South Carolina is reportedly pursuing Stan Drayton, currently with Penn State, to fill the vacant position of running backs coach. Drayton, who previously served as the head coach at Temple, spent a year at Penn State coaching talents such as Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
This move comes in the wake of South Carolina firing running backs coach Marquel Blackwell earlier this month, making Blackwell the third offensive assistant to be let go this year. Head coach Shane Beamer has also parted ways with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley and offensive coordinator Mike Shula during the 2025 season, indicating a major shift in the team’s coaching strategy.
Drayton, a seasoned veteran with 32 years in coaching and 25 years specifically focused on running backs, has an extensive background in developing talent. His notable achievements include serving as the associate head coach and run game coordinator at Texas from 2017 to 2021, where he played a crucial role in developing players like Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Keaontay Ingram. Prior to his time in Texas, Drayton was part of the Ohio State coaching staff that claimed the inaugural College Football Playoff title in 2014. Additionally, he was a key contributor to Florida’s national championship success from 2005 to 2007 and has a reputation as a strong recruiter, known for bringing talents such as Robinson and Cam Newton to their respective programs.
The connection between Beamer and Drayton dates back to their shared time at Mississippi State in 2004, where they were part of Sylvester Croom’s coaching staff. This prior relationship could play a significant role in facilitating Drayton’s transition to South Carolina. As the program looks to rejuvenate its coaching roster, the addition of Drayton, given his proven track record and recruitment skills, could be promising for the future of Gamecock football.