Off the field, Shawn Elliott exudes a fiery personality that’s impossible to miss during practices—his enthusiasm is contagious. In his return to South Carolina football, his fresh players have quickly embraced his coaching approach. Known for his approachable demeanor yet unwavering demand for effort, Elliott’s coaching philosophy aligns seamlessly with the dynamics of the Gamecocks’ tight end group. With prior experience as a head coach at Georgia State, Elliott brings a wealth of knowledge to his expanded role at USC. Now serving as the run-game coordinator alongside offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and running backs coach Marquel Blackwood, Elliott’s influence extends beyond the realm of perimeter skilled positions.
Deep down, Elliott retains the same fervor for the Gamecocks that he held during his tenure under former head coaches Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp. “I strive to maintain a steady level of energy in the room, day in and day out, for our football team,” Elliott emphasized. “And the reason behind that consistency is my genuine passion for being here. Working alongside these players and coaches every day at the University of South Carolina brings me immense joy.”
This spring, the tight end group for the Gamecocks stands out as one of the most seasoned among all positions. Joshua Simon, Nick Elknis, and Connor Cox, all returning players, contributed to USC’s offense last season, and head coach Shane Beamer foresees expanded responsibilities for them this time around. Additionally, the arrival of Brady Hunt, a transfer from Ball State during the winter transfer portal window, adds further depth to the roster. Elliott highlighted the strengths of these four tight ends, along with every other member of the group, often sharing anecdotes about their progress and contributions.
Returning to lead his own group brings Elliott a sense of fulfillment. “To have a team that I work with every day, seeing familiar faces in every meeting, it’s incredibly gratifying,” he expressed. “Building that connection, understanding their backgrounds, and being involved in their daily lives brings me immense joy.” This desire to connect with his players has been a constant throughout Elliott’s career, even during his time as head coach at Georgia State. Regardless of his role, maintaining that personal connection with his athletes has always been paramount to him.
Even as a head coach, Elliott never lost touch with his coaching prowess, always seeking out groups to mentor. He continues to demand the same level of passion from the Gamecocks that he exhibits daily. Surprisingly, this hasn’t been a challenge, as his intensity resonates with the players and has left a positive impression over the past 10 practices. “He’s relentless,” Simon remarked. “Every day, he brings a high level of energy. He’s passionate about his work and won’t settle for anything less than excellence. That’s the kind of coach you want.” Elliott stays true to himself without apology. While his approach may lean towards the more traditional, he’s made it clear that his tight ends will confront every opponent fearlessly.
“I won’t compromise who I am,” Elliott asserted. “I won’t censor myself. It doesn’t matter who the player is or how talented they think they are—I won’t hold back. But if I had to change, I’d have to find a different profession.”
Just the mention of experiencing the electric atmosphere of Williams-Brice Stadium again, after nearly eight years, fills Elliott with excitement. The same fiery personality that drives him on the field, for both the players and the success he aims to achieve, permeates every word he speaks. Elliott has witnessed some of the finest moments in South Carolina football history and tasted success in the Sun Belt Conference with Georgia State. Yet, he’s returned to Columbia with a clear purpose and is pouring every ounce of his passion into his mission. “I thrive on the energy of the fans, the roar of the crowd, the excitement,” Elliott enthused. “I adore that stadium and everything it represents. So yes, with a seven o’clock kickoff, I simply can’t wait to be there.”