Sports

LaNorris Sellers’ Attitude Questioned Amid Accusations Of Prioritizing NFL Draft Stock

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South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers runs with the ball

© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images


The South Carolina football team lost in its SEC opener to Mississippi State on Saturday. LaNorris Sellers’ play was a topic of discussion after the fact.

The quarterback had a pair of costly turnovers that led to Bulldog points. His motivation was also questioned after a review of the tape.

Is he protecting his NFL Draft stock?

LaNorris Sellers has first round potential.

When he puts it all together, there are few quarterbacks as talented as Sellers. He boasts size, speed, and arm talent, and he has an unmatched ability to create something out of nothing when things fall apart.

As a result, he’s been listed early on a number of mock draft boards when looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft. Some have him going as high as No. 4 overall.

With that said, his decision making is often questioned. On Saturday, he threw a pair of third quarter interceptions that led to 10 Mississippi State points. He was fooled badly by the defense on both occasions.

On one occasion, he threw directly into the hands of a defender that never moved from his spot. He was one of two Mississippi State players in the area. The ball had no chance of being completed.

Those reads were bad, but not as egregious to viewers as his effort on a first half run in which he bolted for the sidelines as opposed to turning up field for a potential score.

Is LaNorris Sellers protecting himself?

The signal caller’s legs and size are part of what make him so dangerous. It was on full display as a freshman. It wasn’t seen quite as much in 2025.

Sellers tried to be more of a pro-style passer as a sophomore. The Gamecocks struggled to a 4-8 campaign. Part of the issue was with the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula was relieved of his duties before season’s end.

The expectation was that Sellers’ feet would again be a weapon under new play caller Kendal Briles. There appears to be an emphasis on the run game with the quarterback logging 21 carries over the last two weeks to total 171 yards.

With rushing attempts come more hits. Sellers, like most quarterbacks, will avoid contact as much as possible to protect his health. There are some instances, though, when caution should be thrown to the wind. Viewers saw one such moment in the loss to Mississippi State.

On a run play in the first half, LaNorris Sellers scampered for 15 yards and a first down. He beelined to the sidelines with one defender in his path.

Some believe that he could’ve turned up field for a longer run, and potentially a touchdown.

It’s hard to tell. He certainly could’ve challenged the smaller defender for a few extra yards. A missed tackle might’ve resulted in a long score.

Had he not been tripped up on his path towards the secondary, he might’ve been able to see the field a little more clearly. We’ll never know.

South Carolina still scored on the touchdown drive. The play had no impact on the outcome of the game. Still, the overwhelming response to the clip was that Sellers is protecting himself for the next level.

The quarterback has dealt with injury issues in the past. He missed time last year with a concussion and was hobbled as a freshman with a lower body injury.

Is that affecting his current play? Is he making business decisions in what could be his final college season? One play doesn’t prove a narrative. If it becomes a trend, it creates some concern.