SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL

SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL

BATTLE ARMOR (2024)

11.6 MILLION VIEWS | 1.5 MILLION LIKES

As a South Carolina student, I was a fan of the iconic “Battle Armor” series and always dreamed of having the opportunity to produce my own someday. The 2024 season, I got that opportunity, and knew I had to make the most of it. Battle Armors tell the story of the week through a written and produced video, which simultaneously unveils the week’s uniform combination. As we approached our matchup against #10 ranked Texas A&M, momentum was growing. The excitement was building, chaos was ensuing around college football, and it was our turn to add to that chaos — so what better way than to take the approach of being the villain. Each Battle Armor producer over the years has taken their own approach, and I wanted to do the same.

Heath Ledger’s “Joker” is a role I have always had tremendous appreciation for as a fan of cinema and producer of cinematic media, and I knew that this piece could use a similar feel. Writing, directing, and producing this video was such an exciting, stressful, and invigorating experience for me. Having less than four days to do all of that really helps you strengthen your ability to work well, fast.

All of the special effects in the video are practical effects and done in-camera. I find a certain beauty and uniqueness to using practical effects, because they turn out different every time. The crystalized shots were timelapses of frost in a can and a blow dryer, which created a frozen effect on the windows and gear. The fire was burned that night, and the smoke around it was created using a variety of smoke bombs.

One of the most important parts of this was our model, tight end Moe Brown, who absolutely nailed the role. Directing players, who are not actors, can be very challenging…but creating a relationship with them that allows for them to feel comfortable and able to make mistakes creates room for them to really be phenomenal actors. By directing him in this role, he was able to understand the importance of the role and embody the Heath Ledger Joker throughout the entirety of the shoot. This attention to detail really helped to take this video to entirely new level.

I couldn't be more thankful for the awesome team of guys that helped make this possible: Justin King, Ethan Styll, Jacob Reeves, Ernest Toh, and Noah Whalen. As of November 14, the video (and reposts of it) has generated over 12 million views, 1.5 million likes, and 6,500 comments. Statistics via gondola.cc

THERE’S ALWAYS PARODY

950,000 VIEWS | 45,000 LIKES

One key lesson I’ve learned as a content specialist is that people are drawn to what’s familiar—myself included! There’s no better way to engage an audience than by giving them something they already know and love. That’s why these parody projects have become some of my most recognized work. But their success goes beyond simply being tributes to famous shows.

When creating parody videos, the standard is clear: they must be as perfectly aligned with the original as possible. The difference lies in the details—going the extra mile to match tone, style, and execution. That level of precision is what sets these projects apart.

The real joy, though, comes from the creative process itself. These videos let me highlight the personalities of the team, showing who they are beyond the field, helmets off. It’s an opportunity to spotlight their character and humor, and honestly, they made it easy for me.

Working with non-actors requires clear communication, patience, and coaching—skills I take pride in. Creating a comfortable and confident environment for them to shine has consistently led to success.

Check out the shot-by-shot comparisons here:

1.3 MILLION VIEWS | 120,000 LIKES

369,000 VIEWS | 20,000 LIKES

The Offseason (2024)

340,000 VIEWS | 16,000 LIKES

“The Offseason” is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding projects I worked on at South Carolina. It was created as a heartfelt tribute to our incredible fanbase, serving as a love letter from the stadium—a place that holds countless memories, emotions, and experiences for every fan who enters. I had the honor of writing the script for the voiceover, crafting it to embody the voice of the stadium itself. The idea was to imagine the stadium as a living, breathing entity, sharing its deepest feelings and gratitude directly with the fans. From the roar of the crowd to the quiet moments before the game, the narrative aims to capture the essence of what makes this place so special.

In addition to scripting, I directed and produced every aspect of the video, ensuring each shot, sound, and transition carried the weight and emotion the story deserved. The result is a piece that resonated powerfully with our community, striking a chord that speaks to the unique bond between the stadium and those who fill it with life.

This video has become a tradition, a moment to pause and reflect before the excitement of a new season begins. It will now be shared with fans at the conclusion of every offseason, a reminder of the passion, pride, and connection that make our fanbase extraordinary.

It was a true labor of love, and seeing the emotional response from fans has been an incredible affirmation of the work that went into it. This project stands as a testament to the deep connection between the stadium and the people who make it a home.

A special thank you to Noah Whalen, Ethan Styll, and Ernest Toh who helped me make this piece as exceptional as it was; and to Jacob Reeves, who took the beautiful cover image of WIlliams-Brice Stadium.

THE START (2024)

229,000 VIEWS | 8,000 LIKES

In January 2024, I created the video that kicked off the Gamecocks' season and set the tone for a year of redemption. Coming off a challenging season without a bowl game, the narrative crafted by Head Coach Shane Beamer and Strength Coach Luke Day set bold expectations for what was to come.

Drawing from cinematic techniques I had studied, I brought their vision to life with a slow-building narrative, orchestral music, and moments of tension designed to stir anticipation and urgency. The result was a trailer-like piece that resonated deeply, setting the emotional foundation for what would become a remarkable season. Today, it’s often revisited as one of the first sparks of a truly special year.

This project was a personal challenge, pushing me to grow creatively. One of the toughest aspects of storytelling is crafting a narrative when the story hasn’t fully unfolded yet—and doing so in a way that resonates with the audience rather than turning them away.

Designing an alternate format specifically for vertical formats like Reels and TikTok, this piece began with a cinematic wide-angle drone shot. Adapting such a shot for vertical viewing required a unique approach. I developed a version that allowed viewers to seamlessly tilt their screens without any explicit call to action, creating a smooth and engaging transition.

CLEMSON RECAP (2024)

400,000 VIEWS | 30,000 LIKES

South Carolina vs Clemson is one of the most heated and most anticipated rivalry games of the year, and also by far the most underrated. With the state of South Carolina having no professional teams, this rivalry game represents the entire state — you’re either a Gamecock, or a Tiger. Every year, this rivalry is special, and what an opportunity we had to finish off the year strong with a road win against a top 15 ranked team.

The game was rather unique; low-scoring, and extremely tense in the 4th quarter. The last seven minutes felt like a roller coaster ride, highs and lows of emotions and anticipation, and my goal was to recreate that feeling with this recap video. I can say this was the most challenging video I've done, producing my first long-form recap, and first game recap at the same time. I was able to introduce a unique look behind the curtain by using coaches communications via headset to capture the emotion and intensity of the game; something that fans do not often get to hear.

I’ve learned that the key to making great social pieces is making something that people come back to watch time and time again, and giving them pieces that blow them away every time they watch it. Sometimes, it can be valuable to use fan input to make a piece stronger, and in the case that is exactly what I did. All of our fans were emphasizing the 3rd and 16 touchdown, so making it driving point in the video was a salute to them.

IT’S GENERATIONAL (2024)

450,000 VIEWS | 17,000 LIKES

2024 was a massive year for college football—NIL deals were hitting the millions, the playoffs expanded, and, of course, the long-awaited EA Sports College Football video game finally dropped. This wasn’t just a game release—it was a cultural moment. Every college football fan in the country had been waiting over a decade for this, and we knew social media was going to be *the* battleground for capturing the hype.

We wanted to tap into something deeper than just excitement. We wanted to connect generations—the fans who grew up playing the old games with those experiencing it for the first time. As someone who spent way too many hours as a kid playing NCAA 14 until the disc gave out, this project was personal. I wasn’t just making a video—I was reliving my childhood. In my head, I was back in my living room with AAU boys, Xbox fired up, running the same four money plays over and over. I wanted that same energy in this piece: high tempo, pure nostalgia, and that “Damn, that was fire” reaction that makes people want to watch it again.

So, I went to work, leading the charge with a senior student, Noah Whalen, who probably loves college football even more than me—writing the script, mapping out every shot, and making sure this wasn’t just another hype video.  The bridge between past and present? That was easy—Gamecock legend Connor Shaw. The last South Carolina QB to appear in an EA Sports college football game? Had to be him. But we needed some modern-day firepower too, so we brought in DQ Smith, a stud on defense and always a good vibe in front of the camera. And if we’re talking about Gamecock football history, there was no way we weren’t sneaking in a cameo from the GOAT, Heisman winner George Rogers, for a little extra magic.

From the jump, I knew I wanted the guys playing the game on the stadium’s videoboard, but the challenge was making that moment hit. It had to be more than just a cool visual—it needed a story. That’s what separated this from just another clip on the timeline. Then came the details—the kind of stuff that casual fans might overlook but Gamecock fans would obsess over. Recreating iconic celebrations, custom game covers, little nods to past eras—things that made it more than a video.   

Three hours of filming, a week in the editing cave, and a lot of obsessing over the smallest details later, “It’s Generational” was born. And it hit. It hit our core audience—the die-hard fans—and at the same time, the video spread beyond our bubble, elevating our brand nationally. This was more than just a project for me—it was the first time I saw an idea in my head come to life exactly how I imagined it. And that feeling? That’s something I’ve been chasing ever since.

This would not have been possible without our talent: Connor Shaw, DQ Smith, and George Rogers, as well as the crew who worked so hard to help me bring my vision to life: Noah Whalen, Justin King, Ethan Styll, Ernest Toh, Finley Edwards, and Tommy Liccione.

Also if you like funny videos, please take a second to watch the moment we finally got the exact interception on EA CFB 25 that we needed to put up on the videoboard.

NFL DRAFT: GO BE GREAT

467,000 VIEWS | 22,000 LIKES

The “Go Be Great” series was a project I was proud to help lead during the 2022 and 2023 season. This initiative aimed to send off former South Carolina players entering the NFL Draft with powerful, personalized videos that celebrated their journeys as Gamecocks. Each piece was crafted to highlight their unique stories, creating heartfelt tributes that resonated with fans and showcased the essence of each player’s time at South Carolina.

Over two seasons, the series evolved, adapting its tone and style to match the individual personalities of the players. For example, Spencer Rattler, one of the biggest names and narratives in the 2023 NFL Draft, received a bold and dynamic video that reflected the magnitude of his story. It captured the doubts, the critics, and the adversity he faced, blending it all into an inspiring narrative that celebrated his rise and solidified why he deserved a shot as an NFL quarterback.

87,000 VIEWS | 6,000 LIKES

In contrast, Nate Adkins, a 2022 draftee, had a quieter story. Known for his humble demeanor and limited pre-draft buzz, his video took a more intimate approach. Narrated by his father, Greg Adkins—South Carolina’s offensive line coach—it struck an emotional chord. The father’s voice added a layer of heartfelt pride, transforming the video into a moving testament to a son's hard work and a father’s unwavering admiration.

These videos weren’t just send-offs; they were celebrations of resilience, passion, and the legacy of South Carolina football. Each one left a lasting impression, not just on the players, but on everyone who watched their stories unfold.

EVERY FEELING, EVERY MOMENT.

Every moment has its story, and every feeling leaves an impression. The videos below capture a range of emotions and pivotal moments that resonated deeply with our team, energized our fanbase, and inspired future recruits. Each piece is a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing those moments to life.

From celebrating milestones—like congratulating former players on a potential Super Bowl victory—to rallying fans for a matchup against a Top 20 team, every video is designed to make an impact. One call-to-action sizzle helped create a sold-out stadium and an electric atmosphere that became unforgettable. These moments aren’t just about the game—they’re about the culture, the excitement, and the connection that define who we are.

Showcasing the team’s personality and chemistry is equally important. Whether it’s capturing the energy of a spring workout, highlighting the camaraderie of a raft day, or reflecting on South Carolina’s legacy to welcome alumni home, these videos bring fans closer to the heart of the program. They show the players as more than athletes, giving the audience a reason to care about the people behind the jerseys.

Whether it’s promoting elegant events like the Beamer Ball fundraiser, to celebrating individual triumphs—like honoring our defensive edge player who won college football’s top defensive award—each piece is crafted with intention and attention to detail. It’s about connecting with the audience on a deeper level, showcasing not just the highlights but the heart of the program.

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