Robby Ashford transferred from Hugh Freeze’s Auburn football program due to limited opportunities as the starting quarterback. Despite Payton Thorne taking the lead for the Tigers in 2023, Ashford did see some playing time.
In South Carolina’s close 23-19 win over Old Dominion, head coach Shane Beamer did not consider playing Ashford, even though LaNorris Sellers struggled as the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback. Beamer clarified on the September 1 episode of the “Gamecock Football with Coach Beamer” show that Ashford was never a consideration for the game.
“We didn’t,” Beamer told host Todd Ellis when asked if they thought about putting Ashford in. “LaNorris will be the first to admit he has some areas to improve. I thought he did a good job and did what was needed to secure the win. He missed some throws, but that’s not entirely his fault. Overall, he did well running the football.”
Robby Ashford left Auburn football to compete for starting job at South Carolina
Beamer convinced Ashford to commit by promising him the chance to be South Carolina’s starting quarterback. At the time, The War Rapport’s Mike Gittens mentioned that Luke Doty, a Myrtle Beach native, was considered Ashford’s primary rival, not Sellers.
Gittens noted that talent evaluation is often subjective, stating, “Hugh Freeze didn’t see Robby Ashford as an SEC-caliber quarterback, but Shane Beamer does. Beamer and the team believe Ashford has the potential to be the best quarterback once he arrives on campus. While he could lose the starting spot, he has a strong chance of starting over Doty.”
Unfortunately, Ashford may have to wait for significant game situations, such as a tough match against Kentucky or LSU, to get his chance. Otherwise, he might see action in Week 4 against Akron, where the Gamecocks are expected to have a comfortable lead, giving Ashford an opportunity to showcase his skills.
