Accidents in today's world seem to happen all the time, and often, they happen out of nowhere. Even the most prepared individuals can be caught off guard when by someone else's negligence.RESTAURANT_1
Victims in such scenarios are often left with the ability to earn money and provide for their families when they're injured in car crashes and other personal injury cases. Without the guidance of a personal injury attorney in Drayton, SC, they give statements to insurance companies by mistake, which compromises settlement agreements. It's only after they struggle that they realize they deserve much, much more than they received.
Have you been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault? Have you asked yourself any of the following questions, like:
Statistics show us that personal injury cases in South Carolina are quite prevalent, making up 36% of civil court filings. It makes sense, then, that injured victims have questions like those listed above. At Cobb Hammett, our collective hearts ache for these people, who must now suffer needlessly.
When you dig deeper, you realize that these victims aren't just struggling to keep going because of being injured. They're trying to put the piece back together mentally as well, all while trying to make ends meet to cover doctor's visits, hospital expenses, and more. The good news is that South Carolina's personal injury laws dictate that those deemed responsible for your pain and suffering have to pay for the aforementioned expenses. With Cobb Hammett leading the way, you've got a true shot at receiving substantial compensation - money that you absolutely deserve.
If you have sustained injuries in an accident in South Carolina, you are entitled to file either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault. Should the insurance provider not present a reasonable settlement, it makes sense to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Drayton, SC.
At Cobb Hammett, we aim to assist accident victims in South Carolina in securing the highest amount of compensation possible for things like medical bills, recovery, pain and suffering, and more. To do so, we take an approach that assumes your case is unique. That's why we adopt a customized approach for every case that we handle. We want to educate you and put you at ease, and that begins with a complimentary consultation and discussion with an experienced personal injury lawyer. In this first meeting, we will evaluate your accident, assess liability, and suggest the most suitable legal path for you.
Our personal injury lawyers specialize in a range of case types, including but not limited to:
Put simply, we put our clients' needs first before anything, work tirelessly to protect their rights, and fight insurance companies that are intent on minimizing compensation.
You can rest easy knowing your case will be handled by highly experienced and effective attorneys specializing in South Carolina personal injury law. We have years of collective experience and will put our expertise to work for you when it matters most. We collect NO FEES until you are compensated.
LANDMARK_1 We're dedicated to handling your personal injury claim - not one that has similar circumstances. After all, every case and situation is different and requires a nuanced, custom approach.
We'll speak with you one-on-one and keep our phone lines open when you have questions or concerns. We have the proper tools and training to oversee your case with confidence and expertise.
Now that you understand why Cobb Hammett is one of South Carolina's premier personal injury firms, let's dive into more info on workers' compensation and car accident cases - two of the most common types of claims we help oversee.
With a reported incident rate of 1.9 personal injury cases per 100 full-time workers in 2023, it's clear that unfortunate accidents happen on the job in the Palmetto State. In fact, in 2022, 132 fatal injuries occurred in the workplace. These injuries happen at many different companies. In fact, personal injury lawyers in Drayton, SC, have fought many big-name brands for personal injury issues, including:
Although there isn't a unified federal statute regarding workers' compensation, each state in the U.S. operates its own workers' compensation system. Generally, an injured worker can obtain workers' compensation benefits without having to demonstrate their employer's negligence. In return, the employee relinquishes the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the employer.
Within the state workers' compensation framework, an injured employee will be compensated for all necessary medical care following a workplace incident. If the injury or illness results in more than seven days of missed employment, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly salary, subject to a maximum limit.
Workers may also be eligible for compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The highest compensation available for death or total disability is 500 weeks of benefits. Lifetime benefits are accessible in cases of quadriplegia, paraplegia, and traumatic brain injuries.
In South Carolina, the majority of workers can receive workers' compensation benefits if they sustain an injury or illness while on the job. Employees are not required to establish fault; they simply need to demonstrate that the injury or illness occurred at work or during activities related to their job. Unfortunately, there are certain exceptions outlined in the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, indicating that some employers are ineligible for workers' compensation coverage.
Restrictions may include:
Employers covered by the SC State Workers' Compensation Act are required to have the minimum necessary amounts of workers' compensation insurance. If you're working to recover after a workplace injury, reach out to Cobb Hammett today. Our personal injury lawyers will diligently strive to provide you with the assistance you need to restore your life.
Many injured workers believe that they can cut costs by not hiring a personal injury attorney to manage their workers' compensation claims. However, the reality is that many individuals end up losing money or they fail to receive the full compensation they deserve when they forego legal representation. If you've recently suffered an injury at work and are uncertain about whether to seek legal help for your case, consider these important points.
Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk, which insurance companies dislike because it can lead to financial loss. An experienced lawyer develops strategies to maximize your benefits and gathers admissible evidence for hearings. Understanding your entitled benefits and how to prove your case can be complex, even for attorneys. This is why having professional help from a qualified lawyer is essential in workers' compensation cases.
Injured people must file a workers' comp claim to safeguard their rights and help ensure that they get compensated fairly. Despite that, many people submit claims before hiring a lawyer to determine if their claim is valid.
Reasons for this usually include:
It's important to understand that the decisions you make don't automatically exclude you from filing a workers' compensation claim. This is why partnering with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer is crucial. Skilled attorneys, like those at Cobb Hammett, will carefully evaluate your situation and help you determine if you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
Injured people must file a workers' comp claim to safeguard their rights and help ensure that they get compensated fairly. Despite that, many people submit claims before hiring a lawyer to determine if their claim is valid.
Most drivers agree that getting in a fender bender is a huge headache, even when it's not your fault. The police get called, the other driver gets angry, and insurance companies jump in to facilitate repairs. A small dent is one thing, but a serious car wreck is an entirely different story.
BUSIEST_HIGHWAY_1The impact of such an event can be traumatic and far-reaching, especially when serious injuries are involved. Auto accident survivors often experience PTSD, emotional distress, and many physical challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these horrible events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Drayton, SC, can increase the chances of obtaining much-needed compensation.
Here's a challenging reality to accept: Insurance companies typically strive to minimize their payouts. Fortunately, you can safeguard yourself from their strategies by obtaining appropriate legal assistance for your personal injury case.
When you notify an insurer about an accident, they will assign an adjuster to your situation. However, adjusters handle numerous cases and may not fully grasp the specifics of yours. If an insurance claims adjuster reaches out to you, proceed with caution. They are not prioritizing your best interests. It's common for adjusters to advocate for settlements that fall short of your claim's true value.
If you communicate with an adjuster, stick to the essential facts and do not give a recorded statement or consent to any settlement. Instead, hold off until after you've consulted with a personal injury lawyer. At Cobb Hammett, our group of car accident attorneys will evaluate the real value of your claim and safeguard you from being exploited by insurance companies.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer in Drayton, SC, from Cobb Hammett, there's no need to be an expert on South Carolina auto accident laws. That's what we're here for: to be a reliable source of knowledge, expertise, and action. We have the resources and experience to handle any auto accident case in the Lowcountry.
Our long-time auto accident lawyers are happy to oversee legal proceedings on your behalf and strive to provide peace of mind as we negotiate an acceptable resolution. With that said, knowledge is power. Keep these facts in mind so you can better protect your rights.
South Carolina's "Fault" System of Insurance Like other states, South Carolina functions under a "fault" insurance model. This system requires the driver deemed at fault for the accident to compensate the injured party for their damages.
You should be aware that there's a deadline, referred to as the statute of limitations, for submitting an auto accident claim in South Carolina. Generally, you must pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another involved party within three years of the accident. However, there are specific situations where you need to take action within two years. If you do not lodge your personal injury claim within the designated timeframe, you might lose your opportunity to file a claim permanently.
If you find yourself in a car accident that results in a personal injury claim due to someone else's negligence, the court needs to establish that you (the plaintiff) are not more than 50% responsible for the incident. Should you be deemed more than 50% at fault, you will lose the ability to pursue compensation. In contrast, if it's determined that you are 50% or less at fault, you will be entitled to receive some compensation. However, your award will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
When drivers are on the road, they must be careful and attentive to their surroundings. This includes being vigilant about other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver decides to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they're most likely acting negligently.
Negligence includes acting carelessly and often ends with other motorists getting injured or worse. Some other examples of negligence in South Carolina include:
If you've been in a car accident and need clarity on local laws or how negligence applies to your case, don't hesitate to set up a free claim assessment with Cobb Hammett today.
Understanding your rights and filing a claim promptly allows our lawyers to advocate effectively on your behalf. Our team of accident lawyers is committed to safeguarding your interests, regardless of the challenges posed by insurance companies and the complexities of South Carolina's legal system.
Whether you were just hurt badly in an auto accident or you're struggling after getting injured at work, know that our team of personal injury lawyers is ready to help. As insurance claims experts, we employ effective strategies to negotiate with insurance companies, so you get the maximum amount of compensation available.
Unlike some personal injury firms, we never charge you unless we win and always prioritize compassionate service and hard work. That's the Cobb Hammett difference. Contact our offices in South Carolina today so that we can fight for your rights tomorrow.
South Carolina’s new running backs coach has officially arrived.The USC Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Stan Drayton on Thursday morning. Drayton signed a three-year contract ($775,000 annually) to join the Gamecocks coaching staff. His last coaching stop was Penn State, and he replaces previous RBs coach Marquel Blackwell, who was fired Dec. 4.Here’s everything you need to know about the new head honcho of USC’s backfield:Meet Stan DraytonDrayton, 54, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. H...
South Carolina’s new running backs coach has officially arrived.
The USC Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Stan Drayton on Thursday morning. Drayton signed a three-year contract ($775,000 annually) to join the Gamecocks coaching staff. His last coaching stop was Penn State, and he replaces previous RBs coach Marquel Blackwell, who was fired Dec. 4.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new head honcho of USC’s backfield:
Drayton, 54, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He played running back at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania from 1989-92, was a three-time All-American and won an NCAA Division III national championship in 1990. He was once the leading rusher in Division III football history with 3,272 all-time yards.
His coaching career began in 1993 at Allegheny . He most recently was Penn State’s running back coach under head coach James Franklin in 2025. He left for USC as his position with the Nittany Lions was in flux due to Franklin’s firing and Penn State hiring Matt Campbell from Iowa State on Monday.
Drayton’s position at USC will be his 18th job in 33 seasons of coaching both in the NFL and NCAA. He’s mostly been a running backs coach, but has spent time as a special teams coach, wide receivers coach and more. Drayton won national championships at Florida (2006) and Ohio State (2014).
He was a head coach once in his career at Temple from 2022-24 and was fired midway through his third season after accumulating a 9-25 record.
Here’s a list of Drayton’s full coaching history:
Drayton’s long list of stops in his career comes with an upside: He’s been around a lot of talented running backs . He’s coached seven 1,000-yard rushers, five NFL Draft picks and two All-Americans.
Here’s a rundown of the premier tailbacks Drayton has coached, when he coached them and what they accomplished under his tutelage:
In Drayton’s lone season at Penn State, the Nittany Lions rushed for 2,130 total yards and 177.8 yards per game, both good for fifth-most in the Big 10. Drayton coached a 1,000-yard rusher in Allen. Backup RB Nicholas Singleton scored 13 rushing touchdowns despite rushing for only 549 yards.
Drayton doesn’t have any obvious connection to the state of South Carolina or new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, but he has crossed paths with USC head coach Shane Beamer both as teammates and rivals.
The two were on staff together at Mississippi State in 2004. Beamer was the cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator from 2004-05. He later moved to Drayton’s old job as the Bulldogs’ RBs coach in 2006.
Beamer was the assistant head coach for offense and tight ends coach at Oklahoma from 2018-2020 while Drayton was at Texas. The two teams played in the Red River Rivalry game in each year the two were at the rival schools. Oklahoma went 3-0 against the Longhorns in that stretch before Beamer left Norman for the USC job in 2021.
On Thursday morning, South Carolina officially hired Stan Drayton as the team’s new running backs coach and assistant head coach for offense. Drayton is one of the industry’s most respected veteran running back coaches. He has spent nearly 25 years coaching college running backs and also boasts experience at the NFL level. Drayton was the head coach at Temple for three seasons, too. He arrives in Columbia following one season as the running backs coach at Penn State.Below is a look at Drayton’s overall coachin...
On Thursday morning, South Carolina officially hired Stan Drayton as the team’s new running backs coach and assistant head coach for offense.
Drayton is one of the industry’s most respected veteran running back coaches. He has spent nearly 25 years coaching college running backs and also boasts experience at the NFL level. Drayton was the head coach at Temple for three seasons, too. He arrives in Columbia following one season as the running backs coach at Penn State.
Below is a look at Drayton’s overall coaching resume.
*stats courtesy of sportsreference.com*
1993: Running Backs Coach (Allegheny)1994: Running Backs Coach (Eastern Michigan)1995: Running Backs Coach (Penn)1996-1999: Running Backs Coach (Villanova)2000: Running Backs Coach (Bowling Green)
1993: No available stats for 1993 Division-III Allegheny1994: 344.3 yards per game; 205.1 passing yards per game, 139.2 rushing yards per game; 22.5 points per game (Eastern Michigan)1995: No available team stats for 1995 Ivy League Penn1996: 371 yards per game; 250.4 passing yards per game, 120.6 rushing yards per game; 31.5 points per game (Villanova)1997: No available team stats for 1997 Atlantic 10 Villanova1998: No available team stats for 1998 Atlantic 10 Villanova1999: 394.6 yards per game; 281.5 passing yards per game, 113.1 rushing yards per game; 31.5 points per game (Villanova)2000: 258.6 yards per game; 160.3 passing yards per game, 98.4 rushing yards per game; 15.8 points per game (Bowling Green)
At Allegheny, Drayton coached for his alma mater, where he was an All-American running back and track and field sprinter. Then, at Eastern Michigan, he oversaw a rushing attack that saw running back Stephen Whitfield run for over 1200 yards in just 11 games.
At Penn and Villanova, stats are hard to come by, but Drayton coached under offensive coordinator Dave Clawson at ‘Nova. Clawson later went on to be the head coach at Wake Forest and led the Demon Deacons to strong offenses. Drayton also coached running back Brian Westbrook, a future Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles. Westbrook set an all-time NCAA record for all-purpose yards and became the first college player ever to record 1000 rushing yards and 1000 receiving yards in the same season in ’98.
Things didn’t go well for Bowling Green as a team in 2000; however, Drayton showed enough as a coach to get an NFL gig.
2001-2003: Offensive Quality Control Coach/Special Teams Assistant (Green Bay)2004: Running Backs Coach (Mississippi State)2005-2007: Running Backs Coach (Florida)
2001: 341.4 yards per game; 235.6 passing yards per game, 105.8 rushing yards per game; 24.4 points per game (Green Bay)2002: 347.5 yards per game; 226.7 passing yards per game, 120.8 rushing yards per game; 24.9 points per game (Green Bay)2003: 362.4 yards per game; 202.5 passing yards per game, 159.9 rushing yards per game; 27.6 points per game (Green Bay)2004: 303.2 yards per game; 144.6 passing yards per game, 158.5 passing yards per game; 15.7 points per game (Mississippi State)2005: 373.4 yards per game; 226.7 passing yards per game, 146.8 rushing yards per game; 28.6 points per game (Florida)2006: 396.1 yards per game; 236.1 passing yards per game, 160 rushing yards per game; 29.7 points per game (Florida)2007: 457.2 yards per game; 257 passing yards per game, 200.2 rushing yards per game; 42.5 points per game (Florida)
Coached 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at Florida
Drayton did not coach a position with the Green Bay Packers, at least not directly. However, he was on the offensive staff of one of the top offenses in the NFL. Running back Ahman Green also made the Pro Bowl each year Drayton was in Green Bay.
In 2004, he returned to college football and then worked alongside Shane Beamer with the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Sylvester Croom’s staff. MSU was horrendous on offense, but running back Jerious Norwood still went for over 1000 yards in Starkville.
Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer saw potential in Drayton and added him to his staff in 2005. The 2005 and 2006 offenses were good, but 2007 was elite. The Gators were the third-best overall scoring offense in the country, as quarterback Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy. Drayton was also on staff for the 2006 National Championship squad.
During his time at Florida, the Gators had a 2-1 record against the Gamecocks.
2008: Running Backs Coach (Tennessee)2009: Running Backs Coach (Syracuse)2010: Running Backs Coach (Florida)
2008: 268.8 yards per game; 145.8 passing yards per game, 122.9 rushing yards per game; 17.3 points per game (Tennessee)2009: 330.4 yards per game; 203.8 passing yards per game, 126.6 rushing yards per game; 21.2 points per game (Syracuse)2010: 350.8 yards per game; 184.3 passing yards per game, 166.5 rushing yards per game; 29.8 points per game (Florida)
Drayton continued to bounce around college football. He managed to squeeze some decent ground games out of underperforming offensive rosters at Tennessee, Syracuse, and Florida.
With the Vols, he coached future NFL Pro Bowler Arian Foster. Then, at Syracuse, Delone Carter went over 1000 yards ont he year. Returning to Gainesville for Urban Meyer’s last year with the Gators, six different players rushed for at least 250 yards.
South Carolina managed to beat Drayton at both Tennessee (2008) and Florida (2010).
2011: Wide Receivers Coach (Ohio State)2012-2014: Running Backs Coach (Ohio State)2015-2016: Running Backs Coach (Chicago Bears)
2011: 318.2 yards per game; 127 passing yards per game, 191.2 rushing yards per game; 24.5 points per game (Ohio State)2012: 423.8 yards per game; 181.5 passing yards per game, 242.3 rushing yards per game; 37.2 points per game (Ohio State)2013: 511.9 yards per game; 203.3 passing yards per game, 308.6 rushing yards per game; 45.5 points per game (Ohio State)2014: 511.6 yards per game; 247.1 passing yards per game, 264.5 rushing yards per game; 44.8 points per game (Ohio State)2015: 344.6 yards per game; 228.8 passing yards per game, 115.9 rushing yards per game; 20.9 points per game (Chicago Bears)2016: 356.5 yards per game; 248.1 passing yards per game, 108.4 rushing yards per game; 17.4 points per game (Chicago Bears)
Coached BIG Ten Running Back of the Year Carlos Hyde in 2013; Coached 2015 BIG Ten Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year in Ezekiel Elliott
A transitional year for Ohio State in 2011 resulted in a mediocre offense for the Buckeyes. However, when Urban Meyer took over in 2012, the offense was really good. Quarterback Braxton Miller and running back Carlos Hyde were among the best 1-2 rushing punches in the country during the next two seasons.
Then in 2014, Ezekiel Elliott went off for 1878 yards and 18 touchdowns under Drayton’s tutelage. Ohio State won the first College Football Playoff national title. Elliott then posted 1821 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015, in two fewer games.
In 2013 and 2014, the Buckeyes were top five nationally in points per game. Running back Carlos Hyde was the BIG Ten’s Running Back of the Year in 2013 and set a new program record for yards per rush. He was also No. 8 nationally in rushing that year. The following season, Drayton coached Ezekiel Elliott to the No. 3 spot in the national rankings.
Another jaunt to the NFL didn’t work out exceptionally well from a team perspective. However, the Bears’ rushing attack was in the top half of the league, despite the team’s poor record. Rookie running back Jordan Howard set the NFL’s rookie record with more than 1300 yards.
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2017-2021: Running Backs Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach (Texas)
2017: 398.8 yards per game; 258.8 passing yards per game, 140 rushing yards per game; 29.5 points per game (Texas)2018: 412 yards per game; 258.2 passing yards per game, 153.8 rushing yards per game; 31.1 points per game (Texas)2019: 466.5 yards per game; 289.3 passing yards per game, 177.2 rushing yards per game; 35.2 points per game (Texas)2020: 475.4 yards per game; 280.1 passing yards per game, 195.3 rushing yards per game; 42.7 points per game (Texas)2021: 424.8 yards per game; 225.4 passing yards per game, 199.4 rushing yards per game; 35.2 points per game (Texas)
Upon his return to the college game, Drayton had a successful stint with the Texas Longhorns. He recruited some excellent ballcarriers and then helped develop Bijan Robinson into a top-10 NFL Draft selection. The Longhorns had a top-10 scoring season in 2020, and Robinson was 8th nationally in rushing in 2021.
Don’t rely on search engines and social media for your Gamecock info.]
2022-2024: Head Coach (Temple)2025: Running Backs Coach (Penn State)
2022: 350.5 yards per game; 268.1 passing yards per game, 82.4 rushing yards per game; 21.9 points per game (Temple)2023: 372.3 yards per game; 276.7 passing yards per game, 95.7 rushing yards per game; 21.1 points per game (Temple)2024: 308.8 yards per game; 216 passing yards per game, 92.8 rushing yards per game; 19.6 points per game (Temple)2025: 359.1 yards per game; 181.6 passing yards per game, 177.5 rushing yards per game; 31.8 points per game (Penn State)
Drayton’s head coaching experience at Temple wasn’t inspiring, as the Owls won three games in all three of his years at the helm.
In his lone season in State College, Drayton helped Kaytron Allen become one of the best backs in the country, even though everyone knew the Nittany Lions wanted to run the ball. Allen rushed for 1303 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games, and Nicholas Singleton also added 13 scores and 549 yards.
South Carolina continues it's overhaul of the offensive staff, as Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks are targeting and looking to name Stan Drayton as the team's next running backs coach, per On3 Sports' Pete Nakos. Should Drayton accept the role he will join the staff in Columbia following the departure of Marquel Blackwell on Dec 4.This is the third running backs coach to join the program in Beamer's tenure, a list that includes Montario Hardesty (2021-2023) and Blackwell (2024-2025). Drayton has been coaching for 32 years, with 25 of t...
South Carolina continues it's overhaul of the offensive staff, as Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks are targeting and looking to name Stan Drayton as the team's next running backs coach, per On3 Sports' Pete Nakos. Should Drayton accept the role he will join the staff in Columbia following the departure of Marquel Blackwell on Dec 4.
This is the third running backs coach to join the program in Beamer's tenure, a list that includes Montario Hardesty (2021-2023) and Blackwell (2024-2025). Drayton has been coaching for 32 years, with 25 of those years teaching running backs. His stops included Penn State, Texas, Ohio State, Florida, and Mississippi State.
In his early coaching tenure, Drayton was a part of two national championship squads (Florida and Ohio State). He is an excellent recruiter bringing in players like Cam Newton to Florida and Bijan Robinson to Texas. South Carolina is getting one of the best recruiters in the country along with a proven developer.
Drayton helped develop players like Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Keaontay Ingram while at Texas. This season at Penn State. Nicholas Singleton carried the ball 123 times for 549 yards and 13 touchdowns. His counterpart Kaytron Allen 210 carries for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This isn't the first time Drayton and South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has crossed paths. Both guys were in Starkville together at Mississippi State in 2004. Drayton is the latest offensive staff hire that also included TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles to the same role on Monday, and TCU assistant offensive line coach Randy Clements as the team's new offensive line coach.
Running the ball was a struggle all year long for a Gamecocks squad that finished near the bottom of the SEC in every major statistical category. This season the team averaged 111.08 rushing yards per game (15th in the SEC), 3.24 yards per carry (last in the SEC), and 1,333 total rushing yards (15th in the SEC) despite being 10th in rushing attempts in conference (411).
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COLUMBIA — South Carolina's board of trustees approved the hiring of Stan Drayton as running backs coach for Shane Beamer on Dec. 11.Drayton's new contract is for three-years, worth $775,000 per year. This move comes a week after Beamer fired Marquel Blackwell after two seasons at the position.The board also approved the hiring of Kendal Briles as the new offensive coordinator and Randy Clements as offensive line coach, filling all three open positions for Beamer.Shane Beamer hires Stan Drayton as new RB coach at ...
COLUMBIA — South Carolina's board of trustees approved the hiring of Stan Drayton as running backs coach for Shane Beamer on Dec. 11.
Drayton's new contract is for three-years, worth $775,000 per year. This move comes a week after Beamer fired Marquel Blackwell after two seasons at the position.
The board also approved the hiring of Kendal Briles as the new offensive coordinator and Randy Clements as offensive line coach, filling all three open positions for Beamer.
Drayton was with Penn State for one season after three years at Temple.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Since 1993, he's worked at different schools as either the running back or wide receiver coach. He spent one season in the NFL from 2015-16 with the Chicago Bears before coming back to college to work at Texas in 2017.
The Nittany Lions fired coach James Franklin midway through the season and are 6-6. They'll face Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 27.
Drayton's group rushed for 2,130 yards, led by Kaytron Allen who had 1,303 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns. Penn State's Nicholas Singleton added 13 TDs as the Nittany Lions averaged 177.5 rushing yards per game, fourth in the Big Ten.
To compare, Blackwell's group at South Carolina finished last in the SEC with 111.1 rushing yards per game and had a total of 1,333 rushing yards.
Drayton has an impressive resume as a running backs coach, having guided star running backs like Bijan Robinson (Penn State) and Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State).
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at . Follow her on X and Bluesky
University of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer has added a pair of veteran coaches in Stan Drayton and Randy Clements to his offensive staff, it was announced today. Drayton will serve as the Gamecocks’ running backs coach and assistant head coach for offense while Clements will work as the offensive line coach.STAN DRAYTONStan Drayton is a 33-year coaching veteran with 26 years of experience tutoring running backs. He has been part of two national championship coaching staffs (Florida in...
University of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer has added a pair of veteran coaches in Stan Drayton and Randy Clements to his offensive staff, it was announced today. Drayton will serve as the Gamecocks’ running backs coach and assistant head coach for offense while Clements will work as the offensive line coach.
STAN DRAYTON
Stan Drayton is a 33-year coaching veteran with 26 years of experience tutoring running backs. He has been part of two national championship coaching staffs (Florida in 2006 and Ohio State in 2014) and has five years of NFL coaching experience. He spent the 2025 season on James Franklin’s staff at Penn State after serving as the head coach at Temple University from 2022-24.
During his career, Drayton has mentored several prominent running backs including Brian Westbrook, Jerious Norwood, Carlos Hyde, Ezekiel Elliott, Bijan Robinson, Matt Forte and Jordan Howard. He has coached seven 1,000-yard rushers, five NFL Draft picks and two All-Americans.
Drayton has extensive experience in the SEC, logging stints at Mississippi State (2004) where he worked with Coach Beamer under head coach Sylvester Croom. He also had two tours of duty at Florida under Urban Meyer (2005-07 and 2010) and spent a year at Tennessee on Phillip Fulmer’s staff (2008).
Drayton’s career has also included stops at his alma mater, Allegheny (1993), Eastern Michigan (1994), Penn (1995), Villanova (1996-99), Bowling Green (2000), Syracuse (2009), Ohio State (2010-14) and Texas (2017-21). In addition, he worked for the Green Bay Packers (2001-03) and Chicago Bears (2015-16) in the NFL.
In 2016 under Drayton, Jordan Howard set the Bears single-season rookie record with 1,313 yards, despite only having 12 carries in the team’s first three games. His total was the second-best of any player in the NFL regular season that year.
During Ohio State’s National Championship season in 2014, Drayton tutored Ezekiel Elliott, who finished third in the nation and second in single-season school history with 1,878 rushing yards. Elliott was named College Football Playoff National Championship Offensive MVP with 246 rushing yards (tied for third most in single-game school history) and four touchdowns on 36 carries against Oregon. He was also named Offensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl (230 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries) versus Alabama in the semifinals.
In 2013, Drayton helped Carlos Hyde finish eighth in the nation in rushing, averaging 126.8 yards per game.
Hyde was named the Big Ten’s Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year as his 1,521 rushing yards were eighth-most in school history and his 7.3 yards per carry was the highest single-season average in school history.
In 2006, Florida won the BCS National Championship while averaging 160 rushing yards per game.
Drayton mentored Brian Westbrook at Villanova, who became the first collegiate player on any level to record more than 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in the same season in 1998. Westbrook was a two-time All-American, the winner of the 2001 Walter Payton Award as the Offensive Player of the Year in NCAA Division I-AA, was a third-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles and became a College Football Hall of Famer.
A three-time first-team All-America selection as a running back and a two-time All-American on the track, Drayton was inducted into the Allegheny College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio and a 1993 graduate of Allegheny, Drayton and his wife, Monique, have two daughters, Amari and Anaya.
DRAYTON FILE
Born: March 11, 1971
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Married: Monique
Children: Amari, Anaya
Alma Mater: Allegheny College (1993)
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2025: Penn State (Running Backs)
2022-2024: Temple (Head Coach)
2017-2021: Texas (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs/Run Game Coordinator)
2015-2016: Chicago Bears (Running Backs)
2012-2014: Ohio State (Running Backs)
2011: Ohio State (Wide Receivers)
2010: Florida (Running Backs)
2009: Syracuse (Running Backs)
2008: Tennessee (Running Backs)
2005-2007: Florida (Running Backs)
2004: Mississippi State (Running Backs)
2001-2003: Green Bay Packers (Offensive Quality Control/Special Teams)
2000: Bowling Green (Running Backs)
1996-1999: Villanova (Running Backs)
1995: Penn (Running Backs)
1994: Eastern Michigan (Graduate Assistant)
1993: Allegheny (Running Backs)
RANDY CLEMENTS
Randy Clements is a 35-year coaching veteran with 23 seasons mentoring the offensive line at the college level. He comes to Columbia after a one-year stint as an assistant offensive line coach at TCU, where he was reunited with Kendal Briles.
Prior to his time at TCU, he logged collegiate stints as the offensive line coach at North Carolina (2023-24), North Texas (2021-22), Ole Miss (2020), Florida State (2019), Houston (2003-07, 2018), Southeastern (2017), Baylor (2008-16) and Stephen F. Austin (1986-87).
In his first year in Chapel Hill, three Tar Heel offensive linemen earned All-ACC honors on a team that averaged 192.1 yards rushing, ranking 19h nationally and 491.2 yards of total offense that ranked seventh in the nation. The following season, two UNC offensive linemen earned All-ACC distinction.
During the 2022 season at North Texas, the Mean Green offensive line paved the way for 201.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th nationally. They ranked ninth in both sacks and tackles for loss allowed, while averaging 33.9 points and 453.8 yards per game.
From 2010-2020, Clements was the offensive line coach for nine offenses that ranked in the top 13 nationally, which included three-straight at Baylor from 2013-15.
In 2020, Clements served as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Ole Miss. While in Oxford, the Rebels paced the SEC in total offense (555.5 ypg) and broke the conference record for total offense in conference play (562.4 ypg). The Rebels averaged 39.2 points and ran for 210.6 yards per game.
During the 2018 season in Houston, the Cougars averaged 43.9 points, ranking fifth in the nation, and 512.3 yards of total offense, the seventh-highest total in the FBS. Clements unit blocked for 217.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked 24th nationally.
Clements helped elevate the Baylor program to historic heights, including back-to-back Big 12 championships, behind a record-setting offense. While with the Bears, he coached linemen who earned a combined 13 All-Big 12 accolades and six All-America recognitions, including three unanimous selections. He produced the Big 12’s Offensive Lineman of the Year four-straight seasons from 2012-15 and mentored eight NFL Draft picks.
Clements began his coaching career as a student-assistant at his alma mater, Stephen. F. Austin, graduating in 1989. He then spent 12 successful seasons at Stephenville (Texas) High School, where he served as offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and head power lifting coach.
Born Sept. 10, 1966, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Clements and his wife, Polly, have two children, Jordan and Jayson.
CLEMENTS FILE
Born: September 10, 1966
Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas
Married: Polly
Children: Jordan and Jayson
Alma Mater: Stephen F. Austin (1989)
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2025: TCU (Assistant Offensive Line)
2023-2024: North Carolina (Offensive Line)
2022: North Texas (Offensive Line)
2021: North Texas (Volunteer)
2020: Ole Miss (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line)
2019: Florida State (Offensive Line)
2018: Houston (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line)
2017: Southeastern (Offensive Line)
2012-2016: Baylor (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line)
2008-2011: Baylor (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line)
2003-2007: Houston (Offensive Line)
2000-2002: Stephenville (Texas) High School (Offensive Coordinator)
1991-2002: Stephenville (Texas) High School (Head Powerlifting Coach)
1990-1999: Stephenville (Texas) High School (Offensive Line)
1986-1987: Stephen F. Austin (Offensive Line Student Assistant)
SOUTH CAROLINA 2026 COACHING STAFF
Shane Beamer, Head Coach
Kendal Briles, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Randy Clements, Offensive Line Coach
Joe DeCamillis, Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
Stan Drayton, Assistant Head Coach – Offense/Running Backs Coach
Shawn Elliott, Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach
Mike Furrey, Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach
Torrian Gray, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
Sterling Lucas, Defensive Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach
Travian Robertson, Defensive Line Coach