USC Recruiting News

[GTmorris1970]

One thing we all need to remember, which Tony just posted on Gamecockcentral, is that some are making the Carolina coaching staffs job IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!! Recruits and their families do read these boards, and the bashing that goes on I can assure you would not impress me if I were trying to help my son make a decision on where to go to school. As I have said before, WE ARE FINE WITH THIS RECRUITING CLASS!!! If we have leftover schollies, they will most likely be given out to walk on players who earn them, just like last year. I am starting to wonder what Carolina fans expect. If SOS can win 7 games last year with that rag tag bunch, I am personally still in awe. Last year everybody was saying, "my god we must recruit linemen." Well, we are in the top 5 in the nation as far as our linemen recruits right now. I am certainly not being holier than thou, but please sit back and think about what you are saying and what you expect. We ALL knew this was not going to be a two day job. Spurrier is doing a helluva job, and I am estatic about our future. I am going with 8 to 9 wins in 2006. Maybe more.

[WoffordCock]

i don't think that they are trying to say that they aren't happy with the class as it is but that they are tired of losing guys who are on the fence bt us and another school and then we end up losing them....even after it looks as if they are set to chose us (either by reports or by statements). I think thats the point that they are trying to get across...

[GTmorris1970]

Ok. I took a breath. Here are the guys we are still actively pursuing, THAT WE KNOW OF!!! I still say Spurrier is trying to land a huge commit noone knows anything about. If I'm wrong, so be it. That is fine as well. We are still in the hunt for Rose, and are trying to change the mind of 4 star CB Chris Duvalt, who we previously for some reason did not offer. We are still also recruiting Ajiboye. He COULD still change his mind.

[scunyon]

Emanuel Cook is listed as a "Super Sleeper in the Class of 2006."

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=507422


That is an understatement! Any of you who have not seen this kid, need to go to sunshinepreps.net. He does it all...RB, FB and LB. The kid hits hard no matter what side of the ball he's on. I can see the backfield is gonna have plenty of competition come Fall and I can't wait!

[GTmorris1970]

i don't think that they are trying to say that they aren't happy with the class as it is but that they are tired of losing guys who are on the fence bt us and another school and then we end up losing them....even after it looks as if they are set to chose us (either by reports or by statements). I think thats the point that they are trying to get across...

Some yes, some no. I agree with you for some people. It is frustrating, I agree. However, it is also the nature of the beast. It happens to everyone, not just South Carolina. We have players who other schools wanted just as badly. Look at the schools that were recruiting some of the guys we landed. It's all good. :)

[WoffordCock]

Like last week it looked as if Isom was a lock because of reports and the fact that he wanted to play defense instead of Auburn who offered him as OL. Then Patterson looked as if he was seriously looking here becasue of the oppertunity to be close to home and play early like he stated he wanted to do...see what I mean....when guys get their hopes up about a good player who is stuck bt us and another school and we lose the player...it leaves a sour taste. They aren't upset at the recruiting of the coaches or the player for not choosing USC but because they lost a good player that could have gone either way....

[GTmorris1970]

Like last week it looked as if Isom was a lock because of reports and the fact that he wanted to play defense instead of Auburn who offered him as OL. Then Patterson looked as if he was seriously looking here becasue of the oppertunity to be close to home and play early like he stated he wanted to do...se what I mean....when guys get their hopes up about a good player who is stuck bt us and another school and we lose the player...it leaves a sour taste. They aren't upset at the recruiting of the coaches or the player for not choosing USC but because they lost s good player that could have gone either way....

I understand. Please remember 18 and 19 y/o's are easily influenced. They change their mind with the wind sometimes. :)

[GTmorris1970]

Rivals is now reporting that Isom committed to Carolina. Trying to find out what is going on. :confused:

[WoffordCock]

Ok, so now that we have lost Isom and Hawthorne, and grabbed Cook and Ellis...who are the other big boys on our board that we are hoping to grab tomorrow...

[GTmorris1970]

Ok. It has been fixed. Isom to Auburn.

[GTmorris1970]

Ok, so now that we have lost Isom and Hawthorne, and grabbed Cook and Ellis...who are the other big boys on our board that we are hoping to grab tomorrow...

Rose, Duvalt, or Ajiboye. Hopefully one of the three or a surprise. It is being reported we have one more silent commit that will sign tomorrow, but noone is saying who.

[WoffordCock]

wouldn't that be a shock to the college football world....everyone thinks you just committed to Auburn and then you rethink it after leaving the stage and then call up USC to set it right....lol...we could only hope!

[GTmorris1970]

wouldn't that be a shock to the college football world....everyone thinks you just committed to Auburn and then you rethink it after leaving the stage and then call up USC to set it right....lol...we could only hope!

Had me going for a minute!!! It was posted in two or three places. It is fixed now. :(

[Carolina Cowboy]

Rose, Duvalt, or Ajiboye. Hopefully one of the three or a surprise. It is being reported we have one more silent commit that will sign tomorrow, but noone is saying who.
Don't even go there with a silent GT. We have not had one true silent yet?

[GTmorris1970]

Don't even go there with a silent GT. We have not had one true silent yet?

That is not new news. That has been reported from people in the know for a week or more. :cool:

[WoffordCock]

yeah but who besides cook (which we found out today is USC bound) would be a possible silent..because it looks like to me that most of the guys left on our board are pretty obviously choosing bt schools outright....

[GTmorris1970]

yeah but who besides cook (which we found out today is USC bound) would be a possible silent..because it looks like to me that most of the guys left on our board are pretty obviously choosing bt schools outright....

I am thinking it may well be someone who had an unofficial visit. Other than that I'm not real sure. :confused:

[WoffordCock]

By the way it would be nice to pick up Duvalt, could always use more 4 stars on the list! Hopefully he will remember how highly he rated his visit and then see how open the DB position is right now with the leaving of JJ an Ko. Come on bud...dream about USC and ink the right piece of paper tomorrow...

[WoffordCock]

A good showing tomorrow with a few surprises will give USC a top 25 class...i know, i know we addressed our needs and that matters more than class rank...but at the same time you know you kinda want it too.

[JerryBeeds]

If we finish in the top 25 that will be our 7th top 25 finish in the last 8 years. Top 25 recruiting usually means top 25 football teams. I am pleased with the direction we are headed.

[GTmorris1970]

A good showing tomorrow with a few surprises will give USC a top 25 class...i know, i know we addressed our needs and that matters more than class rank...but at the same time you know you kinda want it too.

I would love a national shocker!!!! :D

[Carolina Cowboy]

GT I sure would like for you to be right. I would like to hear from WB.GT I know you like rivals but don't invest to much in the predicitions on thier board.They have to keep thier subscribers reading.What a blunder about Isom,and it is still up under recruiting.

[Beebop]

The one thing I would like to point out is that two years ago we wouldn't have even been on the fence so to speak with half of these kids. Just one year removed from SOS hiring and we are already on the fence. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will our premiership. Coach is doing one hell of a job and I'm damn proud to be a Gamecock right now. I congratulate each of these fine young men for their college choices and thank them for giving us the opportunity, mainly because tomorrow will be a new day and each new day brings us one more day closer to that National Championship we all covet. For those young men who decide to come and be a part of that, then I say welcome to the family, we are proud to have you as Gamecocks. Don't bash these young men, encourage them to go on become great leaders and ambassadors of their schools as such I hope that ours will do for us! Go Cocks!

[GTmorris1970]

The one thing I would like to point out is that two years ago we wouldn't have even been on the fence so to speak with half of these kids. Just one year removed from SOS hiring and we are already on the fence. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will our premiership. Coach is doing one hell of a job and I'm damn proud to be a Gamecock right now. I congratulate each of these fine young men for their college choices and thank them for giving us the opportunity, mainly because tomorrow will be a new day and each new day brings us one more day closer to that National Championship we all covet. For those young men who decide to come and be a part of that, then I say welcome to the family, we are proud to have you as Gamecocks. Don't bash these young men, encourage them to go on become great leaders and ambassadors of their schools as such I hope that ours will do for us! Go Cocks!

I'm speechless. Nothing to add to that one. Great post!!!!!! ;)

[BlackstockGamecock1]

I had to give him a rep point

[GTmorris1970]

I had to give him a rep point

Me as well...... :D

[BlackstockGamecock1]

I think he brought a tear to my eye, but it might have been my sinuses acting up.

[Dr. Pepper]

OK guys, it is 9:00 pm and this is what I think about the past couple of days and about tomorrow.

1. While all of the recruiting stuff is interesting, and I will be the first to admit that I first check to see what has developed with USC recruits whenever I log onto the computer, it is not life or death to me.

2. It is perhaps one of the top decisions these 18 year olds will make during their entire lives. The decisions they make tomorrow will affect them for the rest of their lives. For us, many of the names of those who go elsewhere will be forgotten, and those we do remember will be reduced to trivia. We will say, "Man, I wish we had gotten that guy," or "Man, I am glad we didn't sign that guy."

3. While I believe that the internet sites (Rivals, Scout, etc.) have more influence on these recruits than they should, I seriously doubt that the few donkeys who get on the message boards really make much of a difference. If you will check, I am sure that every site has the handful of jerks who think that every recruit should bow down and worship them. Our bad guys cancel out their bad guys and vice versa.

4. There are so many factors that go into a recruit making a decision. Coaches, families, academics, friends, playing time, pride, prejudice, etc. Who knows what is going to exactly push someone's button? It mostly boils down to a kids dream of playing. For the past 10 years or so, he has developed affiliation with a school, hung posters of his heroes on his bedroom wall, thought about what it would be like to play for a coach like that, hoped that one day football would be his ticket out of town. Tomorrow, he gets a chance to begin making that dream come true. For some, it will. For most, it will be a positive, but less than hoped for experience. For a few, the dream will become a nightmare.

5. USC will have a great class sign tomorrow. I do predict, though I have no idea who, that there will be a surprise for us.

Thanks for all the banter. I look forward to tomorrow and having it over with.

[GTmorris1970]

OK guys, it is 9:00 pm and this is what I think about the past couple of days and about tomorrow.

1. While all of the recruiting stuff is interesting, and I will be the first to admit that I first check to see what has developed with USC recruits whenever I log onto the computer, it is not life or death to me.

2. It is perhaps one of the top decisions these 18 year olds will make during their entire lives. The decisions they make tomorrow will affect them for the rest of their lives. For us, many of the names of those who go elsewhere will be forgotten, and those we do remember will be reduced to trivia. We will say, "Man, I wish we had gotten that guy," or "Man, I am glad we didn't sign that guy."

3. While I believe that the internet sites (Rivals, Scout, etc.) have more influence on these recruits than they should, I seriously doubt that the few donkeys who get on the message boards really make much of a difference. If you will check, I am sure that every site has the handful of jerks who think that every recruit should bow down and worship them. Our bad guys cancel out their bad guys and vice versa.

4. There are so many factors that go into a recruit making a decision. Coaches, families, academics, friends, playing time, pride, prejudice, etc. Who knows what is going to exactly push someone's button? It mostly boils down to a kids dream of playing. For the past 10 years or so, he has developed affiliation with a school, hung posters of his heroes on his bedroom wall, thought about what it would be like to play for a coach like that, hoped that one day football would be his ticket out of town. Tomorrow, he gets a chance to begin making that dream come true. For some, it will. For most, it will be a positive, but less than hoped for experience. For a few, the dream will become a nightmare.

5. USC will have a great class sign tomorrow. I do predict, though I have no idea who, that there will be a surprise for us.

Thanks for all the banter. I look forward to tomorrow and having it over with.

Nice post. I will be glad to see it over as well. I need some rest!!!! :D

[Beebop]

Nice post. I will be glad to see it over as well. I need some rest!!!! :D

My sentiments as well.....good luck tomorrow!

[Dr. Pepper]

WB has been very busy taking extra night classes in preparation for MCAT. Wish him well!

[uscrules]

With over 5000 post, is this the longest one ever?

[usccop]

5032 as of right now, holy cow

[OmahaBound]

if this is a repeat I apologize....

DE Adam Patterson (6-3 260) of Richland Northeast has confirmed his final decision of choosing Michigan over USC. "I just really enjoyed it up there," he said. "I've been here all my life and I just want a chance to see what else is out there for me. I felt at Michigan I was as comfortable as if I was at home. It was a very tough decision but I had to go with what was best for me." Patterson will still make his official announcement at his school Wednesday at 12:30 PM.

I'm just glad that a lot of it had to do with wanting to try something new and see more of the world. Now I'm not sure Ann Arbor would be the place I'd pick to try and experience what the rest of the world is like, but the general concept I can completely understand and respect.

[scfan5338]

Man this sucks... CJ Spiller the top RB in the country is likely to sign with freaking Clempson. Kornbult says that he thinks its likely he will end up there. There are getting so much talent and it's basically because they keep beating f$u every year. The top prospect in the state of SC is already favoring them. THIS SUCKS! :( :mad: :mad:

[scfan5338]

Ajiboye is sticking with VT.

[WayzUp]

Munnerlyn Sticking With USC
By Phil Kornblut

WR Captain Munnerlyn (5-11 182) confirmed this morning he will sign with USC today. Munnerlyn had been committed to the Gamecocks but also gave late consideration to Kansas State and West Virginia. He will sign at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060201/PSPORTS02/60201005/-1/psports

[scfan5338]

Duvalt Sticking With Illini
By Phil Kornblut
DB Chris Duvalt (5-10 165) of Lakeland, FL will sign this morning at 8:00 AM with Illinois despite a late effort by USC to turn him. Duvalt visited USC in January but wasn't offered on the trip and eventually committed to Illinois. But late last week USC regenerated it's efforts to land Duvalt, but he has decided to stick with his commitment.


this really sucks.

[WayzUp]

Our first official LOI of the morning is OL Hutch Eckerson. :) There's two 4-star OL with another to go!

Welcome to the family Hutch! You'll not regret it. :)

[scfan5338]

Ricky Sapp has signed with chumpson.

[WayzUp]

Ricky Sapp has signed with chumpson.
Saw that...let's hope his big weakness turns out to be coverage skills. ;)

[JerryBeeds]

At least he didn't go to UGA. Honestly, I'd rather Clemson get kids like that than another SEC East team. If we lose to Clemson, it won't cost us a shot at the SECCG.

[Carolina Cowboy]

Saw that...let's hope his big weakness turns out to be coverage skills. ;)
That guy does not have aweakness.

[JerryBeeds]

That guy does not have aweakness.

I would say the fact that he only weighs about 200 lbs. is a weakness. If he is going to play DE, he's going to have to gain about 40 lbs.

[Carolina Cowboy]

If we get Rose today USC will have a top three OL class. It's a long shot but maybe he will Pull a Patterson. :cool:

[JerryBeeds]

USC Working Lamarckus Bryant
By Phil Kornblut
USC has jumped in late to try to turn Greenville High WR Lamarckus Bryant (5-11 165) from his commitment to Kentucky. Bryant committed very early to the Wildcats. As a junior he caught 131 passes for 2000 yards and 25 touchdowns. This season he caught 50 passes for 964 yards and 16 touchdowns.


This says Lamarckus Bryant, but I think he means Lamarckus Boswell.

[rabidcock]

Duvalt Sticking With Illini
By Phil Kornblut
DB Chris Duvalt (5-10 165) of Lakeland, FL will sign this morning at 8:00 AM with Illinois despite a late effort by USC to turn him. Duvalt visited USC in January but wasn't offered on the trip and eventually committed to Illinois. But late last week USC regenerated it's efforts to land Duvalt, but he has decided to stick with his commitment.


this really sucks.

So ALL of our hopefuls on the fence went to other programs? Disheartening, to say the least.

Is Rose the only high profile guy left who MAY be considering us? Are any surprises possibly on the horizon?

[Carolina Cowboy]

I would say the fact that he only weighs about 200 lbs. is a weakness. If he is going to play DE, he's going to have to gain about 40 lbs.
He is 18 year old I don't think that will be a problem.But who cares he is not a Gamecock.

[Carolina Cowboy]

So ALL of our hopefuls on the fence went to other programs? Disheartening, to say the least.

Is Rose the only high profile guy left who MAY be considering us? Are any surprises possibly on the horizon?
GT thinks there might be a silent according to some credible sources. It still a good class if there isn't. :cool:

[WayzUp]

USC Working Lamarckus Bryant
By Phil Kornblut
USC has jumped in late to try to turn Greenville High WR Lamarckus Bryant (5-11 165) from his commitment to Kentucky. Bryant committed very early to the Wildcats. As a junior he caught 131 passes for 2000 yards and 25 touchdowns. This season he caught 50 passes for 964 yards and 16 touchdowns.


This says Lamarckus Bryant, but I think he means Lamarckus Boswell.
Good numbers for a smallish receiver who isn't blazing fast. He's probably the type that just doesn't ever drop anything or is in a pass-pass-pass offense...either way, what do you think his role would be at USC? PR/KR? Or does he have a legit shot at getting on the field at a WR down the road?

[rabidcock]

GT thinks there might be a silent according to some credible sources. It still a good class if there isn't. :cool:

Yes, a "Jonathan Hannah"-type would certainly do us no good, now would it! :D

[Of course, we wouldn't know that for a year and a half. Talk about a wisp in the willow.....]

[Carolina Cowboy]

Beeds is do you have any info on Boswell. Great job!

[OmahaBound]

Report on www.palmettosports.com say that officials at his high school think Isom has signed with USC over Auburn.

[WayzUp]

I would say the fact that he only weighs about 200 lbs. is a weakness. If he is going to play DE, he's going to have to gain about 40 lbs.
Good thing we're pulling in a nice OL class then. :) A dominant DE can be schemed out quite a bit over the course of a game and it's going to take him a couple years to get big enough to bull-rush anyway. Speed kills when all the DE has is a speed rush...let him fly around the outside and run where he just came from.

[JerryBeeds]

That would be awesome. I would like to think that we could at get one of the five or so guys we and Auburn both went hard after.

[JerryBeeds]

Beeds is do you have any info on Boswell. Great job!

http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=29689

There is his rivals bio. He's only a two star, but look at his other offers. If Miami wants a WR, I want him too. ;)

[OmahaBound]

Isom Signs With USC
By Phil Kornblut
According to an assistant coach at Lovejoy High School in Georgia, DL Byron Isom signed this morning with South Carolina. The coach said Isom talked late into the night last night with USC recruiter Ty Nix, and he was also worked hard by teammate Chris Hail, a USC commitment. Isom had been favoring USC since his official visit and as late as Tuesday morning had told the Gamecocks he was coming. But he announced for Auburn Tuesday night before changing his mind later in the night.

[Carolina Cowboy]

Thanks he sure does have some stellar numbers. It would be great if Isom did sighn with USC, what a come back by NIX and his staff. :cool:

[JerryBeeds]

Well, there is one signing day surprise.

[WayzUp]

Report on www.palmettosports.com say that officials at his high school think Isom has signed with USC over Auburn.
That wouldbe awesome...what we need isom DL to go with our OL. :D Get it..?

What's that? I've already used that joke? dang... :p I hope this turns out to be true...I really wanted Byron to come to Carolina of all the 50/50'ers we had on our board. I just have a good feeling about him for some reason. Think that's why i was so frustrated last night...

[JerryBeeds]

Boswell Might Switch To USC
By Phil Kornblut
According to an assistant coach at Greenville High School, there is a possibility WR Lamarckus Boswell will sign with USC instead of Kentucky around lunch time today. The coach said Boswell and USC coaches were on the phone a good bit last night and that seems to have raised the possibility of Boswell signing with the Gamecocks.

[JerryBeeds]

The word on this kid is that he catches everything. He had 131 catches as a junior. He reminds alot of people of Noah Whiteside (before the ankle injury).

[WayzUp]

LOI's in for DL-Ryan Broadhead, DE-Terrance Campbell and LB-Eric Norwood.

So far, so great! :cool:

[JerryBeeds]

USCsports.com press release:

Gamecocks Announce Signing Day Coverage
Spurrier Press Conference Live on www.uscsports.com
Jan. 31, 2006

Gamecock fans are encouraged to follow National Signing Day on the official website of Carolina athletics, www.uscsports.com. The website will include updates throughout the day as each signee's national letter of intent is received and verified by the Gamecock football office. Included with the release of each signee's name will be a biographical summary of the student-athletes' prep career.

At 4 p.m. Eastern time, www.uscsports.com will offer live video and audio coverage of Head Coach Steve Spurrier's press conference, as he addresses the media about the 2006 signing class, live from Williams-Brice Stadium.

[JerryBeeds]

Boswell Update
By Phil Kornblut
Greenville High head coach Jim Sosebee said a few moments ago WR Lamarcus Boswell is giving strong consideration to signing with USC around noon today. Boswell has been committed to Kentucky. "If USC had done this earlier, it would have been a no brainer," Sosebee said. "It's a real toss up. He's struggling right now." Sosebee said he and Boswell were about to go into a meeting to review pros and cons of the two programs.

[JerryBeeds]

USC Confirmed Signees As Of 8:53

OL Hutch Eckerson
OL Ryan Broadhead
DE Terrence Campbell
LB Eric Norwood
OL Pierre Andrews
DL Kenrick Ellis
DL Byron Isom

[Williams-Brice]

[url]There is his rivals bio. He's only a two star, but look at his other offers. If Miami wants a WR, I want him too. ;)

Miami didn't offer him. He was just interested in Miami.

[WayzUp]

USCsports.com press release:

Gamecocks Announce Signing Day Coverage
Spurrier Press Conference Live on www.uscsports.com
Jan. 31, 2006

Gamecock fans are encouraged to follow National Signing Day on the official website of Carolina athletics, www.uscsports.com. The website will include updates throughout the day as each signee's national letter of intent is received and verified by the Gamecock football office. Included with the release of each signee's name will be a biographical summary of the student-athletes' prep career.

At 4 p.m. Eastern time, www.uscsports.com will offer live video and audio coverage of Head Coach Steve Spurrier's press conference, as he addresses the media about the 2006 signing class, live from Williams-Brice Stadium.
I see they have Eric Norwood listed as LB/TE...did he play TE in high school, does anyone know?

[OmahaBound]

""Also played tight end, making 15 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns"

http://uscsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020106aaa.html#ELLIS

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I see they have Eric Norwood listed as LB/TE...did he play TE in high school, does anyone know?
This is what it says on uscsports.com about Norwood......."...Also played tight end, making 15 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns ... All-county selection as a linebacker, defensive end and tight end during his career ... "

http://uscsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020106aaa.html

[Williams-Brice]

Okay, I have checked uscsports, gamecockcentral, and korn's site. None of them have Isom confirmed. What's the deal, Beeds? Where did you get that list? That's the site I need to be on.

[Carolina Cowboy]

WB it is on Palmettosports.com list.

[Williams-Brice]

That is PK's site, which I am on right now. I see that article, but I guess what I want to see is his name in that list of guys who have already signed. Thanks for the clarification.

[Carolina Cowboy]

It was on that list but has been removed?

[Williams-Brice]

Just a side note and maybe not to be taken seriously until official, but there is a big time rumor that several of Florida's commits are heading elsewhere.

[Williams-Brice]

GamecockCentral updated at 9:37. Here is the list, not including guys already enrolled this semester.

- Hutch Eckerson
- Terrence Campbell
- Eric Norwood
- Kenrick Ellis
- Pierre Andrews
- Ryan Broadhead
- Chris Hail
- Garrett Anderson
- Chris Smelley

Isom? His teammate, Chris Hail, has his LOI in. Come on, Byron.

[Williams-Brice]

Alright, clarification. Isom has signed the LOI, and USC has not received it, yet.

[TrueGCFan]

I'm very happy to see Smelley already his in.

[JerryBeeds]

Alright, clarification. Isom has signed the LOI, and USC has not received it, yet.

I just added his name to the list since Kornblut had reported that Isom had "signed". I assumed that that meant he'd sent it in already.

[Williams-Brice]

I just added his name to the list since Kornblut had reported that Isom had "signed". I assumed that that meant he'd sent it in already.

I wasn't correcting you. I was correcting what I was freaking out about. I need to calm down. Hahah.

[WoffordCock]

hey did king make grades....his name is on the list per korn...?

[Carolina Cowboy]

Wb is there a chance any of those florida recruits come our way.

[Williams-Brice]

Does anyone know when Daron Rose will announce/sign?

[Williams-Brice]

Wb is there a chance any of those florida recruits come our way.

No, the talk on GC is that Percy Harvin (#1 WR) is headed to So Cal, and his high school teammate is headed to FSU. There is another guy headed to FSU.

That's all per rumors.

[WayzUp]

Just a side note and maybe not to be taken seriously until official, but there is a big time rumor that several of Florida's commits are heading elsewhere.
Thing is, they could lose 7 recruits and still have a stellar class. Any indication on where exactly the defectors would be heading?

[Williams-Brice]

Emmanuel Cook has officially commited to USC. This just happened. The commitment made last night was per his coach. This came from him.

[Williams-Brice]

To answer my own question again, Daron Rose will make his choice at 11 am.

[WoffordCock]

Daron Rose Update
Sources indicate OL Daron Rose will sign this morning with Florida State over USC.
(Feb. 1)

[JerryBeeds]

Does anyone know when Daron Rose will announce/sign?

Noon I think. Just heard Kornblut on Teddy's show say to take Rose off USC's board. It's all but done that he is going to F$U.

[Carolina Cowboy]

Thats to bad he would have been a great addition to an already great OL class.

[WoffordCock]

cook just signed his LOI

[WayzUp]

CJ Spiller's press conference is getting underway....Clemson is about to get some good news... :mad:

[RW13]

Boswell Update
By Phil Kornblut
Greenville High head coach Jim Sosebee said a few moments ago WR Lamarcus Boswell is giving strong consideration to signing with USC around noon today. Boswell has been committed to Kentucky. "If USC had done this earlier, it would have been a no brainer," Sosebee said. "It's a real toss up. He's struggling right now." Sosebee said he and Boswell were about to go into a meeting to review pros and cons of the two programs.

How many stars is he? (not that it matters, SOS is coach, and he's a WR)......BTW, I can't believe I listened to the Teddy Heffner show for over an hour today........

[JerryBeeds]

CJ Spiller's press conference is getting underway....Clemson is about to get some good news... :mad:

Again, I would much rather this kid go to Clemson than UF. Also, hopefully this will piss James Davis off and he'll transfer. He seems like the kinda guy who would take Spiller's coming to Clemson as some kind of "diss".

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

How many stars is he? (not that it matters, SOS is coach, and he's a WR)......BTW, I can't believe I listened to the Teddy Heffner show for over an hour today........
2 stars.....

http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=29689

[USCGrifter]

Speaking of shows, does anyone know of anyone radio stations that are providing coverage today? I am stuck at work in charlotte, so I've been trying to find a sports talk station that is streaming on the web. Thanks for any info.

[JerryBeeds]

Isom's going to Auburn.

[palmettocock]

Now it is being reported that Isom did sign with Auburn last second....according to pk

[WoffordCock]

what the heck is going on with this kid...

[RW13]

Isom's going to Auburn.
WTF is wrong with this kid??

[JerryBeeds]

WTF is wrong with this kid??

He's a waffler.

[uscrules]

Sounds like he has issues.

[USCGrifter]

yyyaaarrgghhh . . . . I think my heart just dropped into my rectum after i read that isom actually signed with AU, wearing USC apparel none the less.

[RW13]

He's a waffler.

He seriously must be, was he really wearing USC stuff while signing the papers? Next I'm gonna read he has 3 purple hearts.....

[JerryBeeds]

Next I'm gonna read he has 3 purple hearts.....

He does. Got 'em in Nam.

[USCGrifter]

He seriously must be, was he really wearing USC stuff while signing the papers? Next I'm gonna read he has 3 purple hearts.....
This straight off of plamettosports.com :

Isom arrived at school wearing USC gear and said he was signing with the Gamecocks. But according to the coach, when he sat down to sign the papers

[uscrules]

I thilnk he was shot in the head.

[RW13]

What a jerk this kid is........., I guess at least he didn't skip out on his guard duty to work on a political campaign though...

[USCGrifter]

And I did read somewhere that he got the three purple hearts while on PT-109 during Nam. He also recieved the congressional medal of honor posthumously for saving JFK's life while on that tour of duty. It was only later that he was reincarnated by the Hindu god Vishnu and allowed to choose an new body, which eventually broke my heart and sent it to my rectum as previously stated.

[JerryBeeds]

This straight off of plamettosports.com :

Isom arrived at school wearing USC gear and said he was signing with the Gamecocks. But according to the coach, when he sat down to sign the papers
That's a ---- thing to do. I don't like it when people talk bad about these kids when they don't sign, but to sign a LOI to one school while wearing another shcool's gear is total --------.

[Carolina Cowboy]

Rose did commit to FSU. :(

[JerryBeeds]

Rose did commit to FSU. :(

No surprise there. Don't it sweat it too much.

[WoffordCock]

I just shot coffee out my nose after reading USCGrifter's post....haha!

[WoffordCock]

Spiller to clemson...

[USCGrifter]

Glad that I could brighten your day :)

[uscrules]

I am still waiting for the big surprise.,I know it will come. So far things look good for us. Lineman, Yes.

[Carolina Cowboy]

I think it's over unless you consider Boswell a big surprise.

[bleedsgarnet]

this is the bottom line..isom really wanted to go to auburn..tuberville cancelled his in home last friday, but isom convinced him to come. He was told that he would have to be on offense at auburn and i think that killed him because auburn was where his heart was at.....when peanut whitehead committed to louisville, that opened up a dl spot..He took it..Did he sign in the proper manner? No. the boy was just confused..I am glad we dont have him..now i will end this before i go %$%%$$%$ off...

[uscrules]

No way is he the big surprise. Maybe it was Rose or Isom. I would think that a big surprise would be an impact player that will play right away.

[JerryBeeds]

Auburn Trying To Get Batchelor
By Phil Kornblut
Auburn offered USC committed OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL this morning. Batchelor remains committed to USC at the moment and is scheduled to sign at noon eastern time.

[Carolina Cowboy]

That would be a surprise,just not the kind we want.

[USCGrifter]

Auburn Trying To Get Batchelor
By Phil Kornblut
Auburn offered USC committed OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL this morning. Batchelor remains committed to USC at the moment and is scheduled to sign at noon eastern time.

OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL said a few minutes ago he signed his letter of intent with USC early this morning but it has not been faxed in. He confirmed he has an offer from Auburn but said that won't change his mind. He said the LOI to USC should be faxed in within the half hour.

[JerryBeeds]

OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL said a few minutes ago he signed his letter of intent with USC early this morning but it has not been faxed in. He confirmed he has an offer from Auburn but said that won't change his mind. He said the LOI to USC should be faxed in within the half hour.

Nice. He's going to be a good one.

[USCGrifter]

looks like we might end up with another WR too.

Boswell Update
WR Lamarckus Boswell of Greenville was scheduled to sign at 12:15 but he has asked his coach for more time. He has been talking with coaches and family members trying to make a decision between USC and Kentucky. He appears to be totally up in the air.

[WayzUp]

OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL said a few minutes ago he signed his letter of intent with USC early this morning but it has not been faxed in. He confirmed he has an offer from Auburn but said that won't change his mind. He said the LOI to USC should be faxed in within the half hour.
Good good...would've hated to see Elephant Ears pull another from us after getting Isom & Hawthorne.

At least it isn't teams like Western Carolina or Citadel that we're going head-to-head with now. :) Batchelor does look good too...he'll be a fine addition.

[RW13]

We have to beat Auburn this year, that has to be goal #1, goal #2 has to be to beat clemson, not b/c of the rivalry, but b/c of the recruiting, but Auburn is #1, this year Bama folks, you and I are gonna be doing a lot cheering for the same teams (the ones facing Auburn).....

[GamecockinIL]

I have never disliked Auburn in particular, but they are starting to be a burr under my saddle. :mad:

[sully00]

I have never disliked Auburn in particular, but they are starting to be a burr under my saddle. :mad: Can you imagine how we feel about them! Welcome to the club!

[WayzUp]

I have never disliked Auburn in particular, but they are starting to be a burr under my saddle. :mad:
I'm sure there are more than a few NC State fans who feel the same about us. We've won head-to-head battles with them in this year's recruiting it seems to me. I'm sure they've taken notice to that as much as we've taken notice that the Big Ear'd one has beaten us out for Hawthorne, Isom and tried to sway Batchelor.

But I hear what yer sayin'....I'll have a little more disdain for Auburn after this recruiting season, I'm sure. Scratch that, I already do. :D

[WDavE]

Oh come on guys....

Your staff stays on Isom case late into the night and just before national signing day.

Auburn offers Batchelor (lifetime Auburn fan) late and that bothers you? It's called Tit for Tat.

If Isom would have signed with you guys today. I still wouldn't have all these negative feelings towards you!
SOS's big time recruiting year and yours is probably next year...

[WayzUp]

OL Heath Batchelor of Haleyville, AL said a few minutes ago he signed his letter of intent with USC early this morning but it has not been faxed in. He confirmed he has an offer from Auburn but said that won't change his mind. He said the LOI to USC should be faxed in within the half hour.
Been a long half hour, dontcha think? :confused:

[RW13]

Roll Tide Roll!!

[palmettocock]

Been a long half hour, dontcha think? :confused:
they now have his loi- heres the list of our signees thus far

GARRETT ANDERSON OFFENSIVE LINE 6-4 284 IRMO, S.C./DUTCH FORK
PIERRE ANDREWS OFFENSIVE LINE 6-3 283 CHARLOTTE, N.C./INDEPENDENCE
CASPER BRINKLEY LINEBACKER 6-2 248 THOMSON, GA./GEORGIA MILITARY
RYAN BROADHEAD OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5 263 LEESBURG, GA./LEE COUNTY
SEAVER BROWN OFFENSIVE LINE 6-2 322 CLEARWATER, FLA./COUNTRYSIDE
TERRENCE CAMPBELL DEFENSIVE LINE 6-3 243 AUSTELL, GA./SOUTH COBB
EMANUEL COOK RUNNING BACK 5-9 205 RIVIERA BEACH, FLA./PALM BEACH GARDENS
HUTCH ECKERSON OFFENSIVE LINE 6-6 281 LUMBERTON, N.C./LUMBERTON
KENRICK ELLIS DEFENSIVE LINE 6-5 349 GREENACRES, FLA./JOHN I. LEONARD
CLARK GASTON FULLBACK 6-3 238 CLEVELAND, TENN./OOLTEWAH
CHRIS HAIL DEFENSIVE BACK/WIDE RECEIVER 5-11 185 LOVEJOY, GA./LOVEJOY
ERIC NORWOOD TIGHT END/LINEBACKER 6-1 256 ACWORTH, GA./NORTH COBB
RODNEY PAULK LINEBACKER 6-0 194 COLUMBIA, S.C./RICHLAND NORTHEAST
NICK PROCHAK ATHLETE 6-4 210 SPARTANBURG, S.C./SPARTANBURG
VANDARAL SHACKLEFORD LINEBACKER 6-0 217 RIVERDALE, GA./RIVERDALE
CHRIS SMELLEY QUARTERBACK 6-2 201 TUSCALOOSA, ALA./AMERICAN CHRISTIAN
DARIAN STEWART DEFENSIVE BACK/WIDE RECEIVER 5-11 204 HUNTSVILLE, ALA./LEE
KEVIN YOUNG OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5 341 CLEARWATER, FLA./CENTRAL CATHOLIC

[palmettocock]

Sorry, I thought for some reason we were talking about Erickson! Batchelor isnt on that list quite yet.

[WDavE]

He is faxing his papers to you guys right now... Just decided

[WayzUp]

Oh come on guys....

Your staff stays on Isom case late into the night and just before national signing day.

Auburn offers Batchelor (lifetime Auburn fan) late and that bothers you? It's called Tit for Tat.

If Isom would have signed with you guys today. I still wouldn't have all these negative feelings towards you!
SOS's big time recruiting year and yours is probably next year...
Whatever dave...Isom was a USC lean throughout right up until Tubs changed his pitch to whatever Isom wanted to hear. It's not tit for tat when you play with a kid's head and what his role is going to be with the team just to get his signature.

As for Batchelor, it's a non-issue...he seems to have his mind made up but at least there isn't any half-truths to be told to him to get him to change his decision. It's those that bother me, not the persistence by Auburn to sign him.

[AUTiger94]

Whatever dave...Isom was a USC lean throughout right up until Tubs changed his pitch to whatever Isom wanted to hear. It's not tit for tat when you play with a kid's head and what his role is going to be with the team just to get his signature.

As for Batchelor, it's a non-issue...he seems to have his mind made up but at least there isn't any half-truths to be told to him to get him to change his decision. It's those that bother me, not the persistence by Auburn to sign him.

Bwaha haha ha ha ha ha ha ha ! :D

[RW13]

12 National titles to 1, Roll Tide Roll!!

[palmettocock]

12 National titles to 1, Roll Tide Roll!!
.........funny, I thought you were a gamecock fan? :confused:

[WayzUp]

Bwaha haha ha ha ha ha ha ha ! :D
Careful there AUT...your maturity is starting to show through those tarnished stripes of yours...as well as your class.

Try representing Auburn in a positive manner or you're going to end up proving all those Bama fans right. :cool:

[AUTiger94]

RDub,

I think Byron's a big boy. He can make up his own mind where he wants to go. You are being kind of a big baby here.

[RW13]

.........funny, I thought you were a gamecock fan? :confused:

We have 1 ACC title to our credit, I had to go with a successful program for this argument, we kinda suck in football.....

[palmettocock]

RDub,

I think Byron's a big boy. He can make up his own mind where he wants to go. You are being kind of a big baby here.

actually he can't make up his mind, considering he was wearing gamecock gear when he signed the dotted line. If ya'll want a guy like that, be my guest.

[WDavE]

Roll Tide Roll!!

I would do a Tit for Tat here, but I can't force myself to ever cheer for Clemson or any Bowden....


I'll let this scroll down and away......LOL!

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

Boswell Signs With UK
After deliberating all morning over his decision, Greenville High WR Lamarckus Boswell (5-11 165) has signed with Kentucky. Greenville coach Jim Sosebee confirmed the LOI was being faxed to UK at 1:00 PM. USC moved in on Boswell Tuesday night and had him rethinking his commitment to the Wildcats, but in the end he decided to stick with his...


Heath Batchelor is on our confirmed list, so he has signed his LOI.

[RW13]

Man, we need some WR's, Rice isn't gonna stay past this year......

[WayzUp]

Add OL-Heath Batchelor to our list. :) Think that's seven OL we've received LOI's from today. Losing two OL to injury in the Indy bowl had a huge impact in the 2nd half of that game (coupled with Blake Mitchell's case of Sidney Rice tunnel vision) so hopefully this class will add the depth across the line to ease such in-game losses in the future.

Sucks that we lost out on Boswell....that's what you get for coming in late. Same can be said about Auburn on Batchelor or neglecting to give an offer to a talented player (see: DUVALT). Recruiting can be fickle, that's the only sure thing in the whole process.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

Here's the story on Isom.......

Inside Isom's Switcheroos
By Phil Kornblut
No player on National Signing Day may have driven more folks crazy than DL Byron Isom (6-3 260) of Lovejoy, GA. Wednesday afternoon, after the dust had settled, his coach, Al Hughes, gave PalmettoSports.com details of how Isom ended up signing with Auburn. "Last night I thought he was going to South Carolina but he wasn't going to make the announcement until today," Hughes said. "But last night he said he was going to Auburn and I liked to fell out of my damn chair. At six o'clock this morning he called me and told me he was a Gamecock. Then this morning, he was dressed in his suit and he had his South Carolina hat in his hand. He was at the table preparing to sign and he whispered to me, 'Coach, I feel a little uneasy about my decision.' I said look, would you please just take your mom and dad and talk about it a minute. By the time I got over there, he was in a full fledged conversation. At 9:52 he looked at me and he said 'this is it, this is my decision, I want to go to Auburn.' Then I just got the hell out of Dodge. It was probably the hardest decision the young man has had to make. I tried my best to help him feel comfortable with his decision."
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060201/PSPORTS02/60201028/-1/psports

I hope he doesn't waver as much in making decisions on the football field......"Should I go for the QB, no, go after the RB, no, go after the WR, no, the QB, oh crap, is that the RB in the end zone?" :D

[GTmorris1970]

Man, we need some WR's, Rice isn't gonna stay past this year......

We are better than good at WR. :)

[WayzUp]

We are better than good at WR. :)
I agree...

SIDNEY RICE ('nuff said)
KENNY McKINLEY (clutch grabs galore)
NOAH WHITESIDE (comeback story in the making)
OJ MURDOCK (let's see what he can do!)
SYVELLE NEWTON (may sit out, may not...will be good either way)
FREDDIE BROWN (would like to see what this kid can do, too)
JARED COOK (look out for this kid)
CARLOS THOMAS (if need be...rather see him stick on D tho)

Yah, I like our receiving corp just fine. :cool:

[Carolina Cowboy]

I see Moe Brown has not sent in his letter yet?

[USCGrifter]

I see Moe Brown has not sent in his letter yet?


Palmettosports.com has him on thier list of confirmed committments

[Carolina Cowboy]

I see seaver brown but not moe brown. Maybe I am missing something.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I see seaver brown but not moe brown. Maybe I am missing something.

He's there. Here's the list:

USC Confirmed Signees As Of 12:45
OL Hutch Eckerson
OL Ryan Broadhead
DE Terrence Campbell
LB Eric Norwood
OL Pierre Andrews
DL Kenrick Ellis
ATH Chris Hail
DE Jarriel King
OL Garrett Anderson
QB Chris Smelley
LB Vandaral Shackleford
OL Kevin Young
OL Seaver Brown
LB Rodney Paulk
RB Emmanuel Cook
ATH Nick Prochak
DB Darian Stewart
OL Heath Batchelor
WR Moe Brown
(Feb. 1)

[USCGrifter]

Moe Brown is not listed on the uscsports.com website, but they were not doing a very good job of keeping the list of commits who had signed LOI's up to date. That is why I have been looking at the list on palmettosports.com

[WayzUp]

O Captain, My Captain...where art thou? :D

[USCGrifter]

O Captain, My Captain...where art thou? :D

I too am counting the seconds until 2 p.m. You can never have too many DB's.

[Williams-Brice]

Don't worry about the receivers. You've forgotten about all the big names we redshirted last year. Moe Brown won't redshirt. He's going to contribute this year. Also, you are going to see a ton of Cory Boyd and Emanuel Cook in the slot. We're fine. The best thing we can do concerning wide receivers is not sign more than one this year and preach our depth chart to Mark Barnes. Seriously, guys, next year's class has the potential to be the best thing in the history of Columbia. Better than anything. We are tied in the lead for Clausen, all of his studs want to play college ball with him, and three of our biggest prospects are guys in our own backyard who ACTUALLY WANT TO COME HERE. This class sets up next year's beautifully.

[WayzUp]

Moe Brown is not listed on the uscsports.com website, but they were not doing a very good job of keeping the list of commits who had signed LOI's up to date. That is why I have been looking at the list on palmettosports.com
I think that's got something to do with uscsports.com putting the player bios together and updating the list as they get those done. Palmettosports is only posting the players' names which is great for up-to-the-minute updates but not as filling as the info uscsports ultimately gives once they get it up. I'm going back & forth between both, myself...

[Carolina Cowboy]

Don't worry about the receivers. You've forgotten about all the big names we redshirted last year. Moe Brown won't redshirt. He's going to contribute this year. Also, you are going to see a ton of Cory Boyd and Emanuel Cook in the slot. We're fine. The best thing we can do concerning wide receivers is not sign more than one this year and preach our depth chart to Mark Barnes. Seriously, guys, next year's class has the potential to be the best thing in the history of Columbia. Better than anything. We are tied in the lead for Clausen, all of his studs want to play college ball with him, and three of our biggest prospects are guys in our own backyard who ACTUALLY WANT TO COME HERE. This class sets up next year's beautifully.
Next year I hpoe we close the deal with the blue chip players.

[WayzUp]

Next year I hpoe we close the deal with the blue chip players.
I think as long as we perform on the field, we will. It may take an outstanding season (9+ wins) but I think we have a great shot at getting it done. The depth we've been missing that has been helped greatly by this class will go a long way toward making it happen.

[uscrules]

Moe Brown is listed on USCSPorts.com now.

[TrueGCFan]

According to Rival Adam Patterson has signed his LOI to the Wolverines.

[USCGrifter]

I would love to here that the captain has signed his LOI and it is being faxed to USC right now. I thought he was supposed to sign at 2 pm. Does anyone know if he in fact has signed his LOI?

[GamecockinIL]

I would love to here that the captain has signed his LOI and it is being faxed to USC right now. I thought he was supposed to sign at 2 pm. Does anyone know if he in fact has signed his LOI?

I'm in the Central Time Zone and so is he....it's probably 2:00 CST

[uscrules]

I know every kid has a right to go where he likes and feels comfortable, but I think of all the fence hangers, he was the biggest surprise for me. I know he would have felt a lot of pressure to perform and succeed at home (USC), but to choose Michigan over us was the biggest surpise of all the recruits on our board. I guess there is no such thing as a lock. I think I read several that thought he was a lock for Carolina. I think he could have played and contributed right away.

[USCGrifter]

I'm in the Central Time Zone and so is he....it's probably 2:00 CST

Munnerlyn Yet To Sign
DB Captain Munnerlyn of Mobile, AL has not yet signed his LOI with USC. The signing was to have taken place this morning but has been rescheduled for 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Munnerlyn said this morning he was solid with his decision to sign witht he Gamecocks.
(Feb. 1)

[WayzUp]

I know every kid has a right to go where he likes and feels comfortable, but I think of all the fence hangers, he was the biggest surprise for me. I know he would have felt a lot of pressure to perform and succeed at home (USC), but to choose Michigan over us was the biggest surpise of all the recruits on our board. I guess there is no such thing as a lock. I think I read several that thought he was a lock for Carolina. I think he could have played and contributed right away.
I look at Patterson as the anti-Wayz. :D I'll explain...

I grew up in Michigan and grew to love it and hate it at the same time. When I was in HS, I couldn't wait to graduate and get the hello outta Dodge just for the sake of, well, getting out of Dodge. I picked SC cuz it was a good business school and my oldest brother went there so I had a great idea of what the school was all about and was in love with it far before i ever applied to go there. Part of me will always love Michigan but I'll never regret leaving and taking the opportunity to see what else was out there. The choice to stay and go to school in-state (had a couple scholarships that were only good for MI schools) wasn't really an option. Staying close to home might be for some people but I can definitely relate to someone who wants to 'explore' a bit while they still can. His choice of UM though, I do not understand. It's a great school and the tradition can't be argued. However, I think he's going to get a dose of the weather up here & how utterly depressing it can be seeing nothing but gray skies from late September through March and he might regret his decision. But at the same time, those big guys like it nice and cool and he'll get plenty of that up here. That and UM has a great track record for sending lineman (OL & DL) to the pros so I'm sure that'll help ease any misgivings he gets along the way.

Just a little perspective as to why someone would want to leave "home" and go to school far away. He'll either love UM or hate UM, just like everyone else! :D

[WoffordCock]

as of right now rivals has us ranked at #24 nationally, think of what it could have been if we would have held on to isom and Ajiboye, and possibly pulled another surprise like duvalt. We could have broken the top 20-15. Oh well, we got what we really needed and the class still looks very good.

[WoffordCock]

Munnerlyn Signs
WR Captain Munnerly's LOI to USC arrived a few minutes ago. His signing is expected to be the last for the Gamecocks today.

[WoffordCock]

if this truly is our last one of the day then we finished the recuiting season with a 3.08 star average....ain't bad at all.....

[GamecockinIL]

if this truly is our last one of the day then we finished the recuiting season with a 3.08 star average....ain't bad at all.....

Good average...no question. But if that's our last signing of the day, then the staff definitely misread someone. That gives us only 22 signees today.

[WoffordCock]

yeah but its 25 total.....Bailey, Brinkley, and Reaves signed earlier...and King resigned today as well. Giving us our 24 plus one Mr. King.

[uscrules]

Let's just hope King makes the grades and has been keeping himself in good shape. I project he will play on the defensive side and make everybody on this board say forget about the defensive tackles that we lost.

[scfan5338]

Munnerlyn has signed.

[scfan5338]

I'm looking at Illinois list on Rivals and it dosen't show that Duvalt has signed with them yet. Is there anything more to this???
http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp

[uscrules]

I am having problems with the sound on Spurriers press conference on uscsports.com.

[Spurrierismyhomeboy]

just go to your gamecock station it will probably have it.

[WayzUp]

I'm looking at Illinois list on Rivals and it dosen't show that Duvalt has signed with them yet. Is there anything more to this???
http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp
He's on there for Illinois now...what I want to know is why he wasn't offered a scholly while he was still considering us. :confused:

[TrueGCFan]

I must say I'm happy with this years class. I think in many ways is better than last years. If you look at Rivals our star rating went from a 2.96 last year to a 3.08.

[pc72687]

This class is exactly what we needed. I know, all the losses at the end were a little disheartening (even I got a little out of sorts) but we must look at the big picture here. Once again Spurrier put together a class full of great athletes, many of which may contribute next year. Go cocks!!

[palmettocock]

I must say I'm happy with this years class. I think in many ways is better than last years. If you look at Rivals our star rating went from a 2.96 last year to a 3.08.
I agree, this years class might not be as exciting because we lost some guys we really wanted but this is how this year stacks up to last( even though I already know stars dont matter :cool: ) Maybe it was the Spurrier buzz(2005) we were still experiencing, and that classes speed was very exciting! But if any of you feel like we failed in some way, or wish we had a class like last years, then check it out.

this year- 6- 4 star recruits
14- 3 star recruits
4- 2 star recruits

last- 6- 4 star recruits
15- 3 star recruits
7- 2 star recruits

[usccop]

I'm not down on our class, just confused towards a small few. Interesting numbers though.

[scfan5338]

I really don't see us winning 9 games next year and therefore i doubt we get a Top 15-20 class. I think we will end up where we are right now. which isnt bad but isnt good enough to compete for the sec championship.

[JerryBeeds]

One thing you have to remember is that we are poised to have another top 25 finish without signing very many skill players. Lou had those back-to-back top 15 finishes, but most of those were based on JUCO all-americans who didn't pan out. This year we went light on JUCO's and signed high school guys to need positions. Spurrier is doing this the right way and not the quick fix Lou Holtz way. Can any of you ever remember a class in which we signed a top 10 QB, top 15 DT, and top 10 OL in the same class? I sure can't. Also look for Emmanuel Cook and Rodney Paulk to be big time impact players. Sure we missed out on some guys, but we were competing with some of the top football programs in the country. I'm excited about this class and the future of Gamecock football.

[cocky4ever]

I really don't see us winning 9 games next year and therefore i doubt we get a Top 15-20 class. I think we will end up where we are right now. which isnt bad but isnt good enough to compete for the sec championship.
You really feel that way?? Wow, Im shocked :rolleyes:

[WayzUp]

I really don't see us winning 9 games next year and therefore i doubt we get a Top 15-20 class. I think we will end up where we are right now. which isnt bad but isnt good enough to compete for the sec championship.
Have you seen our schedule for next year? There's a good 7 games that I think we'll have no problem winning and another couple we could pull off surprises in. I think the bare minimum of wins we get next year is 8 and depending on how a few things here & there go...come the end of summer, I can see myself going out on a limb and saying we could win 10. Nine wins is a very reasonable goal for us next year, especially since a lot of the guys that got us our 7 wins this year are going to be back and better. Add the depth the non-redshirted guys of this class will provide and we should fare better later in games from now on and that was a serious achilles heel for us. Be a doubter if you want but I see much more potential than 'status quo' out of our program now and going forward.

[GTmorris1970]

Great class. Spurrier seems pretty pumped. I'm happy. Go Cocks!!!!!

[rabidcock]

Beeds, Wayz, GT....hey, top 25 is great and it just sets us up for better in the future. Right?

And just think of the guys that we just missed out on that would've made the class greater. I do not recall us being in such a position before. Things are looking up, IMO! :cool:

[cocky4ever]

Beeds, Wayz, GT....hey, top 25 is great and it just sets us up for better in the future. Right?

And just think of the guys that we just missed out on that would've made the class greater. I do not recall us being in such a position before. Things are looking up, IMO! :cool:
I agree. Things are certainly looking up. As Beeds pointed out, this isnt just a "quick fix" class that will leave us with the same holes to fill in 2 years. These lines will be a big part in our success for 3-5 years. Even though we pulled great linemen on both sides of the ball a lot of the big names we lost were linemen. We didnt go after too many key position players and that tells me that Spurrier must feel pretty good about the players we have in those positions right now. We did a good job of filling our needs and should be able to continue to move in the right direction. This years signing class may not have been as exciting as some, but we took a HUGE step in filling our needs for the long haul.

[AUTiger94]

I agree. Things are certainly looking up. As Beeds pointed out, this isnt just a "quick fix" class that will leave us with the same holes to fill in 2 years. These lines will be a big part in our success for 3-5 years. Even though we pulled great linemen on both sides of the ball a lot of the big names we lost were linemen. We didnt go after too many key position players and that tells me that Spurrier must feel pretty good about the players we have in those positions right now. We did a good job of filling our needs and should be able to continue to move in the right direction. This years signing class may not have been as exciting as some, but we took a HUGE step in filling our needs for the long haul.
Success breeds success fellas. You are in good hands. Give the man time and he will deliver. He is a freaking Football God.

[pc72687]

I think Beeds pretty much summed my thoughts on it all. Now I just want to see this talent pan out on the field!

[RW13]

quick question, are we renovating the stadium any time soon (additions to the north end, etc?), a clemson friend of mine brought up that there west end zone project helped recruiting....

[JerryBeeds]

quick question, are we renovating the stadium any time soon (additions to the north end, etc?), a clemson friend of mine brought up that there west end zone project helped recruiting....

Yes, we are closing the end zone opposite the student section. We are also supposed to be building one of those academic centers for athletes like Clemson and Auburn have.

[AUTiger94]

RW,

Spurrier is going on the Hot Seat?

[Cianne]

Yes, we are closing the end zone opposite the student section. We are also supposed to be building one of those academic centers for athletes like Clemson and Auburn have.

I know our new indoor facility is a big plus for recruits, in fact any fancy new anything is. Do ya'll have something similar to that?

[JerryBeeds]

I know our new indoor facility is a big plus for recruits, in fact any fancy new anything is. Do ya'll have something similar to that?

We just built a new indoor facility and football building. The whole city of Columbia is getting a makeover. You can't drive any where without running into construction.

[RW13]

We just built a new indoor facility and football building. The whole city of Columbia is getting a makeover. You can't drive any where without running into construction.

That's for damn sure, I've had 3 nails in tires in the past 14 months, btw beeds are you gonna watch the demolition of that building on assembly street sunday morning? it's at 8 am but I think I might go with my girlfriend, hell I'm all for explosives.....

[JerryBeeds]

That's for damn sure, I've had 3 nails in tires in the past 14 months, btw beeds are you gonna watch the demolition of that building on assembly street sunday morning? it's at 8 am but I think I might go with my girlfriend, hell I'm all for explosives.....

I hadn't heard about that. Sounds good right now, but 8 am on a sunday is pretty rough for a guy like me.

[RW13]

go to wistv.com, it's that tall white building on assembly that used to be our welcome center, and before that it was apparently a hotel, it should be pretty cool, and hey, just drink all night on saturday, tell the fat chick (j/k) not to let you fall asleep, and then stumble on down to assembly....

[rabidcock]

quick question, are we renovating the stadium any time soon (additions to the north end, etc?), a clemson friend of mine brought up that there west end zone project helped recruiting....

You have a Clemson friend? And he offered you favorable advice about the Gamecocks?

Will wonders never cease? :D

[Dr. Pepper]

I have been out all day and am just now finding out how the day unfolded. You guys have worn me out.

It has been a good day for the gamecocks. It has been a good day for a lot of other teams. Time to buckle up the old chin strap and go out and hit someone.

[scfan5338]

I was reading Spurrier's comments on the recruits, and he was saying a lot of the guys want to be red-shirted including some of the stop OL we signed. Anderson said he was hoping to get red-shirted. Do they just want another year to play in college?? I think we are going to need most of the OL we signed this year.

[scfan5338]

I hate to say it but that damn chumpson tiger stadium is looking really good. they added that front thing at on the west endzone it looks really nice. We need to renovate ours.

[OmahaBound]

I was reading Spurrier's comments on the recruits, and he was saying a lot of the guys want to be red-shirted including some of the stop OL we signed. Anderson said he was hoping to get red-shirted. Do they just want another year to play in college?? I think we are going to need most of the OL we signed this year.

they're smart enough to know that they have the potential to be good...really good. but they're not big enough yet and could use a year to grow, learn the system, and come in ready to play. sounds like eckerson and young might get a chance to play immediately though.

remember, both anderson and paulk are a year younger than all these guys. they were close to the birthday cut-off day as younger kids, big enough, and smart enough that the schools pushed them forward a year.

[OmahaBound]

just to put our OL commits into perspective....

i remember 2 years ago when James Thompson was considered a huge pickup for us and our OL. well if you look back at rivals, he was only a 3-star OL and his grade indicated that rivals barely gave him that 3rd star. now yes, we all know that the recruiting grades don't mean a thing, but think about how far we've come. we went from being thrilled that we got a 3-star OL, to being fairly ho-hum about a class with FOUR 4-STAR OL!!

i think spurrier said it best at tonight's press-conference (i won't lie; i enjoyed lou's team-deprecating speeches because you knew he didn't mean half of what he was saying so i found it amusing....but spurrier's brutal honesty, no matter what you want to hear, is really refreshing). we're not going to be a really good team and have something to consistently build on until our starting lineup is filled with 4th and 5th year seniors. this past season we had a huge number of 1st and 2nd year players starting....and the same will be true this season. but if we can keep the faith and not get too down on our gamecocks should they not improve much on the field this season....everyone better watch out for the Carolina Gamecocks in 3 or 4 years. we'll have our impressive victories here and there, and we'll win most of the games we should.....but we're also going to have a few blown games that just shouldn't happen to a good team (*COUGH*missouri*COUGH*). i really see us building into a legitimate contender, and more importantly in my mind, a consistent contender over the next few years.

It's a great time to be a Gamecock!

[usccop]

Good point my College World Series-loving friend.

[GTmorris1970]

Beeds, Wayz, GT....hey, top 25 is great and it just sets us up for better in the future. Right?

And just think of the guys that we just missed out on that would've made the class greater. I do not recall us being in such a position before. Things are looking up, IMO! :cool:

You are correct. For me the future is now. Spurrier is pretty pumped about this class. I will say again, NOBODY gets every player they want. Auburn, VT, Fla. State, Michigan, nobody. Spurrier is building something here we can all be proud of. He said flat out we will be a better team next year, and I believe him. For those who have not taken time to read up on this man, it would be worth your while. He has never been the one to seek out only 4 and 5 star recruits. This man has an uncanny way of seeing the potential in an athlete, and getting the most out of that athlete. A lot of our recruits already know who they are rooming with, working out with, etc. That seems small to some of you but that is what builds a TEAM. That is what Carolina has lacked for so long. He is not protecting his name and success level by recruiting JUCO players to win right away. He is building this thing block by block, and I could not be more appreciative to him for that. He signed enough OL that he says he will redshirt half of them. You guys need to remember we had an offensive line this year....LOL We do have some coming back. It's not like we don't have OL to play, they just need to get better. He did not recruit that many to put a team on the field. This gives us a chance to start building a program with 5th year guys. He believes so much in the importance of that. I have heard bitching about not recruiting more skilled position players. That was about all we recruited last year. Please remember you have not seen many of them in action yet. You will this season, and you will be amazed at the speed and quickness you have not seen yet from last years class. My point. LET THE MAN DO HIS JOB AND QUIT COMPLAINING (For those who are). He has done this a little longer than you or I have, and his success speaks for itself. He knows what he needs, and he is getting it. It is not what you or I need, it is about what he needs to build a program the way he runs one. He has over 20 years experience, so I am going to quit telling him what to do....... ;)

Lastly, I AM PUMPED ABOUT THIS CLASS!!!!! Thank you SOS for being the coach of South Carolina. You are making us all proud!!! GOOOOOO Cocks!!!! :D

[Dr. Pepper]

Whatever happened with Chester from Peach County HS in Georgia? That team was state champs in their classification.

[WayzUp]

Clausen Plans USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

Junior QB Jimmy Clausen (6-3 190) of Westlake Village, CA plans to attend Junior Day at USC February 25th along with several of his teammates including highly regarded RB Mark Tyler. Clausen and his teammates attended junior days at Notre Dame and Tennessee. According to sources, Clausen and a few of his teammates would like to attend the same school, and USC may present them with the best option for doing that. Clausen also has been considering Southern Cal and Michigan. USC coaches have been barred from contacting Clausen for offering him before the allowable date. That ban is due to expire next week.
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060201/PSPORTS02/60201087/-1/PSPORTS

I'm still not holding my breath cuz I think ND's situation sets up perfectly for Clausen & Co. Brady Quinn & a lot of his skill position buds will be graduating and they'll no doubt have a solid season with their schedule and high percentage of upper-classmen across teh board. All Weis is going to have to do is show Jimmy who they're losing and I think it'll be a done deal. Just being mentioned in the race for this guy though, is indicative of where we are going with this program under Spurrier. :cool:

[GTmorris1970]

We have already offered the top junior running back in South Carolina, along with 2 other schools. He will announce on his birthday, May 28!!!!

[pc72687]

That is good (his early announcement) because it gets us something to show other recruits and get the class going. Every good athlete wants to play for a winner and Spurrier is going to do that. Some just need to see the talent coming in to become believers.

[Williams-Brice]

That's for damn sure, I've had 3 nails in tires in the past 14 months, btw beeds are you gonna watch the demolition of that building on assembly street sunday morning? it's at 8 am but I think I might go with my girlfriend, hell I'm all for explosives.....

Yeah! They are blowing up the old visitor center on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday! I've been looking forward to it for a while, but I am going to Spartanburg on Saturday to watch the game with some friends. It's going to be awesome! Sounds like there will be a crowd out there. Find a way to get on top of the Wendy's building so you can watch it!

[Williams-Brice]

Whatever happened with Chester from Peach County HS in Georgia? That team was state champs in their classification.

Chester signed with South Carolina State because he had academic issues. SC State has gotten some pretty good prospects in this class.

[Beebop]

We have already offered the top junior running back in South Carolina, along with 2 other schools. He will announce on his birthday, May 28!!!!

Who might this be? :confused:

[WayzUp]

Who might this be? :confused:
GT told me earlier it's Brian Maddox (http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=47529) he's referring to. Not a bad combo of size & speed if you ask me. :)

[Williams-Brice]

Brian Maddox from T.L. Hannah is correct. He is considering a lot of fantastic schools. It looks like Texas will offer him soon. Carolina leads, but he grew up a Klimpsen fan. They have not offered. Our chances our very good because we jumped on him swiftly. His early commitment date helps us. I hope he sticks to his claim.

[cocky4ever]

Brian Maddox from T.L. Hannah is correct. He is considering a lot of fantastic schools. It looks like Texas will offer him soon. Carolina leads, but he grew up a Klimpsen fan. They have not offered. Our chances our very good because we jumped on him swiftly. His early commitment date helps us. I hope he sticks to his claim.
I dont think we really have to worry about him going to chumpson because of the type of talent they already have in the backfield. If Im not mistaken one of his friends goes to Texas so they may be a little harder to fight off. I think we have a great shot at landing him though, especially since he is planning on announcing so early. He must already have a pretty good idea of where he wants to be(and from the sound of things that is SC).

[JerryBeeds]

I dont think we really have to worry about him going to chumpson because of the type of talent they already have in the backfield. If Im not mistaken one of his friends goes to Texas so they may be a little harder to fight off. I think we have a great shot at landing him though, especially since he is planning on announcing so early. He must already have a pretty good idea of where he wants to be(and from the sound of things that is SC).

Tommy Bowden will promise the first carry of the season just like he did with James Davis and CJ Spiller. I wouldn't count out Clemson out. Ole Tammy has a way of making Clemson's depth chart dissappear if he wants a kid bad enough.

[cocky4ever]

Tommy Bowden will promise the first carry of the season just like he did with James Davis and CJ Spiller. I wouldn't count out Clemson out. Ole Tammy has a way of making Clemson's depth chart dissappear if he wants a kid bad enough.
Yeah, nothing is worse than seeing a grown man cry. Once he starts doing that these kids will say anything to get him out of their house :p

[JerryBeeds]

There are 36 former Florida players on NFL rosters.

36 Total Players. 33 of those were Spurrier recruits
16 Skill Position. 14 of those were Spurrier recruits
20 Non-Skill Pos. 19 of those were Spurrier recruits

There are more of Spurrier's non-skill position recruits in the NFL right now than skill position recruits.

We signed 22 players this year.
5 skill position
13 non-skill position
4 could play either side of the ball.

Sounds like Coach Spurrier can coach up the big uglies too. ;)

[pc72687]

I know we want to bash Tommy Bowden, but you have to give the man credit in how he recruits. He always gets good players, who fit his system well.

[Beebop]

Sounds like Coach Spurrier can coach up the big uglies too. ;)


Very interesting stat there.....that can definitely be used as a great recruiting tool. :D

[scfan5338]

I know we want to bash Tommy Bowden, but you have to give the man credit in how he recruits. He always gets good players, who fit his system well.


WE DEFINETLY WANT TO BASH THAT B@STARD!!! I HATE HIM!!!! but unfortunately yea... he gets the best players to fit into his damn system. just like he got cj spiller. i dont think i am going to get over that one until we sign a big time RB.

[WayzUp]

Anyone down for some Emmanuel Cook (http://64.237.99.126//content/view/205/1/) video clips?? :)

cockyhoskin's site (http://www.cockytalk.com/showthread.php?t=7831) has quite a few more (yes, Smelley's is there too! :cool: ) so wander over for a bit if you're so inclined. Me personally, I like what I see out of our new guys! :D

GO COCKS!

[scfan5338]

USC Offers North Carolina Back
By Phil Kornblut
USC is among the early offers for RB Ryan Houston (6-3 240) of Matthews, NC. Houston also has offers from Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Michigan according to his coach Mike Newsome. "He talked to coach Spurrier Wednesday and got a direct offer," Newsome said. "He also talked to coach Carr (at Michigan) Wednesday." Houston does not have a favorite according to his coach. He will attend either junior day at USC or one of the Gamecocks' spring practices. Houston rushed for 1910 yards and 34 touchdowns last season and has rushed for 3799 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career.

[scfan5338]

TL Hanna RB Will Be Among The Best
By Phil Kornblut
TL Hanna RB Brian Maddox (6-2 215) will be one of the state's leading players in 2006 after rushing for 1340 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. "He's Raphael LIttle the second," said Hanna coach Scott Parker comparing Maddox to his former star running back now at Kentucky. "He's a power runner with great vision. He has that gear to take off." Maddox also plays linebacker but wants to play running back. He has offers right now from USC, Duke, Maryland and Vanderbilt and is also getting interest from Clemson, Texas, Michigan and Ohio State. Maddox talked with USC head coach Steve Spurrier Wednesday and the Gamecocks seem to have an early edge. "I think they really like him, and he likes them," Parker said.

[scfan5338]

Three Leading For Clausen
By Phil Kornblut
USC, Notre Dame and Southern Cal have moved to the forefront with junior QB Jimmy Clausen (6-3 190) of Westlake Village, CA according to his coach Bill Redell. And in fact, according to a source, the Gamecocks and Fighting Irish are the two strongest with Clausen right now. Clausen will attend USC's Junior Day February 25th.

[scfan5338]

USC Positioned To Sweep Columbia Three
By Phil Kornblut
USC has stepped up its recruiting efforts of the junior class in South Carolina in an effort to turn the tide that has seen Clemson win the in-state battle the past couple of years. And the Gamecocks plan to protect their own backyard with three highly rated players residing at Richland Northeast and Spring Valley. RNE teammates DB Gary Gray and WR Mark Barnes and Spring Valley OL Quintin Richardson would like to attend the same school, though that's not an absolute priority. And all three hold USC very high up on their lists. And they are working to help USC with other prospects. Richardson talked to QB Jimmy Clausen of California and RB Brian Maddox of TL Hanna by phone the other night. Richardson and his grandfather plan to take an unofficial visit to USC the middle of next week. His grandfather will play a big role in his decision. Richardson has offers from USC, Clemson, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State. Auburn and NC State also are close to offering.


Out of all the recruits in the state of South Carolina; I think we have to get these three guys. They are big time players and we can't let them go to Clemson. We gotta impress Richardson's grandfather. PLEASE SPURRIER DO YOU MAGIC AND BRING THESE GUYS ON USC CAMPUS!!

[palmettocock]

Here's a list of Espns 10 juniors to watch for 07. Guys.....we have a great shot at 3 of them!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/news/story?id=2316738

[TrueGCFan]

I know we're a long way out, but things are looking good for next year. We need to close the boarders and close Columbia. If we can get these three guys plus Clauson this could be the best recuriting class we've ever had.

[scfan5338]

I know we're a long way out, but things are looking good for next year. We need to close the boarders and close Columbia. If we can get these three guys plus Clauson this could be the best recuriting class we've ever had.


Clausen or no Clausen, if we get the three guys from Columbia and Maddox the running back from T.L Hanna, our recruting class is going to be great next year. Thats probably 3 4-star guys and 1 5-star(Gary Gray). You know we are going to get some guys from Florida and Georgia. If we get Clausen it would be tremendous, but I'm not going to be upset if we dont. We have a great QB for our future in Chris Smelley.

[TrueGCFan]

Clausen or no Clausen, if we get the three guys from Columbia and Maddox the running back from T.L Hanna, our recruting class is going to be great next year. Thats probably 3 4-star guys and 1 5-star(Gary Gray). You know we are going to get some guys from Florida and Georgia. If we get Clausen it would be tremendous, but I'm not going to be upset if we dont. We have a great QB for our future in Chris Smelley.
Couldn't agree more. :)

[palmettocock]

Clausen or no Clausen, if we get the three guys from Columbia and Maddox the running back from T.L Hanna, our recruting class is going to be great next year. Thats probably 3 4-star guys and 1 5-star(Gary Gray). You know we are going to get some guys from Florida and Georgia. If we get Clausen it would be tremendous, but I'm not going to be upset if we dont. We have a great QB for our future in Chris Smelley.

dont forget about that hotshot qb from ocala either :D I agree though, I cant wait to see what Chris Smelly can do. Natural born leader.

[JerryBeeds]

dont forget about that hotshot qb from ocala either

Here's a good article about that kid. Lots of talk about SOS in there.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/SPORTS/602030322/1002

[scunyon]

Here's a good article about that kid. Lots of talk about SOS in there.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/SPORTS/602030322/1002

If we can get this kid, we may end up as QB-U after all ;)

[Bulldog Bry]

you know, normally I just post on subjects I know about. But I just wanted to say congrats to you guys on keeping this thread going for, like, 8 years. Lots of excitement in Columbia. Which just really pisses me off. I was already sweating the SC game every year and now - more so. My only hope is that SOS realizes he can play golf so often at Augusta that he'll quit.

Hey, a dawg can dream..........

[Cianne]

Bruce Feldman's insider info on ESPN is reporting that Jimmy Clausen is currently leaning towards Notre Dame.

[Dr. Pepper]

I wouldn't put much stock into what any of the talking heads might say right now about anybody. Heck, the recruits for this year have not even showed up on campus yet and we are already projecting for next year. There is a lot of water that has to run under the bridge before we can start talking about leans, commits, etc.

[Cianne]

I wouldn't put much stock into what any of the talking heads might say right now about anybody. Heck, the recruits for this year have not even showed up on campus yet and we are already projecting for next year. There is a lot of water that has to run under the bridge before we can start talking about leans, commits, etc.

You're right but I'm bored and still haven't slept yet.

[scfan5338]

I wouldn't put much stock into what any of the talking heads might say right now about anybody. Heck, the recruits for this year have not even showed up on campus yet and we are already projecting for next year. There