Gamecocks Head Coach Shane Beamer Talks About His New Offense and How Close Dylan Stewart Is to Returning

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer meets with the media as his team prepares for their first scrimmage week of fall camp. Beamer updates everything from breakout true freshman to injury updates surrounding a couple of star players.

This is day four of practice, following a scheduled off day on Monday. The team is preparing for their first scrimmage of fall camp as they lead up to opening the season on Sept. 5.

"Big week. We told them we will find out a lot about our team this week. Today was a good start."

One of the things Beamer, and of course fans, will be watching is the new look offense under Kendal Briles. So far throughout the offseason, Beamer has been encourage with what he's seen.

"I like where we are right now. The first three days were good. We've gotten so much work in from January and February when KB [Kendal Briles] first got here. Then you go through 15 spring practices and then we got a lot of work done in June and July with our players on the field," Beamer said.

Injury Update on Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak

The status surrounding Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak continues to be a hot topic during interviews. Peak (knee) and Stewart (back) have both dealt with injuries this offseason and are working to get back in the early goings of the season. Coach Beamer updates their progress on Tuesday.

"They're at practice and they're doing different parts of what they're able to. As far as timeline, we'll go with what the doctors tell us. They're right on track and progressing nicely."

While Beamer didn't give an exact timeline on Peak and Stewart, he does offer an insight as to what benchmark those players and others have to hit in order to play.

"Being able to practice," Beamer said. "We're not going to throw a guy out there in a game before he goes through a full practice with us."

True Freshman Set to Break Out?

True freshman Darius Gray going through a drill with Asst. OL coach @JasonSmith_OL pic.twitter.com/F5Ys5sb0mH
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) August 8, 2026

Offensive lineman Darius Gray was the crown jewel of the last recruiting cycle for the Gamecocks. He joined the program this summer and coach Beamer is already impressed by what he's done so far.

"He's [Darius Gray] pretty impressive," Beamer said. "The summer that he had was elite. What he was able to do physically in the summer time was really impressive as a true freshman. The initial impressions are really good. He's going to be a really good player here."

Mazeo Bennett Jr.

Mazeo Bennett Jr. figures to play an important role for the Gamecocks' wide receiver room this fall. Despite having a down year in 2025, Bennett isn't letting it affect his mindset for this season.

"He's very serious about his work. He's very competitive, that was evident in high school when we recruited him. Last season didn't go the way he wanted it to as far as his role, but he didn't pout [and] didn't complain. I think he's done an amazing job since January of just working," Beamer said.

Freshman Looking to Play Early

Neff Giwa is going to be special!!!! pic.twitter.com/LaZKoM5bIs
— Brandon Collier (@BCollierPPI) March 29, 2026

Finally Beamer takes the time to highlight another true freshman who has joined the team during the offseason. Neff Giwa was a big add, literally and figuratively, for the Gamecocks in the last cycle. Giwa has never play organized football after coming from a rugby background. Despite knowledge of the game, the staff sees a guy they have to find a way to get on the field.

"Neff's [Giwa] a guy that because of his size and athleticism, in my opinion, we need to get him on the field. It might not just be offensive line," Beamer said. "Because he's got size, he can run, he's a hard worker and great young man, special teams is an area that he can certainly figure in and do some things."

Giwa may take some time to develop, but if his football mind ever matches up with his size and athleticism, South Carolina may have a gem on their hands.

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