COLUMBIA, S.C. — Zeb Noland’s first game at Sanford Stadium did not last long as he left the game in South Carolina’s first series when his hand was stepped on after a pass play.
But on Wednesday, Noland was at the podium speaking to the media and he was still taking stock of the fact that he was able to play in front of family and friends at Sanford Stadium. It’s a moment he will always cherish.
Noland grew up in Watkinsville, Georgia which is less than 10 miles from the Georgia campus. His appearance in Athens was the continuation of a Hollywood-type storyline for Noland.
A former quarterback at Iowa State and North Dakota State, Noland came to South Carolina as a graduate assistant but wanted to play a fifth year and it just so happens head coach Shane Beamer was looking for improved depth at quarterback, depth that took a hit when Luke Doty suffered a sprained foot in August.
On Wednesday, Noland said he had never been happier to put on a uniform than when he did just that Saturday, knowing that those who have supported him since birth would be there to share in his special moment.