South Carolina recently held its first scrimmage, and the team got together over the weekend to watch film of that very scrimmage. That's when Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer had a surprise for two of the team's walk-ons.
"The strength of the team is every individual in here, correct? The strength of this team is every single individual in this room," Beamer told the team in a video posted on the South Carolina football program's X account. "And the strength of every individual is this team. So no matter what your role is right now, no matter what your role is on August 31, we need every single one of you."
Little did Ronnie Porter and Bradley Dunn know, their lives were about to change. Beamer surprised both players by telling them they are now on scholarship.
"Ronnie, I've seen you do it on defense. I've seen you. You were a starter last year on special teams," Beamer said. "Seen you make plays, plays like this, man. I love it, look at that. I'm excited. And I'm so excited, I'm going to put you on scholarship."
Porter, a fourth-year linebacker who hails from nearby Columbia, S.C., played in all 12 games during the 2023 season. He registered three tackles and played mostly on special teams.
Just moments after Porter received his special surprise, Dunn got some equally good news.
"Love the energy right here by Bradley Dunn. That's what he does every single day in the five years that he's been in this program," Beamer said later in the film session. "And that's why he's on scholarship, too."
Dunn has been a member of the Gamecocks roster since 2020 when he arrived as a walk-on. The running back has appeared in seven games and has tallied five carries for 12 yards.
South Carolina will open the 2024 season against Old Dominion on Aug. 31. When the Gamecocks takes to the gridiron, Porter and Dunn will have two new scholarships in tow.