The South Carolina quarterback cited a former Heisman winner as an influence.
LaNorris Sellers Didn’t Hesitate Naming Legendary Quarterback Who Shaped His Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers made it clear who helped shape his game during a recent appearance on The Triple Option podcast. When asked about his football inspiration, Sellers didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll say Cam Newton just because that was my favorite player. I watched him all the time growing up,” Sellers said.
It is not a surprising answer, considering Sellers’ playing style and the buzz surrounding him after a breakout freshman season in 2024.
In his first year as a starter, Sellers threw for 2,534 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added another 674 yards and seven scores on the ground, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.
Sellers helped lead South Carolina to a 9-4 record, including a memorable upset over rival Clemson. His performances earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honors and put him firmly on the national radar heading into the 2025 season.
The hype has only grown in the offseason. Sellers reportedly turned down an $8 million transfer offer to remain in Columbia, signaling his belief in what head coach Shane Beamer is building and his commitment to the Gamecocks.
Newton’s impact on college football was enormous. In 2010, he won the Heisman Trophy and led Auburn to a national title, accounting for 50 total touchdowns and over 4,300 yards of offense. His dominance as a passer and runner helped redefine what an elite quarterback could look like in the SEC.
Sellers has a long way to go to match that legacy, but his admiration for Newton shows in how he plays. As South Carolina gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Sellers to see if he can take the next step and cement himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
