South Carolina’s quarterbacks have adopted an unusual approach this season to learn from their mistakes – one that involves a fake piece of poop. LaNorris Sellers, a quarterback, disclosed that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula keeps this humorous prop in his office to ensure that the lessons from their film sessions resonate with the players.

“It looks like real poop,” Sellers noted. “You can sit it in your hand and it looks like poop.”

When a quarterback makes a mistake that is visible on film, Shula instructs the player to fetch ’the dump off his desk.’ After retrieving the fake poop, the player returns and is met with the statement, “That’s what you just did to me.”

Sellers admitted he hasn’t had to carry out this task frequently, but noted that reserve quarterbacks Air Noland and Cutter Woods have engaged with it more often as they adapt to the system.

“If you don’t know it, you’re going to make some mistakes,” said Sellers. “But it happens quite a bit.”

Despite its odd nature, this ritual has become a hallmark of the Gamecocks’ quarterback culture. Shula, who held a senior offensive assistant position at South Carolina last season, is now back to calling plays for the first time since his stint with the New York Giants in the NFL back in 2019.

Sellers, who had a breakout redshirt freshman season, aims to build on his success under Shula’s mentorship and position himself as an early Heisman Trophy candidate for 2025. Last year, Sellers completed 65.6% of his passes for 2,534 yards, achieving 18 touchdowns against seven interceptions while also rushing for 674 yards and seven more touchdowns.

This season, Shula’s return to play-calling lets him instill his unique strategies. For Sellers, this means perfecting his skills with a coach boasting over 25 years of NFL experience, while ensuring the lessons—some involving a fake piece of poop on Shula’s desk—truly stick.