — like, ‘Hey, you’re good. Let’s go to the next play.’”
He also addressed the false start issues that plagued the team.
“They’re making move calls, it’s loud, and guys don’t want to be late off the ball,” he said. “It’s just small stuff like that.”
Sellers broke down two critical plays — a third-and-eight run and a late fourth-and-four attempt — admitting both were missed opportunities.
“We knew there was going to be man coverage,” he said. “It was our guy versus their guy — we just didn’t win that one.”
Finally, Sellers discussed maintaining chemistry within the offense through meetings and off-field connections.
“We meet with the offensive line every Thursday, and skill guys on Wednesday nights,” he shared. “And my brother’s a receiver, so when they hang out, I’m there too.”
As the Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) prepare to host No. 15 Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1 SEC) this Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network, Sellers’ poise and leadership will be key to helping South Carolina bounce back — and keep the offense moving forward under new direction.
