Two highly regarded South Carolina defensive assistants have been promoted to new duties within the Gamecocks’ coaching staff structure.
Outside linebackers/EDGEs coach Sterling Lucas has added the defensive run game coordinator title while defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is now the defensive passing game coordinator in addition to each’s prior duties.
The moves, which came after South Carolina went 9-4 while headed by one of the best defenses in school history, were technically made official in January but were not public.
Both Lucas and Gray have been instrumental in recruiting and developing top player within their respective position group. Each received a raise and extension this past December.
Gray, who reached his fifth year in Columbia, has served as defensive backs coach on each of Shane Beamer’s first four staffs at South Carolina.
Gray has coached the secondary for 25 years, including 21 at the collegiate stage and four in the NFL. He was responsible for the recruitment and development of All-American Nick Emmanwori, a three-year starter for the Gamecocks and likely future first or second round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Gray has also coached NFL Draft picks Cam Smith, Darius Rush, and Marcellas Dial during his time at Carolina and future draft pick O’Donnell Fortune.
Prior to his coming to Columbia, Gray spent two seasons coaching the cornerbacks at Florida, his second stint with the Gators. He also spent a decade at his alma mater Virginia Tech among other stops.
Lucas reached his fourth year with the Gamecocks after joining the program in January 2022 following a year as an assistant defensive line coach for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Orangeburg, S.C. native and former N.C. State linebacker served as the main recruiter for five-star EDGE signee Dylan Stewart who teamed with transfer addition Kyle Kennard to form one of the country’s best pass-rush duos under Lucas’ tutelage this past season.
Kennard became the first Gamecock to victory the Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player, while Stewart was On3’s Defensive Freshman of the Year.
In addition to Lucas and Gray adding titles, wide receivers coach Mike Furrey was listed the team’s passing game coordinator in December.
Staff continuity has been a great priority for Beamer since he arrived in Columbia. The Gamecocks retained every on-field coach from last year’s staff except offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains who landed the Appalachian State head coach job in December. Mike Shula was promoted to OC and quarterbacks coach for the Gamecocks.
