Feb. 14, 2007

Steve Spurrier QUOTES:

“We have hired Shane Beamer to coach the outside backers, the nickel backs, and be the co-special teams coordinator. He and Fred Chatham will be co-coordinators and all of our coaches will be actively involved in special teams a lot more than what we’ve done in the past.

“Shane will coordinate a lot of our block teams – our extra point and field goal blocks, our punt blocks, punt return and our kickoff return. Coach Chatham will continue with kickoff cover, the punt team and the extra point and field goal team.

“We’re going to try to be better on special teams. Obviously, with Shane coming from Virginia Tech where they have been as good as about anybody in the country in special teams, hopefully he can give us a little insight. I have to do a better job of emphasizing special teams this coming year.

“We’re excited to have Shane. I also want to announce that we’re promoting David Reaves to full-time quarterback coach. I’ll still be offensive coordinator. I’m not cutting back on my coaching, but giving David a little bit more responsibility to meet with quarterbacks on his own more. Hopefully we’ll be a better team by making some changes here.

“I’ve known Shane a little bit over the years. He’s been around some good programs. I thought he was the right fit for what we need to do better. He has a proven record as a recruiter. I think he will (recruit) in the Georgia area.”

SHANE BEAMER QUOTES:

“I want to thank Coach Spurrier and everyone here at South Carolina for this opportunity. This is an exciting time for myself professionally and my wife, Emily.

“I consider myself a native of (South Carolina) and (excited to) work here with Coach Spurrier, whose track record speaks for itself. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Nix on defense and help bring something to the table there and on special teams. I’m thankful to be here and thankful to the South Carolina fans who have welcomed me to the South Carolina family. I also want to thank the people at Mississippi State. I had a great three years there. It’s a first-class organization and Coach Croom is a first-class guy. He understood my reasons (for leaving) and the opportunity that was presented here. Hopefully, we can meet those guys in the SEC Championship soon.”