Travian Robertson Is A Perfect Fit As South Carolina's New DT Coach
After reports began to circulate late Sunday night that former Gamecock standout Travian Robertson was the frontrunner to become South Carolina's new interior defensive line coach, the University of South Carolina officially announced the move on Monday morning. Robertson previously served as the defensive line coach for the Tulane Green Wave, who went on a historic 2022 campaign, winning 12 games and defeating Southern Cal' in the Cotton Bowl.
In the Monday version of my daily podcast show, the Locked On Gamecocks Podcast, I discussed the multiple reasons why the hiring of Robertson fit what Shane Beamer was looking for and how he could help the Gamecocks on the recruiting trail in spite of his small sample size.
Firstly, the connections run deep between Travian, South Carolina's Football program and Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer, as Robertson played from 2007 to 2011 in Columbia, a stretch where Shane Beamer coached for four years on the defensive side of the ball in the some capacity. The familiarity factor is always an important one for college football coaching staffs, and in this case, I certainly don't think it's at the expense of any morale or team chemistry within the building, rather, it's a benefit.
Robertson also brings three years of NFL experience as a former professional player, a facet of this hire that shouldn't go unnoticed. Shane Beamer has shown throughout his short time in Columbia that while NFL experience is not an absolute in the hiring process, it's something that that he does covet when it comes to development and creating inherent trust between the players and the coaching staff. Travian is now the seventh on-field assistant coach that has either coached or played in the NFL at some point in his career.
In terms of recruiting, some fans might have concerns with Robertson purely because of the lack of "big-boy" recruiting battles Travian's been involved in in his five-year coaching career. I don't personally believe this will be an issue for multiple reasons.
Firstly, Robertson holds strong ties to the Carolina's and the state of Georgia from his collegiate and professional stops. Secondly, Travian will have no issue trying to pitch recruits on why South Carolina, his alma mater, is the best choice for them. Lastly, Robertson's young age will likely help him connect and quickly form relationships with today's generation of athletes.
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