Stan Drayton is officially on board as South Carolina’s new running backs coach, and if his track record is any indication, the Gamecocks just added a serious asset to their staff. Drayton arrives in Columbia after a one-year stint at Penn State, but his résumé stretches far beyond that, with a history of recruiting and developing some of the most dynamic backs in college football-including Ezekiel Elliott at Ohio State and Bijan Robinson at Texas.
For South Carolina, this hire isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about raising the bar in the backfield, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Drayton replaces Marquel Blackwell and steps into a role with high expectations, especially in an era where recruiting has become more complex-and competitive-than ever.
Recruiting in the NIL Era: Drayton’s Approach
Drayton knows recruiting has changed. The traditional evaluation of talent is still at the heart of the process, but with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals now a major factor, there’s a new layer to the game. Still, Drayton isn’t shying away from the challenge.
“It starts with evaluating talent,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to make some right decisions over time. There’s no exact science to recruiting, especially now with money involved-it’s a totally different ball game.”
That perspective comes from experience. Drayton’s been in the coaching game since 1993, and he’s seen the landscape shift.
But his focus remains steady: find the right players for the right system. He made it clear he plans to align closely with offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and head coach Shane Beamer to ensure every back he brings in fits the vision for South Carolina’s offense.
“I’m going to follow the leadership of our head football coach,” Drayton said. “Listen to Coach Briles and what he needs to fit his offensive scheme from that position. Then I’ll fall in line and get the best talent we can.”
What Kind of Backs Is Drayton Looking For?
Drayton didn’t mince words when asked what traits he values most in a running back.
“Playmakers, period,” he said. “If you’re the best on the football field, if you’ve shown the ability to get yards on your own, if you have a passion and a true love for the game and you’re not afraid of tough, hard situations-that’s the kind of guy I want.”
It’s a simple, no-nonsense philosophy that’s worked for him at every stop, from SEC powerhouses like Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, to his time as Temple’s head coach from 2022 to 2024. Drayton’s not looking for just speed or strength-he wants complete backs who thrive in adversity and love the grind.
Immediate Impact in the 2027 Class
Drayton’s already turning his attention to the 2027 recruiting class, and there’s no easing in. South Carolina has two in-state backs with offers-David Segarra out of Byrnes and Aiden Gibson from Woodruff-and Drayton is diving headfirst into learning the local landscape.
“They’re still football players,” he said of evaluating in-state talent. “You’re still evaluating the fit for South Carolina.
For me, it’s more about adjusting to this place, understanding what Coach Beamer wants to build-both in terms of personality and talent. I’m going to dive in.
If you can play football, then I’m coming to get you.”
That’s the kind of energy South Carolina fans should be excited about. Drayton brings a clear vision, a proven eye for talent, and a willingness to adapt to today’s recruiting realities. With his experience and approach, the Gamecocks’ running back room could be in for a serious upgrade-not just in talent, but in mentality.
And in the SEC, that kind of edge can make all the difference.