South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Clayton White Receive High Praise From SEC Analyst Cole Cubelic for Leadership and Defensive Development
As South Carolina football prepares for the 2025 season, national respect for the program continues to grow—not just among fans or within the university’s own ranks, but from voices across the college football landscape. Recently, SEC Network analyst and former Auburn offensive lineman Cole Cubelic delivered high praise for head coach Shane Beamer and defensive coordinator Clayton White. Known for his honest, in-depth breakdowns of SEC football, Cubelic highlighted the duo’s ability to lead, develop players, and shape a competitive defensive identity amid one of the toughest conferences in the country.
Cubelic’s recognition didn’t come lightly. As a seasoned analyst and former player, his perspective carries weight among fans and coaches alike. During a segment discussing potential breakout programs and underrated coaching performances in the SEC, Cubelic singled out South Carolina’s coaching staff for the way it has continued to build a foundation rooted in effort, buy-in, and player development. Specifically, he pointed to Beamer and White as the driving forces behind the program’s steady improvement—even in the face of significant challenges such as roster turnover, injuries, and high-level competition.
Shane Beamer has been at the helm of the Gamecocks since 2021, and in just a few years, he’s brought new energy and culture to a program that was in need of revitalization. Beamer’s positive approach, relentless work ethic, and authentic connection with his players have earned him widespread respect not only within South Carolina but throughout the SEC. Cubelic noted that while Beamer may not always receive the same level of media attention as some of the league’s more established head coaches, his leadership style has clearly resonated with his players and staff.
Clayton White, South Carolina’s defensive coordinator since Beamer’s arrival, has likewise drawn attention for his ability to get the most out of his personnel. Cubelic praised White for crafting game plans that emphasize fundamentals, discipline, and situational awareness, even when facing some of the most explosive offenses in college football. Under White’s guidance, South Carolina’s defense has shown flashes of toughness, adaptability, and growth—even when facing limitations in depth or experience. According to Cubelic, White’s ability to develop young defenders and plug gaps left by injuries or departures speaks to his value as a coordinator and teacher.
Cubelic also emphasized how South Carolina’s coaching duo complements each other. While Beamer sets the tone from the top with energy, vision, and communication, White provides the structure and tactical discipline needed on the defensive side of the ball. Together, they’ve built a staff that is increasingly attracting attention for its ability to punch above its weight and compete with more well-established SEC programs. That synergy, Cubelic said, is a big reason why South Carolina is positioned to take another step forward in 2025.
One of the major aspects that Cubelic highlighted was the way Beamer and White have handled adversity. Over the past two seasons, South Carolina has faced numerous challenges—from injuries to key players, to tough scheduling stretches, to roster instability due to transfers and NFL departures. Yet through it all, the team has continued to fight. Cubelic credited that resilience to the culture Beamer and White have instilled. It’s not a culture built on flash or gimmicks—it’s rooted in accountability, effort, and belief.
That belief has manifested in several key moments over the past few seasons. South Carolina’s ability to pull off upset victories against higher-ranked opponents—including back-to-back statement wins in the closing stretch of the 2022 season—showcased not only the team’s potential but also its composure and buy-in. Cubelic referenced those games as proof that South Carolina’s coaching staff knows how to prepare its players for big moments and get them to rise above external expectations.
Perhaps the biggest compliment Cubelic gave to Beamer and White was their ability to develop talent. In an era where the transfer portal often dominates college football narratives, South Carolina has found success not just by bringing in new talent, but by elevating the players already in the program. Under White’s direction, several under-the-radar recruits and transfers have blossomed into reliable starters and playmakers. This player development pipeline has become a defining characteristic of the program—one that Cubelic believes sets it apart from many others in the conference.
Development isn’t just about individual improvement, either—it’s about building a unit that functions cohesively. Cubelic pointed out that South Carolina’s defense has consistently improved in areas like red zone efficiency, third-down defense, and tackling fundamentals under White’s watch. These aren’t flashy metrics, but they are vital to winning games in the SEC. When asked to explain why South Carolina’s defense may not always rank at the top statistically but still deserves credit, Cubelic cited these underlying improvements and the coaching that enables them.
Cubelic also touched on recruiting, noting that Beamer and White have positioned South Carolina to compete for higher-caliber defensive talent year over year. By creating a culture where players feel supported, coached, and trusted, the Gamecocks have become a more appealing destination for recruits who want to develop and play early. The recruiting classes coming into Columbia reflect that shift. While South Carolina may not always top the rankings, it’s increasingly landing players who fit the scheme and bring the right mindset. Cubelic stressed that long-term success is often tied more to development and retention than to recruiting stars—and that’s where Beamer and White shine.
As the 2025 season approaches, Cubelic believes the national media may be underestimating the Gamecocks, particularly on defense. While preseason lists and rankings haven’t been kind to South Carolina—especially in regard to defensive units—Cubelic views that as a missed opportunity to recognize what’s brewing in Columbia. With a combination of returning experience, promising young talent, and a coaching staff that knows how to build and adapt, he sees the Gamecocks as a potential surprise team in the SEC East.
What stands out most in Cubelic’s analysis is his belief in the trajectory of the program. He didn’t just praise Beamer and White for past accomplishments—he pointed to the future. In his view, South Carolina is not simply holding steady; it’s building toward something more sustainable. That includes becoming a defense that can compete with the SEC’s elite, not just for a game or a quarter, but across an entire season. For Cubelic, the coaching duo of Beamer and White is central to that long-term vision.
One example Cubelic cited was the way the staff has embraced flexibility and innovation. Rather than sticking rigidly to one style or formation, White has tailored his approach based on available personnel. That willingness to adapt—whether by mixing coverages, rotating players, or adjusting blitz packages—has kept South Carolina competitive even when the talent gap is visible. According to Cubelic, that kind of creativity is what separates good coordinators from great ones, especially in a league as demanding as the SEC.
It’s not just Xs and Os, either. Cubelic stressed that Beamer and White have established strong relationships with their players, creating a sense of unity and mutual respect. In a college football era where players are more mobile than ever, that connection matters. Players stay when they feel valued and when they trust their coaches to develop them. In that regard, Beamer and White have earned reputations as two of the most player-focused coaches in the SEC—something Cubelic believes will only pay greater dividends as the program grows.
As for what comes next, Cubelic believes 2025 could be a turning-point year for the Gamecocks. If the team can remain healthy, continue developing depth, and secure a few key wins early, the defensive improvements led by White could become a national story. With Beamer continuing to lead with vision and passion, the pieces are in place for South Carolina to shake up the SEC East standings and gain respect well beyond the Southeast.
Cubelic’s praise is more than just flattery. It’s a reflection of growing recognition that South Carolina’s football program is on the rise—not due to luck or flashy headlines, but because of the leadership, cohesion, and work ethic of its coaching staff. Beamer and White may not have the loudest voices in the conference, but they have earned the attention of those who know the game best. And in a league defined by pressure, expectations, and constant evolution, that kind of respect is hard-earned—and well-deserved.
