USC Recruiting News

[Williams-Brice]

ESPN.com now shows Carolina as the number 4 recruiting school in the nation!

When I checked last time, we were #3 on ESPN.

[Williams-Brice]

Do we know which players may not qualify and which will be grey-shirted?

Every single one of them has a realistic chance to qualify. Some have more work to do than others, but we'll only know when this semester is over. Mark Barnes and Dion Lecorn are the two that stick out in my mind. In terms of greyshirting, that won't be an issue until the summer. Obviously, you have to wait and see how many qualify first. Second, it's not uncommon to bring in a kid for a semester of summer school, and then decide to send him home and let him enroll the next January. That's exactly what happened with Ryan Broadhead last year. I just saw him about 3 minutes ago. He's gained about 30 pounds since the last time I saw him.

[NineInchCock]

I doubt a coach on the hot seat is going to let his players redshirt while he goes 1-10 if those players are capable of contributing. I'm not worried about UNC. We redshirted an whole heckuva lotta talent here. The cupboard is usually pretty bare on 1-10 teams, especially ones from the ACC.

Just for a point of clarification: Did UNC win 1 or 2 games this year? Thanks.

Quoted for truth. I really don't understand why everyone is getting so uptight about UNC next season. We will beat them by 20+. Mark it down.

(And +rep for this post)

[LedCock]

WB or anybody know anything about former Flempson commit Jo Jo Cox. Doesn't seem like a bad pickup if we can make room for him. He's got great season stats.

[lacene]

WB or anybody know anything about former Flempson commit Jo Jo Cox. Doesn't seem like a bad pickup if we can make room for him. He's got great season stats.

WayzUp posted this earlier concerning Cox:

On Jo Jo Cox, Tony Morrell is saying USC will not take him. We'd have probably had to convert him to LB or something anyway. We have a better big back in Maddox anyway.

[GamecockDieHard]

According to what I have heard, USC's Athletics Dept. phones have been ringing off the hook with recruits now wanting to come to USC since Spurrier has been linked to the HC job.

I think it's time to remember the first post in this thread. What say y'all!!!!!!:thumpsup:

[Williams-Brice]

No chance for JoJo in this class.

[LedCock]

JoJo would have a hell of a chip on his shoulder and we all know how some of those players like to stick it to the ones who snubbed them

[Williams-Brice]

Yeah, but we got a better big back in Brian Maddox, and we just signed 31 guys. Making him fit into this class just isn't realistic. Plus, I don't want to hear Clemson folk telling me that their academics are better than our's.

[pc72687]

Yeah, we are already going to be struggling to make the 31 on the team, we don't need to fight for a player I don't think we ever recruited anyhow.

[LedCock]

I agree fitting him in with the other recruits would be pretty much impossible but if he's a great player and we could grey shirt him or take him as a preferred walk on then it might be a good pickup. Besides his coach said he would be going to a D1 team in SC. My interpretation of that is he'll come to SC no matter what he has to do. Either way I'm not fighting to get the kid, I just like the idea of a kid with a chip on his shoulder (Ryan Brewer).

[raptorcox]

no no no.... JoJo is not coming to USC.

[WayzUp]

Has Jo Jo ever played defense? He doesn't have bad size/speed combo for an OLB.


.....just thinking out loud.

[gamecockdroc]

I wish we could sign the kid he sounds like he really wants to play football, not only do we have B Maddox but can't forget about Eric Baker. To bad though would love to have this kid playing for us he would fit into our offense well.

On another note did you see where Cliff is going to try out for the bball team. He had 28 pts and 16 boards against one of our signees in a win.

[lacene]

I wish we could sign the kid he sounds like he really wants to play football, not only do we have B Maddox but can't forget about Eric Baker. To bad though would love to have this kid playing for us he would fit into our offense well.

On another note did you see where Cliff is going to try out for the bball team. He had 28 pts and 16 boards against one of our signees in a win.

you talking about one-on-one ball?? :blink:

further on Jo Jo, we do not need another RB now, but we will next recruiting class. I'm sure we already have at least one JR prospect on the board that's possibly higher rated than Cox. It wouldn't make sense to load up at the position and waste a scholly on a player that won't be best utiliized, and then pass on a better recruit in the future because his spot is taken. Or, rescind Cox's scholly and tell him to move on, which is cruel.

[The Spur]

I doubt a coach on the hot seat is going to let his players redshirt while he goes 1-10 if those players are capable of contributing. I'm not worried about UNC. We redshirted an whole heckuva lotta talent here. The cupboard is usually pretty bare on 1-10 teams, especially ones from the ACC.

Just for a point of clarification: Did UNC win 1 or 2 games this year? Thanks.

That's what I thought the first time I heard that said. Anyway, it should be interesting. One thing is for sure, NC will be more competitive next season under Davis and I expect he will turn things around in a hurry.

Thanks for all the recruiting updates. That was very much appreciated.

[The Spur]

Quoted for truth. I really don't understand why everyone is getting so uptight about UNC next season. We will beat them by 20+. Mark it down.

(And +rep for this post)

I'm not getting uptight about UNC. I simply stated it is a game that concerns me slightly. This will not be a John Bunting coached pushover. It will not be LSU either.

I expected South Carolina would handle Wofford and Kentucky much better than they did this season but both were 7 point games. Yes Kentucky was a bowl eligible team but they did have one of the worst defenses in the nation.

Look, don't everyone take what I'm saying the wrong way. I'm not predicting a loss to NC this year, I'm just saying they should be much better coached and they did pull a pretty decent class this year. Butch Davis is a much better HC than John Bunting. He does at least know how to win. I just think it could be a closer game than most people are thinking. I hope I'm wrong but I just have a feeling.

[pc72687]

I am more worried about spring practice right now then the season. We'll learn more about the team then, which will let us know where we stand vs. our opponents.

[Carolina Cowboy]

I just want to see a massive OL that makes every block and closes every door.

[gamecockdroc]

you talking about one-on-one ball?? :blink:

further on Jo Jo, we do not need another RB now, but we will next recruiting class. I'm sure we already have at least one JR prospect on the board that's possibly higher rated than Cox. It wouldn't make sense to load up at the position and waste a scholly on a player that won't be best utiliized, and then pass on a better recruit in the future because his spot is taken. Or, rescind Cox's scholly and tell him to move on, which is cruel.

Couldn't remember the team Cliff was playing, read below.

Odom, Spurrier in sharing mood
Cliff Matthews earns coaches’ approval for football-basketball double dip
By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com
Cliff Matthews thinks he can play at South Carolina immediately, confident that his size, strength and quickness could help the defense.

The Cheraw native can play a little football, too.

As expected, Matthews faxed his letter of intent to the USC football office Wednesday. But the 6-foot-5, 230-pound defensive end also hopes to play basketball for the Gamecocks.

"I'm going to try my best to play both," Matthews said this week.

The last major, in-state recruit who said he wanted to play both sports for the Gamecocks was Gaffney standout Sidney Rice. While Rice never suited up for Dave Odom's squad, his football career turned out well: The record-breaking receiver is projected as a first-round pick in April's NFL draft.

Cheraw basketball coach Tony Harrell said if Matthews were a few inches taller, football would not be in the discussion.

"He's a kid that at 6-5 could play Division-I basketball. But at 6-8, he wouldn't play football at all," Harrell said. "Basketball is his first love, but I think he can make money playing football."

In a deep class of defensive line prospects that recruiting services rank among the nation's top five, Matthews might be the Gamecocks' best. Armed with a quick first step, Matthews spent much of his senior year in opponents' backfields, finishing with 125 tackles and 15.5 sacks.

He was a defensive MVP in two All-Star games — the Shrine Bowl and Rivals' All-American Bowl — and is rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com. Rivals.com ranks Matthews as the country's No. 3 weakside defensive end, behind Fort Dorchester's Carlos Dunlap and Illinois-bound Martez Wilson.

"He's got a tremendous takeoff (for) rushing the passer," Cheraw football coach Johnny White said. "His motor runs nonstop."

Matthews expects to be used as a pass-rush specialist until he fills out his long frame and can play every down.

"Gaining weight is going to come," Matthews said. "It's not stopping me from getting to the quarterback."

Of course, Matthews will not have as much time to hit the weight room if he follows through with his basketball plans. The power forward said he has permission from Odom and Steve Spurrier to try both sports.

"(Spurrier) told me I could play basketball, (and) coach Odom told me he'd give me a shot," he said. "That's all I can ask for — a chance."

Since getting into basketball shape following the All-Star game circuit, Matthews has averaged 25 points during the Braves' past five games. In a 49-43 victory against Lee Central last week, Matthews had 28 points and 16 rebounds and outplayed Gamecocks signee Michael Holmes.
"That's not the first time I did that to him," said Matthews, who had 28 against Holmes in last year's region championship.

Matthews received basketball scholarship offers from High Point and North Carolina-Charlotte and continues to get letters from basketball coaches at Penn State and Alabama.

While basketball might be Matthews' first love, he will get a chance to make his first impression at Williams-Brice Stadium, along with the Gamecocks' other highly touted defensive linemen.

"I'm looking forward to playing with them," he said. "If I go out there and perform how I know can, I know I can play early."

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.

[Dr. Pepper]

Just for curiosity's sake, had Carlos Dunlap signed with us, how would that have changed the point totals and rankings for Florida and Carolina (assuming that nothing else changed) on Rivals team rankings?

[The Spur]

Just for curiosity's sake, had Carlos Dunlap signed with us, how would that have changed the point totals and rankings for Florida and Carolina (assuming that nothing else changed) on Rivals team rankings?


Not sure but that would be interesting. I can't wait to see some of these freshmen play. Wonder how many will be redshirted? If SS continues to pull this type of class in it will only be a matter of time.

[Williams-Brice]

Just for curiosity's sake, had Carlos Dunlap signed with us, how would that have changed the point totals and rankings for Florida and Carolina (assuming that nothing else changed) on Rivals team rankings?

It would have given us the #1 DE class in the country, but it would not have changed our overall ranking. There was a pretty large gap between #5 and #6.

[WayzUp]

Yeah, we'd have had the top DE class AND the top WR class according to Rivals. I'm not sure how we fared in by-position rankings with the other services but we were up there in those two for sure but I don't think getting Dunlap would have vaulted us as high as one would think.

[pc72687]

Are they going to charge admission to the Spring game since they have Hootie playing there. It seems like a good way to get some extra cash for the univeristy athletics program. Its like paying for a concert but also getting to see your favorite team play. Can't think of a better deal myself.

And if yes how much will they charge (I think they could charge $5-7 easy)?

[pc72687]

One more question, when do the basketball players sign their letter of intent?

[uscrules]

One more question, when do the basketball players sign their letter of intent?

The early signing date is November 8-15 and the late period is April 11. I believe we have signed everyone during the early signing date.

[palmettocock]

Are they going to charge admission to the Spring game since they have Hootie playing there. It seems like a good way to get some extra cash for the univeristy athletics program. Its like paying for a concert but also getting to see your favorite team play. Can't think of a better deal myself.

And if yes how much will they charge (I think they could charge $5-7 easy)?

THe spring game won't be free, I can tell you that much. I would also say it would range around 5-10 dollars, as they can't make it too expensive, or they wouldnt have a big crowd. All proceeds will go toward the expansion and new athletics buildings

[pc72687]

Right, I figured it would be a low price in order to bring the crowds but also enough to make some money for the athletic department.

[IrmoCock]

THe spring game won't be free, I can tell you that much. I would also say it would range around 5-10 dollars, as they can't make it too expensive, or they wouldnt have a big crowd. All proceeds will go toward the expansion and new athletics buildings

I'm pretty sure they usually charge in the $10 range and get plenty of people (even in the rain). And that's without the concert and the term "fund raiser." My guess is that, this year, it will be at least $20 and I wouldn't be surprised by $25 or $30. Just my take on the deal. I guess we'll see.

[JerryBeeds]

I told a buddy of mine this morning that if they'll let me, I'm going to pay at least 50 bucks for entry to the spring game. I would encourage others to do the same. Consider it an investment in some great football over the next decade or so. We have got to get on par with the rest of the SEC facilities-wise before Spurrier is done. It will make us a much more attractive job for when the OBC retires.

[OmahaBound]

I told a buddy of mine this morning that if they'll let me, I'm going to pay at least 50 bucks for entry to the spring game. I would encourage others to do the same. Consider it an investment in some great football over the next decade or so. We have got to get on par with the rest of the SEC facilities-wise before Spurrier is done. It will make us a much more attractive job for when the OBC retires.

That's a great idea. Instead of charging a "$5 donation" phrase it a "$5 minimum donation." Maybe do a little more advertising for the game this year and make sure everyone knows they're not just supporting the '07 squad, but teams for years to come.

[GTmorris1970]

Gamecocks Will Be Ready For Gators


There aren’t any bumper stickers to peel off of cars, no billboards to paint over. No, the term “Big Three” has mostly been something spoken in the SEC East, so when Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks show up at the Georgia Dome sometime over the next couple of seasons … or maybe this one … it will be a mindset, more than anything tangible, that will need an adjustment.
Tennessee, Georgia and your reigning National Champion Florida Gators are the only three teams from the East to represent their half of the conference in the 15-year-existence of the SEC title game. Expect that to change, and sooner rather than later. Spurrier and his staff are attracting many more recruits that previously only considered schools like the Big Three and, at worst, Clemson if the kid was from the Palmetto state and wanted to stay close to home. Even the rare instances when the Gamecocks did land a top recruit, they most often turned out like Derek Watson and Demetrius Summers, both running backs who earned the South Carolina High School Player of the Year award and both players that lasted only a season or two in Garnett and Black before being escorted to the city limits. Not only are some of these kids now signing with USC but the message is clear before they even arrive for their first practice: we’d love for you to play four years, but going to class and conducting yourself the way an adult should aren’t options.
An even bigger reason for South Carolina fans finally having well-placed optimism is that virtually every single Saturday their team will out-coach the opposition. Mark Richt became the exception in UGA’s victory last September, but I’ve been watching Spurrier-led teams since he made his living in Durham, North Carolina and that was the first time I could recall the man in the visor being hoodwinked. Give him the Mulligan in a game they most likely weren’t going to win regardless and count on it never happening again. The bottom line is that Steve Spurrier is the best coach in college football and he proves it every time his team runs out of the tunnel.

THE TIME IS NOW …
Add to this the fact that Georgia and Tennessee are simply more beatable than they’ve been in years past and you realize that the biggest obstacle in front of S.C. getting to Atlanta is the 800-pound orange and blue gorilla holding a crystal football. And if that’s the case, there are even more reasons that 2007 gives the Gamecocks a great shot at winning the East. Consider:

Florida’s Loss of Talent
They will absolutely get their pick of damn near any recruit they want and the Gators will restock better than almost any other team in the country. But the specifics of who UF must replace this year will stagger you. Chris Leak, four-year starter at quarterback (no, Tim Tebow won’t be as good as a sophomore as Leak was as a senior). Jarvis Moss, Ray McDonald and Marcus Thomas, among others – grown men who beat the life out of opponents all season long and who will now make their livings on Sunday. Reggie Nelson, possible the most valuable defensive player in the nation in 2006. I could stop there and the five I just named would be a huge mountain to climb but there are at least 10 other key players the Gators have to replace and this is certain to be a transition year.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME …
South Carolina Get Gators At Home … Again
They beat Urban Meyer and the Gators at home two seasons ago and the very real home-field advantage Spurrier has brought back to Columbia could come into play again this Fall. I’ve been to Williams-Brice probably 20 times over the past three decades and it’s never been like it is now, even in the Black Magic and Fire Ants year of 1984.

The Gators Will Always Get Spurrier’s Best Effort
It’s tough going against any team that you know for a fact raises its game against you. S.C. beating Florida two years ago was impressive. I would say that coming so close to winning last year was even more of an achievement. If not for three blocked kicks and a tough holding penalty in the fourth quarter, the South Carolina Gamecocks would have gone INTO GAINESVILLE and beaten a clearly superior Florida team. And that’s because of the man on the sidelines and the way he will get his team to play against UF every year. Count on it.
Oliver can be heard weeknights on 790 The Zone’s “King and his Court,” and can be reached at king@790thezone.com.

[USAFGAMECOCK]

Might be the best article I've ever read :laugh: Thanks for sharing!

[JerryBeeds]

USC RB signee Eric Baker interview:

Jacksonville.com: Multimedia: Eric Baker talks about his recruiting experience (http://cgi.jacksonville.com/multimedia/video/070206212447.shtml)

[WayzUp]

USC RB signee Eric Baker interview:

Jacksonville.com: Multimedia: Eric Baker talks about his recruiting experience (http://cgi.jacksonville.com/multimedia/video/070206212447.shtml)

He and Brian Maddox are going to be a great pair for us. :thumpsup:

[USAFGAMECOCK]

He and Brian Maddox are going to be a great pair for us. :thumpsup:

I was happy to see him give credit to the O-line and coaches. A lot of these "star" athletes take all the credit for themselves. :thumpsup:

[pc72687]

Thanks for the article, glad to see people are starting to feel the same way we are.

[The Spur]

Gamecocks Will Be Ready For Gators


Florida’s Loss of Talent
They will absolutely get their pick of damn near any recruit they want and the Gators will restock better than almost any other team in the country. But the specifics of who UF must replace this year will stagger you. Chris Leak, four-year starter at quarterback (no, Tim Tebow won’t be as good as a sophomore as Leak was as a senior). Jarvis Moss, Ray McDonald and Marcus Thomas, among others – grown men who beat the life out of opponents all season long and who will now make their livings on Sunday. Reggie Nelson, possible the most valuable defensive player in the nation in 2006. I could stop there and the five I just named would be a huge mountain to climb but there are at least 10 other key players the Gators have to replace and this is certain to be a transition year.

king@790thezone.com.


Wonderful article. Thanks. Didn't realize Florida would lose so many impact players this season. Things should be very intersting this year in the SEC East. I sincerely hope some of our freshmen can come in a contribute immediately.

[GatorHunter]

Gamecocks Will Be Ready For Gators


Florida’s Loss of Talent
They will absolutely get their pick of damn near any recruit they want and the Gators will restock better than almost any other team in the country. But the specifics of who UF must replace this year will stagger you. Chris Leak, four-year starter at quarterback (no, Tim Tebow won’t be as good as a sophomore as Leak was as a senior). Jarvis Moss, Ray McDonald and Marcus Thomas, among others – grown men who beat the life out of opponents all season long and who will now make their livings on Sunday. Reggie Nelson, possible the most valuable defensive player in the nation in 2006. I could stop there and the five I just named would be a huge mountain to climb but there are at least 10 other key players the Gators have to replace and this is certain to be a transition year.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME …
South Carolina Get Gators At Home … Again
They beat Urban Meyer and the Gators at home two seasons ago and the very real home-field advantage Spurrier has brought back to Columbia could come into play again this Fall. I’ve been to Williams-Brice probably 20 times over the past three decades and it’s never been like it is now, even in the Black Magic and Fire Ants year of 1984.

The Gators Will Always Get Spurrier’s Best Effort
It’s tough going against any team that you know for a fact raises its game against you. S.C. beating Florida two years ago was impressive. I would say that coming so close to winning last year was even more of an achievement. If not for three blocked kicks and a tough holding penalty in the fourth quarter, the South Carolina Gamecocks would have gone INTO GAINESVILLE and beaten a clearly superior Florida team. And that’s because of the man on the sidelines and the way he will get his team to play against UF every year. Count on it.
Oliver can be heard weeknights on 790 The Zone’s “King and his Court,” and can be reached at king@790thezone.com.

The Gators lose 8 defenisve starters....the 3 that will hurt the worst, Nelson, Moss and Siler. The positive for the Gators is the fact that the defensive starters were sub'd several times each game. Coach Mattison and Strong allowed the defensive players to sub themselves whenever they needed...so, the Gators may have lost 8 starters...but have plenty of experience returning.

The offense only loses 2 starters that will hurt...most importantly, Chris Leak. Although he had plenty of ups and downs, when he was "on"...few could match his abilities. No one beleives Tebow will come in and pick up where Leak left off...Tebow is a special talent, but he will be a sophmore and I don't know one Gator fan that believes he will win the Heisman next season...despite what our rivals "think" we believe. But.....this offense is tailored to Tebow's strengths.....and you never know...;) The other starter on offense is Dallas Baker. Despite the fact that the Gators return 14 WRs...Baker was the most experienced of the bunch.

The Gators lose 21 seniors this season....11-12 of which contributed heavily to the National Championship run. The exciting thing, for Gators at least, is that Meyer has "reloaded" at these positions...with guys, at least on paper, that are higher regarded, more talented players. We're replacing 3 star LB, DB, WR, RB and DL with 5 star players. I know that this doesn't translate into better performance...but it can't hurt.

[scfan5338]

LB Evan Rose (6-2 230) of Myrtle Beach was one of the state's leading tackler last season as a junior with 158 including 33 for losses. He also plays fullback and rushed for over 350 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. "His motor runs all the time," Seahawks coach Scott Earley said. "I believe he'll get faster. He's the hardest hitting football player I have ever coached or seen. He's an aggressive player. At fullback, he'll run over you." USC, Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, NC State and Penn State have all expressed interest in Rose. "Schools are going to wait on his SAT before offering," Earley said. "Penn State is very interested. But he really wants to go to USC. If USC were to offer today, he'd commit tomorrow.
Those are insane numbers!!! Offer this guy Coach!!

[gamecockdroc]

LB Evan Rose (6-2 230) of Myrtle Beach was one of the state's leading tackler last season as a junior with 158 including 33 for losses. He also plays fullback and rushed for over 350 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. "His motor runs all the time," Seahawks coach Scott Earley said. "I believe he'll get faster. He's the hardest hitting football player I have ever coached or seen. He's an aggressive player. At fullback, he'll run over you." USC, Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, NC State and Penn State have all expressed interest in Rose. "Schools are going to wait on his SAT before offering," Earley said. "Penn State is very interested. But he really wants to go to USC. If USC were to offer today, he'd commit tomorrow.
Those are insane numbers!!! Offer this guy Coach!!

Spurrier said linebacker is a priority for 2008, We will probably try and sign 4 or 5. Evan sounds like a great prospect, hope he gets the scores, I'm ready to see him in garnet and black.

[pc72687]

I was trying to figure out what would be a priority next year and LB was the only one I could come up with. So I am glad to see what seems to be a good one is already on the bandwagon and just waiting on the word. Does anyone else know what else might be a priority (maybe OL 4-5?)

[WayzUp]

I'm thinking we'll sign far fewer next year...guessing around 18-20 or so tops? 4-5 LB's, 4-5 OL and the balance to address overall depth and any worry spots that arise from next season. Our special teams needs help in a bad way and a big reason for that is our 2nd & 3rd team guys are who make up a lot of our special teams & they just weren't that good. Another year in the program, another year of experience and the depth provided by the past couple classes should remedy that somewhat next year.

We'll see, we'll see...

[Williams-Brice]

We'll sign a full class next year. While we will be signing at least 4 linebackers, the class will be balanced across the board.

[JerryBeeds]

OL will once again be a priority. We'll probably take around 5 or 6 big uglies in next year's class.

[pc72687]

After some thought,I think we might sign a kicker also. Succop will be on his last years and we'll need a replacement for him, and we'll need a good one. Kickers are crucial!!

[GTmorris1970]

As stated before, LB and OL will be priority next year. Otherwise, balanced pretty much everywhere.

[Williams-Brice]

After some thought,I think we might sign a kicker also. Succop will be on his last years and we'll need a replacement for him, and we'll need a good one. Kickers are crucial!!

I doubt we'll sign a kicker, but if the right one comes along and is in our recruiting region, then I could see us bringing him in and redshirting him. I don't think that will happen. It may be a year too early to do that, especially since we are still trying to upgrade at most positions.

[usccop]

Don't think kickers are worth a scholly? I think Succop has shown that a great kicker is worth a spot in the recruiting class, I think if there's a good one who doesn't mind a redshirt, we should take him. I definitely wouldn't want a true freshman in there in a high pressure situation if I could help it. That's just what methinks.

[Williams-Brice]

Who said kickers aren't worth a scholly? We all learned during the Holtz years that you better not have a kicking situation that resembled a patchwork quilt. However, we could wait another year and still redshirt a kicker.

[scfan5338]

Don't think kickers are worth a scholly? I think Succop has shown that a great kicker is worth a spot in the recruiting class, I think if there's a good one who doesn't mind a redshirt, we should take him. I definitely wouldn't want a true freshman in there in a high pressure situation if I could help it. That's just what methinks.

Ask Florida if they think a kicker is worth a scholly or not.

[scfan5338]

New Leader, New Offer For Holloway
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 junior Murphy Holloway said Sunday night he had received an offer from Tennessee. The Vols join USC, Clemson, Auburn and Kansas as offers for Holloway who is averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. He said North Carolina also is showing interest. Holloway said it's tight between USC and the Tar Heels but he currently favors the Gamecocks.

Good news for our Basketball team. I'm seriously excited about next year in basketball. Mike Jones, Downey, Fredrick and Muldrow -- SEC better watch out cause we are going to be a sleeper team next year.

[lacene]

New Leader, New Offer For Holloway
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 junior Murphy Holloway said Sunday night he had received an offer from Tennessee. The Vols join USC, Clemson, Auburn and Kansas as offers for Holloway who is averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. He said North Carolina also is showing interest. Holloway said it's tight between USC and the Tar Heels but he currently favors the Gamecocks.

Good news for our Basketball team. I'm seriously excited about next year in basketball. Mike Jones, Downey, Fredrick and Muldrow -- SEC better watch out cause we are going to be a sleeper team next year.

Wow, SC favored over the likes of NC and Kansas for basketball recruits is interesting to see.....I wonder how the Heels and Jayhawks are stocked at Holloway's position? Hopefully, they're full, because I think only PT will sway Holloway to us......

[scunyon]

SEC better watch out cause we are going to be a sleeper team next year.


I sure hope so, because if this season has been played while wide awake, I'll take the exact opposite!

[usccop]

I don't see how you think we could still wait another year and redshirt a kicker. If we sign one next year, Succop will be a rising senior, If we wait 'till the next year, he's gone, with no one to fill his shoes.

[pc72687]

I was thinking the same thing usccop.

[WayzUp]

New Leader, New Offer For Holloway
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 junior Murphy Holloway said Sunday night he had received an offer from Tennessee. The Vols join USC, Clemson, Auburn and Kansas as offers for Holloway who is averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. He said North Carolina also is showing interest. Holloway said it's tight between USC and the Tar Heels but he currently favors the Gamecocks.

Good news for our Basketball team. I'm seriously excited about next year in basketball. Mike Jones, Downey, Fredrick and Muldrow -- SEC better watch out cause we are going to be a sleeper team next year.

I think a lot of USC fans are feeling the same way. Most are realistic and understand that Odom is coaching with a very short bench and has had injury and personal issue to complicate even that already bad situation. Many forget that we all thought we'd have Rolando Balkman to rely on this year along with Kelly and Sheldon. What kind of a difference do you think he'd have in the middle?

But with the transfers and other incoming, I've gone from outspoken critic of Coach Odom's to seeing his contract extension for what it is; his last chance to show what he can do given the talent. He's done the work getting these guys to come, he at least deserves to show what he can do with them.

[scfan5338]

Many forget that we all thought we'd have Rolando Balkman to rely on this year along with Kelly and Sheldon. What kind of a difference do you think he'd have in the middle?

But with the transfers and other incoming, I've gone from outspoken critic of Coach Odom's to seeing his contract extension for what it is; his last chance to show what he can do given the talent. He's done the work getting these guys to come, he at least deserves to show what he can do with them.

I know it sounds a little premature but if we had Balkman this year we could have been solid. He was the heart of this team and really the force. He brought the energy and with him and Wallace we have two premier shot blockers and average scorers. Kelley is a great point guard and Bianalius(sp) and Sheldon are good 3-point shooters. Kelley could toss the ball in the middle and it would create shots for the guys on the outside as well as on the inside. Balkman would have done wonders for this team in my opinion and I think the only true shooter we have is Day because he can score from anywhere on the floor.

If Odom doesn't get the job done next year and I'm talking NCAA tourney, I think he is gone. Many of you said it before the only reason he got a extension is probably because of the class he brought in. If this doesn't lead to success we need changes. I said it before, I think Odom is a lot of our former football coach Lou Holtz. He is an old school coach who can't adjust to the players he has. He plays his old style and thinks it will work in this day and age. If Odom is indeed gone, I think we need Greg Marshall. He is a young but awesome coach.

[Williams-Brice]

I don't see how you think we could still wait another year and redshirt a kicker. If we sign one next year, Succop will be a rising senior, If we wait 'till the next year, he's gone, with no one to fill his shoes.

Grrrrr; I was a year off. I'm still stuck on 2007 recruiting. My bad. I still don't see us going after a kicker this year. We are still in need of a major talent upgrade at most positions.

[WayzUp]

Seeing the difference Succop has made in maintaining momentum for us (barring the UF game, of course) compared to not so long ago when we'd all stick around and hold our breath together for mere extra points, I wouldn't be against bringing a kicker in every time our starting kicker hits his Junior year.

His importance is huge especially on the road when your offense can sputter a bit and only get barely across their 40 & I'm sitting in my reclining sofa up in Michigan thinking, "Ah well, it's only a 56 yarder...Succop can prolly hit that, at least we'll get points," and be right half the time. Who here doesn't think Succop could hit from 60+?

Not to mention he boots kickoffs through the endzone on a fairly regular basis & that's really saved our special teams from being exposed more than they were, IMO. And the MSU fans here still wonder what would have happened had Succop not pulled that punt down and took off for the sideline.

If we can get a difference-maker at K every time our starting kicker hits his Junior year, I say we do it every chance we get. Redshirt him during the starting kickers' senior year so he can adjust to college life, the college game and learn. With Fred Chatham's ability to work wonders with kickers, a RS-Fr. kicker who's been around a couple years will make that a position we can rely on for more of what Ryan's giving us now. I say don't break what's not broken and keeping doing it. The perfect situation is easy to argue about though; it's the part of having a top-rated kicker be interested in your program every year to begin with that's hard. And I think Succop making a serious run at the Groza next year will help with that. :thumpsup:

[IrmoCock]

I'm not sure it's realistic to expect kickers to be like Ryan Succop. Kickers that handle kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points are not a dime a dozen. In fact they are hard to come by. We probably need to get used to the fact that of our 85 scholarships, a couple of them need to be kickers.

And what in the heck would we do if Succop pulls a hammy or something? We're back to the special teams of the Holtz days in a matter of seconds. I shudder to think. We're a little spoiled right now and I hope we can continue to get multitalented, athlectic kickers like Succop, but most kickers are not like him. Just food for thought.

[TrueGCFan]

I agree completely. We need another schooly kicker on our roster. At the very least a scholly punter. It took Succop a full year before he hit his stride. If you bring in a k/p this year gives us a back up if Succop goes down. And it will give us one year to work him into the system.
Also I know there were at least two games we would of won in 98-99 if we had someone who could make a 15 yard field goal. It's never good when you're on your 10 yard line with 4 and goal and having to go for it.

[NineInchCock]

New Leader, New Offer For Holloway
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 junior Murphy Holloway said Sunday night he had received an offer from Tennessee. The Vols join USC, Clemson, Auburn and Kansas as offers for Holloway who is averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. He said North Carolina also is showing interest. Holloway said it's tight between USC and the Tar Heels but he currently favors the Gamecocks.

Good news for our Basketball team. I'm seriously excited about next year in basketball. Mike Jones, Downey, Fredrick and Muldrow -- SEC better watch out cause we are going to be a sleeper team next year.

That is great news, but being a very recent Dutch Fork grad, I can go ahead and tell you he has a LONG way to go to qualify for any school. He's more than likely prep-school bound. However, the good news is that he is receiving plenty of help at DF, and it isn't quite impossible for him to pull it off. Maintaining good grades in college will certainly be a problem though.

Also, I've seen him play in person as well, and all the hype he's getting is well deserved. He has incredible ups and can pull off some crazy dunks. His moves are excellent and he has very good ball-handling skills for someone his size. Also, he can shoot very well and can even burn you with the 3-point shot. The only weakness I can really see with him is his overall D might be a little soft, but he's definately no slouch either. Needless to say, he would be an incredible pickup for our basketball team.

[Fl_native]

Grrrrr; I was a year off. I'm still stuck on 2007 recruiting. My bad. I still don't see us going after a kicker this year. We are still in need of a major talent upgrade at most positions.
I think we have the talent to compete this year if a couple of FR recruits mature quickly. We will be thin at TE, DT, DE & LB next year. Safety also but history says one or more of the receivers will play defense. (There ar numbers for th LBs but I agree we problably will go for more talent there.)
Odd because it seemed like we were loading up on defense but the cupboard runs bare after this year. Not enough soph and juniors.
I think we will have an exciting team this year.

[pc72687]

I we have to be awfully close to the scholly limit for basketball, how are we signing so many people?

[DELTOR]

I we have to be awfully close to the scholly limit for basketball, how are we signing so many people?

I was wondering the same thing. What's the limit in basketball?

[JerryBeeds]

Noah Brindise's little brother Zac, is going to walk on at USC:

Though he will keep the window open for the smaller schools recruiting him, quarterback Zac Brindise says he is "95-percent sure" he will try his hand at the University of South Carolina as a "preferred" walk-on.

Brindise said he got a call from USC assistant Steve Spurrier Jr., the coach's son, on National Signing Day. He was told he'd have a chance to compete like a scholarship player, and that he'd also have an opportunity to earn a scholarship.

Brindise will wait to see what happens between now and April 1, the final day for seniors to sign with colleges. But he is looking forward to a career in Columbia, where he would follow a path similar to one his brother traveled.

Noah Brindise, a Cypress Lake alumnus, walked on at Florida more than 10 years ago, before eventually working himself into the quarterback rotation. Zac said his dream has always been to play for Steve Spurrier, who has kept a close relationship with Noah since the two were together in Gainesville.

Inside the Preps: Feb. 13 | naplesnews.com | Naples Daily News (http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/feb/13/inside_preps_feb_13/?sports)

[larryt4111]

Jerry,
If Noah little brother Zac is anywhere as good as Noah, then he will be a ok.

I remember Noah saving Florida's ass in more than 1 game several years ago. He didn't get many snaps in practice and rode the pine most of the time. But at crunch time when he was called on he preformed very well and won several games for the GATORS.

[pc72687]

Hey, well always take quality walk-ons and Spurrier has shown that he'll give deserving players schollys if they earn it.

[gamecockdroc]

Can someone tell me how to start a new thread, I saw an article on cockytalk written by saunders dad that is pretty interesting.

[palmettocock]

Can someone tell me how to start a new thread, I saw an article on cockytalk written by saunders dad that is pretty interesting.

just click forum, then south carolina sports, then in the top left there should be something that says create new thread

[gamecockdroc]

just click forum, then south carolina sports, then in the top left there should be something that says create new thread
thanks man

[GatorHunter]

Jerry,
If Noah little brother Zac is anywhere as good as Noah, then he will be a ok.

I remember Noah saving Florida's ass in more than 1 game several years ago. He didn't get many snaps in practice and rode the pine most of the time. But at crunch time when he was called on he preformed very well and won several games for the GATORS.


:laugh: ....sorry, but that's too funny. Noah only played in "one" game as a Florida Gator...he and Doug Johnson split time in the f$u game in '97...Spurs rotated QBs to confuse the nole defense...worked..Gators won 32-29...I was at the game. Noah got to play a little "mop-up" from time to time...but he was never a starter...and he never "saved Florida's ass".

Not saying that his little bro isn't any good. Just saying you've got your "facts" wrong.:happy:

[pc72687]

That championship ring is balln' Gatorhunter

[larryt4111]

:laugh: ....sorry, but that's too funny. Noah only played in "one" game as a Florida Gator...he and Doug Johnson split time in the f$u game in '97...Spurs rotated QBs to confuse the nole defense...worked..Gators won 32-29...I was at the game. Noah got to play a little "mop-up" from time to time...but he was never a starter...and he never "saved Florida's ass".

Not saying that his little bro isn't any good. Just saying you've got your "facts" wrong.:happy:

SORRY I OVER STATED THAT HE SAVED THEIR ASS MORE THAN 1 TIME.

IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE ARTICLES AND CHECK THE LINKS BELOW YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WERE WRONG ALSO!

TO CORRECT YOU... HE DID WIN 3 GAMES IN 97 2 FROM THE BENCH AND 1 AS A STARTER. VS VANDY. He had a good year in 97.
He played in 6 games, NOT ONE AS YOU STATED. I DO HAVE THE WHOLE SEASON ON TAPE IF YOU EVER WANT TO BUY IT.

http://www.gatorzone.com/football/history/1997/game1997.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971107/d05noah.htm)

Senior quarterback Noah Brindise could make his first career start Saturday against Vanderbilt. Coming off the bench, Brindise has led UF on four scoring drives in the last two games. He did it twice against Georgia last Saturday and produced a 97-yard, game-winning drive at Auburn on Oct. 18.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971020/d06noah.htm)


With quarterback Doug Johnson suspended for the game, Brindise and Palmer with a combined zero starts between them had to lead the attack. For Brindise, who played at Division II Wingate (N.C.) College before transferring to UF in 1994, leading the win was just a matter of motivating the offense.
"I just tried to get them fired up a little bit," Brindise said. "They were ready to go. I think we needed a little spark. The offense picked it up around me and we just went down and scored."
The Gators took the lead in the third quarter with a 97-yard drive, capped off with a 10-yard Brindise touchdown pass to receiver Jacquez Green.
Meanwhile, Palmer could not get into a rhythm. The true freshman from Ontario, Canada, went 8-of-14 for 92 yards, but threw two interceptions.
… "No one was nervous when Noah came into the game because he has been around this offense a long time," Green said. "We know he's capable of doing it. He just came in cool and calm." …

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971110/d04noah.htm)

Start vs Vanderbilt
With senior quarterback Noah Brindise, who beat out Doug Johnson for the start Saturday, taking the reins from the beginning, UF was not overly effective, but was efficient enough to defeat the Commodores 20-7

[larryt4111]

That championship ring is balln' Gatorhunter
NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!

[Fl_native]

Johnson was probably the best pure passer Spurrier coached but would throw into triple coverage convinced he could complete it. Most footage of Spurrier throwing his visor was caused by Johnson. He finally benched Johnson as a form of CPR before he (Spurrier) had a heart attack. Noah was a great guy that understood the offense but had an average arm. He didn't make many mistakes and did win a couple of games for Florida. (Only because Spurrier could not teach Johnson to pick the open receiver). Watching the interaction between Spurrier and Johnson was a riot!
Again, no idea if his brother is SEC caliber or not but Spurrier would let him walk on just because of Noah.

[GatorHunter]

SORRY I OVER STATED THAT HE SAVED THEIR ASS MORE THAN 1 TIME.

IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE ARTICLES AND CHECK THE LINKS BELOW YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WERE WRONG ALSO!

TO CORRECT YOU... HE DID WIN 3 GAMES IN 97 2 FROM THE BENCH AND 1 AS A STARTER. VS VANDY. He had a good year in 97.
He played in 6 games, NOT ONE AS YOU STATED. I DO HAVE THE WHOLE SEASON ON TAPE IF YOU EVER WANT TO BUY IT.

http://www.gatorzone.com/football/history/1997/game1997.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971107/d05noah.htm)

Senior quarterback Noah Brindise could make his first career start Saturday against Vanderbilt. Coming off the bench, Brindise has led UF on four scoring drives in the last two games. He did it twice against Georgia last Saturday and produced a 97-yard, game-winning drive at Auburn on Oct. 18.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971020/d06noah.htm)


With quarterback Doug Johnson suspended for the game, Brindise and Palmer with a combined zero starts between them had to lead the attack. For Brindise, who played at Division II Wingate (N.C.) College before transferring to UF in 1994, leading the win was just a matter of motivating the offense.
"I just tried to get them fired up a little bit," Brindise said. "They were ready to go. I think we needed a little spark. The offense picked it up around me and we just went down and scored."
The Gators took the lead in the third quarter with a 97-yard drive, capped off with a 10-yard Brindise touchdown pass to receiver Jacquez Green.
Meanwhile, Palmer could not get into a rhythm. The true freshman from Ontario, Canada, went 8-of-14 for 92 yards, but threw two interceptions.
… "No one was nervous when Noah came into the game because he has been around this offense a long time," Green said. "We know he's capable of doing it. He just came in cool and calm." …

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Story (http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/97-fall/971110/d04noah.htm)

Start vs Vanderbilt
With senior quarterback Noah Brindise, who beat out Doug Johnson for the start Saturday, taking the reins from the beginning, UF was not overly effective, but was efficient enough to defeat the Commodores 20-7

Brindise never "won a game" with any great play of his own...I liked Brindise because he was a "blue-collar" type that understood the offense. I had forgot about the other times he played...but it wasn't often and he sure is heck didn't "win a game" for the Gators. He was the type that wasn't gonna win or lose a game for you. He was a career "bench-warmer". Doug Johnson was a better QB...as a matter of fact, it was Doug Johnson that threw a 66 yd bomb that lead to UF taking the lead over the #1 noles in '97. Johnson was just reckless...he could win or lose a game. What saved the Gators "asses" in that game was a tenacious defense, Fred Taylor and the awesome receptions Quez Green made.

Point is...Larry...your statement was incorrect...Brindise never "saved the Gators asses". Whether he had any significant playing time or not isn't the point. He wasn't a very good QB. Hopefully, his brother is. BTW, why do you have the entire '97 Gator season on tape? I don't want to buy it...I was at most of the games.

[larryt4111]

We need to end this pissing contest, as I said, I admittedly overstating the facts a little, but posted links to show your errors. You have your own thoughts and I have mine. I do believe Noah was a solid QB that had better players in front of him, if not SOS would have gotten rid of him and he certainly wouldn't have ever made in onto the playing field for the gators at all!
--------------------
ON ANOTHER SUBJECT.
I am a UF grad Class Of 1978. After graduating high school and a stint in the NAVY I lived in G’vill [HOGTOWN] from 1969-1990, and worked for WRUF, WGGS, and the Gainesville Sun for much of that time (no I didn’t deliver papers or mop the floors Ha Ha).

I am no stranger to GATOR Football or the inside hallways, offices, locker rooms, of B.H.G. Stadium, and I hated the goober coach D.D. and his 2yds and a cloud of dust! He kept players so banged up from contact practices that they couldn’t dress out on game day without pain putting on the pads.

I REMEMBER Tony Green being the #1 draft choice of the REDSKINS, I think he went 144th or something like that in the draft in 1978. I know it was really high /low what ever.
And I remember the “GAINESVILLE GRIP” that struck the city in the mid 70’s, heck hardly any stores had toilet paper for sale, and most people were so sick that they couldn’t leave home to look for it, Ha Ha Ha thats funny to look back on now, but at the time it, was so serious that it made the CBS evening news. Sorry to get so far off subject.

[GatorHunter]

We need to end this pissing contest, as I said, I admittedly overstating the facts a little, but posted links to show your errors. You have your own thoughts and I have mine. I do believe Noah was a solid QB that had better players in front of him, if not SOS would have gotten rid of him and he certainly wouldn't have ever made in onto the playing field for the gators at all!
--------------------
ON ANOTHER SUBJECT.
I am a UF grad Class Of 1978. After graduating high school and a stint in the NAVY I lived in G’vill [HOGTOWN] from 1969-1990, and worked for WRUF, WGGS, and the Gainesville Sun for much of that time (no I didn’t deliver papers or mop the floors Ha Ha).

I am no stranger to GATOR Football or the inside hallways, offices, locker rooms, of B.H.G. Stadium, and I hated the goober coach D.D. and his 2yds and a cloud of dust! He kept players so banged up from contact practices that they couldn’t dress out on game day without pain putting on the pads.

I REMEMBER Tony Green being the #1 draft choice of the REDSKINS, I think he went 144th or something like that in the draft in 1978. I know it was really high /low what ever.
And I remember the “GAINESVILLE GRIP” that struck the city in the mid 70’s, heck hardly any stores had toilet paper for sale, and most people were so sick that they couldn’t leave home to look for it, Ha Ha Ha thats funny to look back on now, but at the time it, was so serious that it made the CBS evening news. Sorry to get so far off subject.

Wasn't a pissing contest...just friendly discussion...;) Not "dissing" Brindise...he's a Gator and we love him...but Johnson wasn't exactly a great QB...he was average at best...and he started over Brindise as a sophmore, junior and senior. So, I have difficulty believing Brindise was anything but a career bench-warmer....heck, Jesse Palmer was better as a freshman. Like I said, Noah was a "blue-collar" type...came to practice, knew the offense...just wasn't talented enough to beat out the other slightly above average college quarterbacks.

So, you're a UF Alumn and you "root" for the Cocks...how'd that happen? Don't tell my you are a Spurrier fan and followed him to SC...that sickens me...;)

I graduated from UF in '97...then again in '01. Went to every home game and many away games during my tenure. Thankfully, I was gone by the time the "Zooker" took over...I only attended two games coached by Zook...Vandy in '03 and USCe in '04...although, I've seen Meyer's Gators several times.

[larryt4111]

I have written /spoken about this in earlier postings. I stated following SOS’s career many years ago when I was in high school, and he was playing for the Gators. I pulled for him as a player, both for the Gators and in the pros. I remember reading about him under Pepper Rogers at Tech (not much coverage at the time and mostly in the Atlanta Sunday paper). I watched several of the games on TV that he coached at Duke before moving back to Hogtown to lead the Gators to their first and numerous SEC championships.
After I left Gainesville, I moved to Ga. For several years and then back home to SC where I grew up as a kid. I have followed the Gators and SOS all along.
When it was revealed through the rumor mill that SOS was a good friend of Lou’s, and helped get his wife into the hospital down there, I followed that story too.
When Washington hired him I pulled for him and wanted to see him become a winner in the NFL as a coach, but as we all know that didn’t work out.
About June 2004 I began to hear rumors about SOS coming to Columbia. By October, I began to hear it more often, and most people wanted Lou and Skip GONE, but didn’t hold my breath.
When it became apparent that Jeremy Foley didn’t want SOS back in G’vill for what ever reason, and after the Clemson Brawl, I WAS AS STUNNED AS ANYONE that SOS would come to USC. (I still find it hard to believe) I was ecstatic.
When he accepted the job here, I continued to pull for him. I believe he gets the best out of what he has to work with, He proved it at Duke, and in the early years with the Gators, and now at USC.
He took a team of future doctors and won the ACC. He took a Gator team and built a solid base of quality players, and with his own style WON the SEC over and over again. He took a USC team loaded with druggies thieves and thugs, kicked many of them off the team and turned the program around. He has had 2 winning seasons with much less real talent than he was led to believe was actually on hand at USC when he took the job in Columbia.
He took a team with much less talent to HOGTOWN in November and lost TO A TALENT LOADED TEAM by having 3 kicks blocked. UNFU***NG BELIEVABLE!
HE IS A WINNER!
That’s why I pull for the COCKS.

[GatorHunter]

I have written /spoken about this in earlier postings. I stated following SOS’s career many years ago when I was in high school, and he was playing for the Gators. I pulled for him as a player, both for the Gators and in the pros. I remember reading about him under Pepper Rogers at Tech (not much coverage at the time and mostly in the Atlanta Sunday paper). I watched several of the games on TV that he coached at Duke before moving back to Hogtown to lead the Gators to their first and numerous SEC championships.
After I left Gainesville, I moved to Ga. For several years and then back home to SC where I grew up as a kid. I have followed the Gators and SOS all along.
When it was revealed through the rumor mill that SOS was a good friend of Lou’s, and helped get his wife into the hospital down there, I followed that story too.
When Washington hired him I pulled for him and wanted to see him become a winner in the NFL as a coach, but as we all know that didn’t work out.
About June 2004 I began to hear rumors about SOS coming to Columbia. By October, I began to hear it more often, and most people wanted Lou and Skip GONE, but didn’t hold my breath.
When it became apparent that Jeremy Foley didn’t want SOS back in G’vill for what ever reason, and after the Clemson Brawl, I WAS AS STUNNED AS ANYONE that SOS would come to USC. (I still find it hard to believe) I was ecstatic.
When he accepted the job here, I continued to pull for him. I believe he gets the best out of what he has to work with, He proved it at Duke, and in the early years with the Gators, and now at USC.
He took a team of future doctors and won the ACC. He took a Gator team and built a solid base of quality players, and with his own style WON the SEC over and over again. He took a USC team loaded with druggies thieves and thugs, kicked many of them off the team and turned the program around. He has had 2 winning seasons with much less real talent than he was led to believe was actually on hand at USC when he took the job in Columbia.
He took a team with much less talent to HOGTOWN in November and lost TO A TALENT LOADED TEAM by having 3 kicks blocked. UNFU***NG BELIEVABLE!
HE IS A WINNER!
That’s why I pull for the COCKS.

Good story...I understand it now. The reason I ask, is because I have met one or two "former Gator fans" that now "root" for USCe because of Spurrier. I had to laugh at these "Psedo-Gators" because I doubted their loyalty in the first place. No coach is bigger than the university...not even Spurs. And for a fan to "like" a coach so much that he's willing to turn his back on his own university...well, that's just flaky. Unlike many, I understand why Steve would choose to coach at a school like USCe...beautiful state, great fans that are starved for a winning team...however, I do think it's a little "weird" that he chose to coach an SEC team in the same division as his "Home School"...but go figure, to each his own and Spurs has made many decisions that have made people say, HUH? I think the Gator Nation has shown him more respect than the LSU fans have Saban. We Gator fans love Spurs...he's a Florida Gator Golden Boy...but for 4 months a year...he's no different than Miles, Tubberville, Fulmer, Richt or Saban in my book...heck, I want to beat him more! ;)

[Fl_native]

GH, we just look at things differently, the Gators do not represent "my" Florida which no longer exists. I grew up there when it had 3 million people and followed the Gators through good and bad. I now watch football as entertainment which is about all it is anymore. It is a part of the entertainment business so I watch the best product. It was Dan Marino in the 80s, Gators in the 90s and I am watching the Gamecocks because I think Spurrier will field an entertaining team this year.
Dickey and Pell turned me from being a true Gator fan with their style, lowered entrance standards, recruit anyone regardless of character, etc.
I wish Florida had hired Patrino, his teams were fun to watch.

[GatorHunter]

GH, we just look at things differently, the Gators do not represent "my" Florida which no longer exists. I grew up there when it had 3 million people and followed the Gators through good and bad. I now watch football as entertainment which is about all it is anymore. It is a part of the entertainment business so I watch the best product. It was Dan Marino in the 80s, Gators in the 90s and I am watching the Gamecocks because I think Spurrier will field an entertaining team this year.
Dickey and Pell turned me from being a true Gator fan with their style, lowered entrance standards, recruit anyone regardless of character, etc.
I wish Florida had hired Patrino, his teams were fun to watch.

I understand your point, but as a lifelong Gator, alumni, and "minor" booster...I couldn't imagine changing my "loyalties" for any reason. Coaches come and go, but the school will remain...and that's what's important to me. I've heard the Dickey and Pell "antics"...I was young at the time...but let's face it, the 80's were a dirty time in CFB. I've heard similar things about Dye, and several other SEC coaches of that era...not to mention what Jimmy Johnson, Lou Holtz, Bowden and Switzer were doing...the Gators just got caught and had to be the "lessen" for everyone. Some of us are "Die Hard" and some are simply looking for entertainment...hopefully, Spurs will entertain you...except for one day in November. ;)

[JerryBeeds]

So, you're a UF Alumn and you "root" for the Cocks...how'd that happen? Don't tell my you are a Spurrier fan and followed him to SC...that sickens me...;)

WDave is a USC grad who pulls for Auburn. It takes all kinds I guess.:laugh:

[pc72687]

I didn't realize he was a USC grad or that larry was a UF grad. I guess I missed some of these posts. But then again, I am a Citadel cadet that is a diehard gamecock fan, so I guess I shouldn't be so surprised.

[Dmldawg782]

No wonder this thread is so big, everything is discussed here, not just recruiting. :)

[kokocock]

does anyone know when USC's Junior Day is? i see other schools are having theirs and getting some early attention. WB???

[Williams-Brice]

does anyone know when USC's Junior Day is? i see other schools are having theirs and getting some early attention. WB???

Our Junior Day is March 3rd. I'll be working it.

[kokocock]

is there a list of prospective recruits that may be there...any big names?

[Williams-Brice]

Now that National Signing Day has come and gone, I've kinda shifted my focus for the time being. I'm graduating in Mat and getting married in June, and I am still in the application process to medical school and graduate school. I've really haven't had the time to become familiar with the class of 2008. I'll post as I come across names, but I just flat out don't know much as of right now. No one, not even the coaches, know as of right now the official numbers for the Junior Day. That's just something to be patient about.

As of right now, we have one commitment in Jarriel King. He will more than likely be a 5-star JUCO DT. Below are some names you may want to become familiar with for 2008. I know nothing extensive about these players, but they are on USC's radar.

Robert Blanton, S, Matthews, NC
DaQuan Bowers, DT, Bamberg, SC (Clemson commit who we will get involved with)
Jaron Brown, WR, Cheraw, SC (teammate of Cliff Matthews)
Ramon Buchanon, OLB, Melbourne, FL
Nigel Carr, ILB, Jacksonville, FL (teammate of Jamire Williams and Arkee Smith; Carolina leads BIG)
Avis Commack, WR, Jacksonville, FL (teammate of Jamire Williams and Arkee Smith; Carolina leads)
Dee Finley, DB, Auburn, AL
Dalton Freeman, OL, Pelion, SC (Clemson leads)
A.J. Green, WR, Summerville, SC (You know his situation)
A.J. Harmon, OL, Louisville, GA
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Pahokee, FL
Patrick Johnson, CB, Pompano Beach, FL (teammate of Donte'e Nichols; big time prospect)
Marquan Jones, WR, Blythewood, SC (I expect Carolina to get involved; he's special)
Terrell Manning, OLB, Laurinburg, SC (teammate of Travian Robertson and Byron McKnight; big time prospect; we lead)
Reid McCollum, QB, Summerville, SC
Lerentee McCray, OLB, Dunnellon, FL
Tony Morgan, ATH, Garner, NC (teammate of Chris Culliver; big time prospect; we lead)
Martavious Odoms, WR, Pahokee, FL
Kenneth Page, OT, Columbia, SC (life-long Clemson fan)
Robert Quinn, LB, North Charleston, SC (teammate of Carlos Dunalp; likely to be a Florida-Carolina fight)
Marcell Rose, ATH, Orlando, FL
Brian Sommer, ATH, Alcoa, TN (Carolina leads)
Sean Spence, ATH, Miami, FL
Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh, PA
Bruce Taylor, ILB, Myrtle Beach, SC (Carolina will get involved)
Jermaine Thomas, RB, Jacksonville, FL (teammate of Jamire Williams and Arkee Smith; are you sensing a trend here?)
DeAngelo Tyson, DT, Statesboro, GA
Shaq Wilson, LB, Jacksonville, FL (teammate of Jamire Williams and Arkee Smith; I smell a pipeline)

[lacene]

Man, that high school in Jacksonville should be re-named "South Carolina High", if we get the majority of those recruits.

[FLgamecockJAX]

As already stated, First Coast High School is stacked this year. FCH puts out D1 prospects just about every year. GatorHunter may disagree with me, but FCH was a great school for SOS when he was at UF. SOS is well respected at FCH. That was shown for the class of 2007 and seems to be continuing for 2008.

The Gamecocks has very high interest from several top prospects for the class of 2008. If we can continue to show improvement on the field this year, we will land another top notch class. I believe a shift has been made at USCe.

I would like to welcome Larryt4111 and FL native to the Gamecock side. Larry, that was a great story. I lived in Jacksonville from 2000-2004. Many of my friends are big Gator fans. It's a great time to be a Gamecock. I've been waiting for this all my life.

Go Gamecocks!

[GatorHunter]

GatorHunter may disagree with me, but FCH was a great school for SOS when he was at UF.


Why would I disagree? Honestly, when Spurs was at UF...most Gators didn't pay too much attention to recruiting. Mainly because "recruiting" wasn't as "commercialized" as it is now...it's really taken off the past 3-4 years. The other reason was the Gators rarely finished in the top 10. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Spurrier wasn't a big recruiter at UF...he said in several Gator Booster meetings, a couple that I attended, that if a kid wants to be a Gator...good...if not, we'll win without him. It was true most of the time. I just wonder how many more titles the Gators would have if Spurs woulda recruited as hard as he is now. Spurs never came close to signing the talent that Zook and especially Meyer have. And take this for what it's worth...think about it...since Spurs left UF...scUM nor f$u have signed "great" classes...their talent level has fallen nearly as fast as their win totals. Zook and now, Meyer are getting the "cream of the crop" in the state of Florida...think there's a correlation?

[NineInchCock]

That was the thing about Zook... the man couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag, but he sure as hell can recruit. Check out this little blurb from espn.com:

At the very least, he out-BlackBerry'd them. ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported recently that Zook typed 95 million kilobytes' worth of text messages to recruits since Nov. 26. I'm surprised he has any thumbs left. The man is off-the-charts obsessive when it comes to recruiting, which is exactly why Guenther hired him.

While I seriously doubt he used the standard phone keypad to type all of that, that is roughly around 95 GBs worth of text messages! That truly is insane!

[Fl_native]

Jacksonville was Spurrier's best recruiting area when he was at Florida and it looks like the trend continues. Jacksonville was noted for fast recievers and DBs. GH is right that Spurrier did not recruit as hard when he was at Florida, didn't have to. The Gators were the home team, Miami is like an out of state school and FSU didn't really come on until the 90s.

[GatorHunter]

Jacksonville was Spurrier's best recruiting area when he was at Florida and it looks like the trend continues. Jacksonville was noted for fast recievers and DBs. GH is right that Spurrier did not recruit as hard when he was at Florida, didn't have to. The Gators were the home team, Miami is like an out of state school and FSU didn't really come on until the 90s.

Yep...remember when Rex Grossman signed with UF. He was a highly ranked QB...5 star guy. But UF didn't recruit him...Grossman's from Bloomington, and the Gators very rarely recruited outside the state of Florida....he sent a "highlight" video to Spurs and asked for a visit...the rest is history.

SOS is doing a great job recruiting at USCe...and he's hired some good recruiting coaches...which is just as important. When Gator fans say that Spurs wasn't a good recruiter...it's not a knock on him...as Fl_native says, he didn't have to do much. But if you read any of the transcripts from when he left UF...one of his reasons for leaving the college game was recruiting...he said he didn't like booster club meetings and he didn't like to recruit...that's when he said, "I'd rather be playing golf during my off time". But at USCe, he's realized the kids aren't just gonna fall into his lap...and he's doing the work to get it done.

[pc72687]

Hopefully, he'll get SC to a point where the big timers send video here asking to get recruited.

[pc72687]

Hey WB, SC is going to look at Carnell out of Hanahan right? He is the 2008 preseason #1 QB out of SC and he was recently invited to the EA Elite 11 camp.

[FLgamecockJAX]

SOS is doing a great job recruiting at USCe...and he's hired some good recruiting coaches

SOS is serious about winning at SC. We all know how much the man likes to WIN! Everytime someone says he can't win at SC, it just motivates him even more.

My boss is a Notre Dame fan. I was saying the other day that SOS has some talent now. My boss said, "We'll see!" He asked, "Can South Carolina really become a National Championship contender?" Don't count SOS out!

[Williams-Brice]

Hey WB, SC is going to look at Carnell out of Hanahan right? He is the 2008 preseason #1 QB out of SC and he was recently invited to the EA Elite 11 camp.

I don't know anything about him. I've heard that the #1 QB in the state in the kid from Summerville, but I'm not sure because I just haven't researched these guys as of today. I don't know about the EA Elite 11 camp. Those offers generally aren't given until the summer.

However, if he's that good, then we'll be on him.

[JerryBeeds]

Round-ball commit Mike Holmes had a triple-double in the playoffs.

Holmes' triple-double leads Lee Central to victory
Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 - 11:29 PM

Michael Holmes recorded a triple-double, scoring 37 points, getting 16 rebounds and blocking 10 shots to lead Lee Central past Loris 52-51 on Tuesday in a Class 2A high school boys basketball playoff game.Lee Central will face the winner of Wade Hampton-Andrews game Saturday.

South Carolina Now (SCNow.com) - Sports - Holmes' triple-double leads Lee Central to victory (http://www.morningnewsonline.com/midatlantic/scp/sports.apx.-content-articles-FMN-2007-02-14-0018.html)

[pc72687]

I know for certain he is the #1 recruit in SC for QB, and his brother said he had been invited to the Elite 11 camp. So those weren't in question, I was just more informing others about him.

[pc72687]

This might have already been discussed but does anyone know the date and time of the spring game. I'm sure it is already decided since ESPN 2 is broadcasting it.

[lacene]

This might have already been discussed but does anyone know the date and time of the spring game. I'm sure it is already decided since ESPN 2 is broadcasting it.

This here from the Gamecock's athletics page:

Eight of the Gamecocks' 13 games were televised by either ESPN (seven times) or ESPN2 (once) during the 2006 campaign, more than any other SEC school. In addition, the 2007 Garnet & Black Spring Game will be televised nationally on ESPNU at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14.

[TrueGCFan]

JR. News:

By Phil Kornblut
On Recruiting
Published: February 20, 2007
USC is showing interest early on in LB Jatavious Miller (6-0 209) of Pahokee, FL. Miller has offers from Florida International, South Florida and Central Florida. He is also drawing looks from Auburn, Rutgers and Mississippi State. "He really likes Auburn," said his coach Leroy Foster. Miller had 120 tackles and 3 interceptions last season. "He's tough, hard nosed," Foster said. "He's always around the ball. He plays the run very well, and he's not bad against the pass."

By Phil Kornblut
On Recruiting
Published: February 19, 2007
USC is on the board with an offer to speedy receiver Martavious Odoms (5-9 168) of Pahokee, FL. He also has offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Miami, Florida International, South Florida, Central Florida and Rutgers and is also hearing from UCLA. Odoms had 64 catches for 1150 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore, and he had 47 catches for 900 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Hed was named the South Florida Sun Sentinel player of the year last season. "He's my Tazmanian Devil," said his coach Leroy Foster. "He wrecks shop wherever he is. He's very physical. That's what people underestimate. He loves the competition." Odoms also returns kicks and punts. He does not have a favorite.

By Phil Kornblut
On Recruiting
Published: February 19, 2007
Clemson and USC are among the offers for DL Micanor Regis (6-4 301) of Pahokee, FL. He also has offers from Miami, Florida State, Tennessee, Southern Miss, Georgia, Florida, Rutgers, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Central Florida and Virginia Tech. He does not have a favorite and is talking about making summer stops at Clemson and USC. Regis totaled 53 tackles with 13 sacks and 22 tackles for loss last season. He was all region, all district, all conference and second team all state. "His work ethic is unbelievable," said his coach Leroy Foster. "His motor never stops. He's always trying to get to the ball. It's hard to keep him out of the backfield."

[scfan5338]

All of them from the same high school.

[LedCock]

All of them from the same high school.

I don't know anything about their high school but this doesn't surprise me if this is one of those schools that likes to recruit top talent by having the players register their addresses in the same district.

[Fl_native]

Nope, Pahokee is on the east edge of Lake Ochekobee (sp) about 20 miles from Palm Beach. Sugar cane fields, no industry and a small 2B school that produces some of the top football players in the state.
Scroll down to there games last season.

School Information (http://i.fhsaa.org/members/member_info.aspx?school_id=1758)

[DELTOR]

Nope, Pahokee is on the east edge of Lake Ochekobee (sp) about 20 miles from Palm Beach. Sugar cane fields, no industry and a small 2B school that produces some of the top football players in the state.
Scroll down to there games last season.

School Information (http://i.fhsaa.org/members/member_info.aspx?school_id=1758)

I see they beat Glades Central. Impressive.

[pc72687]

Glad to see an early start. Hopefully we can get some more early commits also.

[LedCock]

Nope, Pahokee is on the east edge of Lake Ochekobee (sp) about 20 miles from Palm Beach. Sugar cane fields, no industry and a small 2B school that produces some of the top football players in the state.
Scroll down to there games last season.

School Information (http://i.fhsaa.org/members/member_info.aspx?school_id=1758)

Thanks for that. They had some impressive wins and undefeated no less.

[FLgamecockJAX]

Wow, it surely is quiet on this board!

We have our scheduled Junior day next weekend.

OL Kenneth Page is sure attracting lots of attention and racking up an impressive offer list. I sure hope he stays home and becomes a Gamecock!

[lacene]

Wow, it surely is quiet on this board!

We have our scheduled Junior day next weekend.

OL Kenneth Page is sure attracting lots of attention and racking up an impressive offer list. I sure hope he stays home and becomes a Gamecock!

I have been interested in seeing who SC will be shooting for, but I haven't found a lot of info about it. I hope the success we've been having of late with our team and our recruiting give those juniors hope that SC's future is on the rise, and they should join up if they want to be a part of it.......

[Williams-Brice]

Wow, it surely is quiet on this board!

We have our scheduled Junior day next weekend.

OL Kenneth Page is sure attracting lots of attention and racking up an impressive offer list. I sure hope he stays home and becomes a Gamecock!

Kenneth Page is going to shop himself around. I heard he favors Clemson as of right now.

[Williams-Brice]

Actually, scratch that. We are at the top, along with Clemson, for Page. Also, it appears as though we are focusing on big men early in the process:

USC Holds Lead For Davis
USC is the current leader for DL Kenny Davis (6-4 295) of Newberry and he plans to attend the Gamecock junior day this Saturday. "I'm leaning a little bit towards USC right now but it can all change," Davis said. "They were the first ones to show interest. They have Steve Spurrier and he's an amazing coach. I want to be around good coaches.

[WayzUp]

When is our Junior Day again; isn't it sometime in March?

And do we know who's invited/attending yet that we've offered already?

[palmettocock]

When is our Junior Day again; isn't it sometime in March?

And do we know who's invited/attending yet that we've offered already?

It's this weekend, and I'm sure WB knows a few names

[Williams-Brice]

You're right. I know a few. It's a very limited few. I'll have more information after the event, but you just can't tell with these things. Prospects will tell you they're coming, and then they don't show up. Prospects will tell you they are going somewhere else, and then the show up on your campus. Junior days really aren't worth talking about until after they occur. It's kinda like running an experiment in chemistry. Junior day is like a catalyst for your recruiting effort, but it's not always necessary. Some reactions can go without a catalyst, but they'll go faster if you use one, and you'll learn more about the properties of the chemicals you are using faster. The recruiting process doesn't necessarily need a junior day, but if you use one, then you'll spark an earlier interest in some of these kids and learn more about them.

That being said, you do want to know about the chemicals you are using before you run the experiment, so I'm sure some of you want to know about some of the players I think are coming in. Well, like I said, I don't know for a fact that any of these guys will be here, but here is a rough prediction:

Kenneth Page
Kenny Davis
Juron Brown
The quartet from First Coast High School in Jacksonville, FL
Robert Blanton
Many, many more.

[lacene]

Actually, scratch that. We are at the top, along with Clemson, for Page. Also, it appears as though we are focusing on big men early in the process:

USC Holds Lead For Davis
USC is the current leader for DL Kenny Davis (6-4 295) of Newberry and he plans to attend the Gamecock junior day this Saturday. "I'm leaning a little bit towards USC right now but it can all change," Davis said. "They were the first ones to show interest. They have Steve Spurrier and he's an amazing coach. I want to be around good coaches.

Man, that's good to hear. We need to stock up on the best & biggest linemen we can. We already should be covered in the QB & WR positions, and somewhat in the RB position, although 1 or 2 additional quality backs wouldn't hurt us any.

One thing I always felt SC was severely lacking in compared with other SEC teams is depth and size in our linemen, especially the OL. That's a mantra that's been noted by every single HC SC has had going back to Sparky Woods, when he was asked how he felt SC stacked up against future SEC opponents when we were joining the conference. It's hard to establish any consistent, dependable offense when your line can't contain opposing defenses.....

[TrueGCFan]

Geathers is good:

The State | 02/26/2007 | Geathers cleared to begin working with team (http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/breaking_news/16788680.htm)

[scfan5338]

AJ's Green will be playing basketball this friday night as they take on my fort mill jackets at the Colonial center. Heard he has some great numbers on the basketball court as well.

[Williams-Brice]

There were over 350 people (prospects and families) at USC's Junior Day today. I talked to one parent who told me the coaches said they were expecting a little over 50. It was nuts.

[Williams-Brice]

By the way, I got to see the new jerseys. They look similar to what I have in my signature, but you really can't get an appreciation for them until you see them. They look great.

[lacene]

There were over 350 people (prospects and families) at USC's Junior Day today. I talked to one parent who told me the coaches said they were expecting a little over 50. It was nuts.

that's great to hear, and ought to make a profound impression on the juniors and their parents. They'll see that SC has got something special building here. Thanks for the update. :thumpsup:

[Dr. Pepper]

There were over 350 people (prospects and families) at USC's Junior Day today. I talked to one parent who told me the coaches said they were expecting a little over 50. It was nuts.

Anyone of real interest? Surely with that many, we had some impressive guys out there.

[raptorcox]

Guess we better find a replacement for Garcia......

[sully00]

Guess we better find a replacement for Garcia......
It appears you have a real convict!

[NineInchCock]

Guess we better find a replacement for Garcia......

This could possibly be the case, but Spurrier has dealt with this kind of stuff before, and he'll know what to do. Personally, I would strip him of his scholarship, suspend him for the rest of the spring, and let him stay in the doghouse for at least a year. Doing this will let us know what he is really made out of. He may learn from his mistakes, earn his scholarship back, and eventually lead the team... or, he could just transfer, which would, IMO, just indicate that he wasn't even mentally mature enough to be a QB in the SEC.

[pc72687]

Well, hopefully this isn't an indicator of things to come.

[lacene]

Posted on Mon, Mar. 05, 2007

Gamecocks entertain over 100 prospects during junior-day
By PHIL KORNBLUT
On Recruiting

USC HOSTED MORE than 100 football prospects Saturday for junior day, about 30 of whom hold offers from the Gamecocks.

One of those, defensive lineman Kenny Davis (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) of Newberry, is getting close to making a decision.

“I like how they run their defensive system,” Davis said. “I fit in really well. They’re getting better defensive linemen. I’m going to give Clemson a shot. I’m going up there this weekend. It’s close between USC and Clemson.”

Fort Dorchester linebacker Robert Quinn (6-4, 250) also attended the USC junior day. Quinn will go to Auburn’s junior day on Saturday and Tennessee’s on the March 31. He also has offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Florida, Alabama, Virginia and Maryland. He does not have a favorite.

The Gamecocks’ junior day also attracted two players committed to other schools: defensive lineman Daquan Bowers (6-5, 250) of Bamberg-Ehrhardt, who is committed to Clemson; and defensive back J.T. Floyd (5-11, 185), who is committed to Tennessee.

AC Flora offensive lineman Kenneth Page (6-3, 290) visited with the Gamecocks on Saturday as his offer list continues to grow. He now has offers from USC, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Colorado, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Penn State and Central Florida. He has also been to junior days at Georgia Tech and Duke and will go to Clemson’s junior day Saturday.

Tight end Ryan Wallace (6-6, 230) of Bowling Green, Ky., is hearing from Clemson and plans to take in a summer camp there. He has an offer from Mississippi. He’s been to junior days at Alabama and Kentucky and will go to Mississippi and Auburn junior days.

Wide receiver Brice Butler (6-3, 185) of Norcross, Ga., is the son of former Florida State and NFL defensive back Bobby Butler and has a close contact with Clemson.

“My dad knows Tommy Bowden real well and they talk a lot,” he said. “They saw my tape and Tommy said they like me a lot.”

Butler also is getting interest from USC recruiter Shane Beamer, who had recruited him at Mississippi State. He has offers from Florida State, LSU, Louisville, Georgia, Georgia Tech, California, Arizona State and Oregon State.

Columbia High defensive lineman Cliff Stevenson (6-3 260) was at USC on Saturday along with teammate Justin Payne. Stevenson plans to go to Auburn this Saturday.

Pelion offensive lineman Dalton Freeman (6-6, 260) took in the USC junior day activities. He added offers from Georgia Tech and Colorado last week. He also has been offered by Clemson, USC, Duke, Middle Tennessee State, Wake Forest, Maryland, NC State and Vanderbilt.

Linebacker Justin Conaway (6-5, 220) of Ridge Spring-Monetta visited USC on Saturday. He has a verbal offer from Colorado.

Ridge Spring-Monetta offensive lineman Marcus Green (6-3, 345) has verbal offers from Virginia Tech and Middle Tennessee State, according to his coach Mark Rodgers.

USC and Clemson are among the schools which will watch defensive end Larry Ford (6-3, 240) of Georgetown and Coffeyville (Kan.) JC. Ford redshirted last season and says he is on track to graduate in December.

Link (http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/16835171.htm)

Looks like this is a great start to another great recruiting class. A lot of good talent there....

[Wynnco.com]

March 06, 2007
McCollom Takes In USC Junior Day
By Phil Kornblut

QB Reid McCollum (6-3 205) of Summerville attended USC's junior day last Saturday. "I spoke with coach Spurrier for a second and with coach Reaves," McCollum said. "They want me to come in for a practice this spring and maybe sit in on a quarterback meeting." McCollom also has been to junior days at Wake Forest, Duke and NC State. "I really like the campus and the whole atmosphere at Wake Forest," he said. "South Carolina has always been one of my favorites since I grew up a big Carolina fan." McCollom also is hearing from Virginia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida State, Alabama and Georgia Tech. He plans to attend as many one day camps this summer as he can. And he is working with highly regarded quarterback guru Jerry Nettles of Florence.

[Wynnco.com]

March 06, 2007
Schools Stay In Touch With Green
By Phil Kornblut

WR A.J. Green (6-4 192) of Summerville committed to Georgia last October. Sources in the Lowcountry have indicated Green might look around at some other schools but Green said Tuesday night his commitment to Georgia is "real solid, real solid." But other schools continue to work Green who said he has about 10 offers right now including USC, Clemson, Georgia, Colorado, Ohio State and Miami. He's also hearing from Notre Dame, LSU and Florida. "Florida is showing a lot of interest," he said. "Coach Strong is texting me a lot. He said 'we need you here." Green said he's hearing from USC recruiter Brad Lawing about once a week but hasn't heard that much from Clemson. Green just finished his basketball season in which he averaged 22 points per game. He said Georgia Tech and North Carolina are in touch with him for basketball. He has not been to any junior days and has no current plans for any.

[Wynnco.com]

March 06, 2007
Two More Jump In With Freeman
By Phil Kornblut

OL Dalton Freeman (6-6 260) of Pelion picked up offers Tuesday from Virginia Tech and Kentucky giving him a total of ten offers. Freeman has also been offered by Clemson, USC, Duke, Middle Tennessee, Wake Forest, Maryland, NC State and Vanderbilt. He attended USC's junior day last weekend and is scheduled to take in Clemson's this Saturday. Freeman has been favoring the Tigers though he's also expressed strong interest in USC and Wake Forest.

[Wynnco.com]

March 07, 2007
USC Evaluating Smelley's Brother
By Phil Kornblut

QB Brad Smelley (6-3 215) of Tuscaloosa, AL followed his brother Chris at American Christian School after Chris moved on to USC. Last season he passed for 2600 yards with 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He completed 68% of his passes. The younger Smelley has talked with USC and is working on a highlight tape for Steve Spurrier and David Reaves to review. He also is hearing from Alabama and the Crimson Tide seem to be interested. Their coaches already have seen film. Smelley was invited to Alabama's junior day bue couldn't make it due to baseball. He also missed Auburn's junior day. Smelley also is hearing from Arkansas. Smelley said he also could play tight end in college.

[Wynnco.com]

March 07, 2007
USC Checking Florida Back
By Phil Kornblut

USC is interested in RB Carlton Jones (5-11 215) of Tampa, but according to his coach, it might be too late for the Gamecocks and the rest of the interested schools. "He committed to Florida back in October," said his coach Harry Hubbard. "That's where he wants to go." Hubbard said he wasn't sure if Florida had accepted the commitment. Jones also has an offer from Maryland while USC, Connecticut, Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama and Tennessee are among the others showing interest. Jones has diabetes and because of his condition Hubbard said they monitor him closely and give him plenty of breaks during games. As a result he played in just eight games last season, only two complete games. Jones still rushed for 1200 yards with 15 touchdowns. "He's a competitor and he doesn't let that stop him," Hubbard said. "He's very elusive and won't let you get a clean shot."

[Wynnco.com]

March 08, 2007
Top Rising Junior Has First Offers
By Phil Kornblut

DE Chris Bonds (6-4 260) of Richland Northeast could be the top prospect in the state for the rising junior class. Bonds has been a two year starter for the Cavaliers though he was hampered last season by a high ankle sprain. Bonds figures to land numerous offers before his senior season. According to his coach Jay Frye, two schools, USC and Miami, are the first to verbally indicate they will oficially offer Bonds when they legally can. Bonds attended USC's junior day last Saturday along with teammate LB Chaz Washington (6-3 200). Washington plans to attend Clemson's junior day this Saturday and Tennessee's at the end of the month. He has not been offered. And according to Frye, Cavalier ATH Mark Barnes, a USC signee, has scored well enought on the entrance exams, and has done well enough on his core courses, to be well within position of qualifying for freshman eligibility.

[Wynnco.com]

March 08, 2007
Florida Defensive End Interests USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC is looking into DE Moses McCray (6-4 275) of Tampa. He has offers from Florida, Maryland and Bethune-Cookman according to his coach. He is also getting interest from USC, Ohio State, Florida State, Miami, Connecticut, Georgia, South Florida and Central Florida. McCray had 65 tackles and 4 sacks last season. "For a person his size he works hard and doesn't goof off," coach Harry Hubbard said. "A lot of teams run away from him."

[Wynnco.com]

March 08, 2007
Bowers, Presley Drop In At USC
By Phil Kornblut

DL Daquan Bowers (6-5 250) and QB Chris Presley (6-4 180) of Bamberg-Ehrhardt briefly visited the USC football offices last Saturday while at Williams-Brice Stadium for a photo shoot. Bowers, who has been committed to Clemson, spent a few minutes talking with Gamecock assistants. USC continues to recruit Bowers who also has offers from Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, NC State, North Carolina and others. "He's still pretty dern solid with Clemson," said his coach Ron Duncan. Presley is an athletic quarterback who runs well. He rushed for 600 yards and passed for 800 yards last season in only seven games. "He is long and lanky and runs well," Duncan said. Presley could play wide receiver. Clemson and Georgia are also showing interest in him. And Duncan said his DB Miker Wright (5-9 170) has decided to walk on at Bethune Cookman instead of going to a junior college.

[lacene]

this is good information, Wynnco. Keep up the update posts! :thumpsup:

[Wynnco.com]

this is good information, Wynnco. Keep up the update posts! :thumpsup:

Yeah, I just saw everyone had quit posting here and I've seen in the past where alot of out of market people can't get info so I thought I would just pass Corn's stuff on for them. Go Cocks!!

[FLgamecockJAX]

I guess everyone is real busy. Recruiting is kind of quiet right now, but there is still info to be learned. This board is usually more busy than this.

Once the May evaluation period begins, thinks will surely pick-up!

[pc72687]

The state's #1 Qb recruit Hanahan's Carnell has SC as his first choice in schools. He was at SC's junior day.

[Wynnco.com]

March 09, 2007
USC Out Front With Florida Backer
By Phil Kornblut

USC is the current leader for LB Shaq Wilson (6-1 210) of Jacksonville, FL. "I like South Carolina the most," Wilson said. "I have two of my former players there and I've been there before. I know the area." Wilson was invited to USC's junior day but couldn't make it. He will try to come in for a spring practice. Wilson has offers from USC, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Louisville and South Florida. He is also getting interest from Clemson, Florida State and Miami. Wilson had 132 tackles and 9 sacks last season. He plays outside linebacker.

[Williams-Brice]

I guess everyone is real busy. Recruiting is kind of quiet right now, but there is still info to be learned. This board is usually more busy than this.

Once the May evaluation period begins, thinks will surely pick-up!

Things will certainly pick up when the coaches hit the road in May. There's just not a big enough buzz in recruiting right now to be focused on it. However, big props to Wynnco for keeping us informed.

Our staff likes to get things done early. I expect the summer will be bigger than ever for recruiting. When May gets here, I'll start posting tidbits and whatnot. Keep up the good work, Wynnco.

[Williams-Brice]

The state's #1 Qb recruit Hanahan's Carnell has SC as his first choice in schools. He was at SC's junior day.

The best quarterback in the state is Summerville's Reid McCollum. If we go after a quarterback from South Carolina, then it will likely be McCollum. I haven't heard anything about the kid from Hanahan. He's not in the Rivals.com or Scout.com database. What all do you know about him?

[pc72687]

Carnell was named the #1 QB in the state by the Post and Courier (the newspaper near where he and McCollum live). I know that he has been put on the elite 11 watch list which is the list that the 12 elite 11 QBs are chosen from and he has also been put on a few other recruiting web sites hot lists. He is pretty good sized 6-2 210 and his brother plays QB here at the Citadel. Right now SC is his favorite and he is just waiting for an offer. In 2006 he passed for 3200 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Now, why rivals doesn't have him I can't say, but I am assuming it is just because it is still early.

[Williams-Brice]

Yeah, it sounds like he is a quality prospect. I don't understand why Rivals and Scout don't have him in their