Loggains of the Gamecocks finds his stride as he enters a smoother Year 2 overseeing the team’s offense.
Arriving just a year ago, Dowell Loggains found himself thrust into the South Carolina football program with little time to acclimate. In what felt like the blink of an eye, spring practice was upon him, and he was tasked with assessing the team’s strengths and orchestrating an offense around them.
His entry into the role was marked by inheriting a stellar quarterback but lacking a formidable running game. However, a year later, the scenario has shifted almost entirely.
With a lineup of renowned running backs—although two key figures were sidelined for much of spring—and the introduction of two new quarterbacks, notably LaNorris Sellers, who is anticipated to lead the charge, though not officially confirmed, Loggains is optimistic about the progress made under his guidance. He envisions the 2024 offense presenting a more dynamic and multifaceted approach compared to the predominantly one-dimensional display of the previous year.
Reflecting on his debut season, Loggains expressed the initial challenge of navigating unfamiliar territory, his only prior connection to South Carolina being through games against his alma mater, Arkansas. Tasked with building the offense around Spencer Rattler’s arm due to the team’s unproven running game, Loggains emphasized the reliance on the passing game, despite facing challenges such as an injury-plagued offensive line.
The disappointing 5-7 outcome of the previous season marked a departure from Shane Beamer’s otherwise positive tenure, prompting Loggains and Beamer to swiftly pivot towards bolstering the team through offseason recruitment. Securing key additions like Raheim “Rocket” Sanders from Arkansas, Loggains and Beamer sought to address the running game’s deficiencies, aiming to infuse depth and talent into the roster.
With the running game fortified by new arrivals and returning players, Loggains turned his attention to the quarterback position, a pivotal element in shaping the team’s direction. While Sellers appears to be a frontrunner for the starting role, Loggains indicated that the competition remains open, with each quarterback tasked with proving their worth and assuming leadership responsibilities during the offseason.
As the team enters a period of summer workouts and preparations for the upcoming season, the quest for a quarterback—a figurehead capable of guiding the team to success—remains a priority for the Gamecocks.
