After Spencer Rattler moved to the NFL in the offseason, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer notes that the Gamecocks will have a different look at quarterback in 2024. Former Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford is now a key part of South Carolina’s revamped quarterback lineup after joining the team in January.
“Robby has really developed and done an excellent job since arriving from Auburn in January,” Beamer said in the electronic media room on Monday. “He’s a great young man, incredibly athletic, as shown by his baseball career and his accomplishments in football.”
Before spending two seasons at Auburn, Ashford began his career at Oregon, where he was listed on both the football and baseball rosters.
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After transferring to Auburn for the 2022 season, Ashford accumulated over 1,700 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his two years at the school.
Out of his 1,758 passing yards, 1,613 were achieved during the 2022 season, when he became Auburn’s starting quarterback in Week 4 and made nine starts.
Last fall, Ashford was part of a two-quarterback system with Payton Thorne, who ultimately became the Tigers’ primary starter. As Thorne took on most of the quarterback responsibilities, Ashford’s playing time decreased over the course of the season, leading him to enter the transfer portal after the regular season ended.
By committing to South Carolina in January, Ashford joined redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers in the Gamecocks’ quarterback room.
“He’s started games in the SEC and has contributed to LaNorris Sellers’ development, just as LaNorris has helped Robby improve,” Beamer said about Ashford and Sellers on Monday.
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“Robby is a fantastic addition to our program with a great personality and energy. He’s already made significant contributions to our improvement, both on and off the field.”
Although the two competed during the spring, Sellers is anticipated to start fall camp as South Carolina’s starting quarterback, with Ashford closely pursuing him.
“Obviously, we need to replace an elite player like Spencer (Rattler),” Beamer said at the podium on Monday. “We will definitely look different at the quarterback position, with LaNorris Sellers and Robby Ashford—both 240-pound players who can run and throw equally well.”
