Gamecock Digest

Former South Carolina RB Coach Named Pass Game Coordinator and QB Coach at UConn

After being let go as the running backs coach at South Carolina earlier this month, Marquel Blackwell has found a new home with the UConn Huskies as the team's passing game coordinator and QB coach.
Alex Joyce|
Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) throws a pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) throws a pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Former South Carolina running backs coach Marquel Blackwell has found a new home after being let go from the program earlier this month. Blackwell will now join new UConn head coach, Jason Candle, as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, per CBS Sports.

On Dec. 4, South Carolina announced they would be moving on from Blackwell after two seasons with the team. Both the running game and lack of running back recruiting seemed to be the force behind the firing after the season. The numbers, for the run game, dropped off significantly in 2025 with yards per game 111.08 in 2025 as compared to 184.4 yards in 2024, average yards per carry 3.24 in 2025 as compared to 4.4 in 2024, and touchdowns 1.2 in 2025 as compared to 2 per game in 2024, all down this season.

The Gamecocks were never able to replace Raheim Sanders, last season's leading tailback, who finished with 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Gamecocks to a top five rushing attack in the conference. Rahsul Faison, Matthew Fuller, Jawarn Howell, and Oscar Adaway III all received carries at different points in the season, but no one separated themselves as "the guy" in the room.

Offensive line issues played a role in this drop off, but it's clear Beamer believed a new voice in the room was needed. Blackwell had not signed a high school running back recruit in each of the past two recruiting cycles, forcing South Carolina to hit the transfer portal. Something Beamer pointed out in his Early Signing Day press conference saying the Gamecocks will not sign a running back in the 2026 class, despite being involved with a few in the last two cycles.

Beamer replaced Blackwell with Penn State's Stan Drayton who will now come over as the running backs coach and Assistant Head Coach - Offense. Blackwell will be tasked with helping replace UConn starter Joe Fagnono at the quarterback spot who led the team with 3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and one interception. Last season the Huskies led the independents (Notre Dame being the other) with 284.4 passing yards per game and 3,697 passing yards overall.

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Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.

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