Is LaNorris Sellers related to Bakari Sellers? Exploring link between South Carolina’s QB and the politician

LaNorris Sellers, born on June 23, 2005, is a young quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He joined the team as a redshirt freshman in 2023, initially serving as a backup to veteran QB Spencer Rattler. Sellers made an impressive debut against Furman, completing all four of his passes for a total of 86 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

On the other hand, Bakari T. Sellers, born September 18, 1984, is an established attorney, political commentator, and former politician. Serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives for the 90th District from 2006 to 2014, he made headlines as the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in South Carolina in 2014. Since 2015, he’s been a familiar face on CNN, where he shares his insights as a political commentator.

Is there a family link between LaNorris Sellers and Bakari Sellers?

Although they share the same last name, there is no relationship between the South Carolina quarterback and politician. Their family backgrounds and professions are entirely separate.

What they do have in common, however, is a connection to the state. LaNorris represents South Carolina on the field as a Gamecock, while Bakari has a long-standing career of representing the state's interests in politics and media.

Bakari Sellers was born to Gwendolyn Sellers and Cleveland Sellers, a civil rights activist and professor. Raised in Bamberg County, South Carolina, Bakari attended Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School before pursuing his higher education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies from Morehouse College in 2005 and later received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008.

LaNorris Sellers' football journey: From high school to South Carolina QB

LaNorris Sellers was a standout athlete at South Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina. As a senior, he led the Bruins to a state title in the SCHSL 4A Championship with an impressive 57-30 victory over the Northwestern Trojans. That season, Sellers threw for 2,948 yards and 45 touchdowns while adding 1,338 rushing yards along with 17 rushing touchdowns. For his performance, he was honored as the ‘Florence Morning News Prep Football Player of the Year’.

His high school career ended with him ranked as the No. 4 prospect in South Carolina. Initially committed to Syracuse, Sellers later decided to play for the University of South Carolina, where he entered his redshirt freshman year in 2023 and debuted in a winning effort against Furman.

In the eight games with the Gamecocks this season, Sellers has thrown for 1,205 yards, averaging 150.6 yards per game, with a 60.7% completion rate, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also been effective on the ground, adding 360 rushing yards at an average of 3.7 yards per carry and scoring four rushing touchdowns.

South Carolina Gamecocks: A look at the team’s football legacy

The University of South Carolina’s football program dates back to 1903. Over 117 seasons, the Gamecocks have 606 wins, 583 losses, and 41 ties, competing in various conferences, including the SEC, ACC, and Southern Conference.

South Carolina has made 25 bowl games with a 10-15 record and won its only conference championship to date in the SEC. One of the school's most notable achievements came in 1980 when George Rogers claimed the Heisman Trophy.

This season, the Gamecocks hold a 5-3 (3-3 SEC) record and rank ninth in the conference.