USC Recruiting News

[Wynnco.com]

10,000 posts!!

GO GAMECOCKS!!!

[Wynnco.com]

October 17, 2007
Kicker Commits To USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC has picked up a commitment from P/PK Ryan Doerr of Katy, TX. Doerr is averaging 44 yards per punt this season with ten being killed inside the ten yard line. And 65.4% of his kickoffs have reached the end zone. "Ryan went over there (USC) for a game earlier this year and enjoyed it," said Katy High Schoo coach Gary Joseph. "He really liked the coaches and the players."

[JerryBeeds]

October 17, 2007
Kicker Commits To USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC has picked up a commitment from P/PK Ryan Doerr of Katy, TX. Doerr is averaging 44 yards per punt this season with ten being killed inside the ten yard line. And 65.4% of his kickoffs have reached the end zone. "Ryan went over there (USC) for a game earlier this year and enjoyed it," said Katy High Schoo coach Gary Joseph. "He really liked the coaches and the players."

Thats a big one. We needed a good kick specialist in this class. From watching his film, he looks to have a big leg. Nice pickup for the Cocks.

[WayzUp]

Does he do FG's too or is he strictly a punter/kickoff guy?

[JerryBeeds]

Does he do FG's too or is he strictly a punter/kickoff guy?

He kicks FG's and plays WR. He's a pretty big kid for a kicker at 6'3" 195. We like him as a punter/kickoff specialist.

[Wynnco.com]

October 17, 2007
Washington Gets First Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Richland Northeast LB Chaz Washington (6-3 197) picked up his first offer Wednesday night. It came from Savannah State. "I had a loss of words," Washington said. "I kind of teared up a little bit. I can see myself going there, but that's just my first offer." Washington is also getting some interest from USC, Clemson, Middle Tennessee State, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Coastal Carolina. He said coaches from Vanderbilt and Coastal Carolina plan to watch him Friday night at Sumter. Washington has been out of action for several weeks with a broken toe on his left foot, but he returned to practice earlier this week.

[Wynnco.com]

October 17, 2007
Barnum Will Visit USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL Ricky Barnum (6-4 275) of Lakeland, FL has not scheduled his official visits, but he said one certain trip will be to USC. He's also looking at South Florida, Georgia, West Virginia and Alabama. Barnum said he talked with his USC recruiter David Reaves last Friday and hears regularly from him. "He's still very interested," Barnum said. He does not have a favorite. "They are all even," Barnum said. He narrowed his list from nearly 30 offers.

[Wynnco.com]

October 17, 2007
Commings Sets Two Official Visits
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Sanders Commings Jr. (6-2 195) of Augusta plans to attend either the USC or the Clemson game this Saturday. And he has scheduled official visits with both...the Gamecocks on November 23rd and the Tigers Janury 11th. Commings said USC and Georgia are still his favorites and he wants to make a decision soon. He talked with his USC recruiter John Hunt Wednesday. "He's going to be at my game Friday," Commings said. "He invited me to the game Saturday." Commings talked to his Clemson recruiter Ron West on Monday. His Georgia recruiter was at his practice Wednesday. Commings said he's using one criteria in formulating his decision. "It's basically where I fit in."

[Wynnco.com]

October 17, 2007
USC In, Klimp Sin Out With Quinn
By Phil Kornblut

LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) of Fort Dorchester has narrowed his list to a final six. USC made the cut, Clemson did not. Joining the Gamecocks as finalists are North Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, Rutgers and Florida State. Quinn has made several unofficial visits to USC and it was felt the Gamecocks were in solid shape with him. Quinn said he went with a gut feeling in eliminating Clemson. "It's not for me," he said. "I just didn't feel like that was my place." Quinn made an unofficial visit to North Carolina last weekend for the USC game. "It was nice to finally get to see a game there, to see what that's like," Quinn said. "Plus, it was South Carolina. We got to see which one is the real Carolina for this year." Quinn said there is no leader and he won't line up official visits until after his season, but he said USC will get an official visit. He does not expect to make an unofficial visit anywhere this weekend because he has to work. Quinn talked with his Gamecock recruiter Shane Beamer Wednesday.

[U-Dub Gamecock]

Man.. we got a recruit from TEXAS?? I know he is a kicker.. but when is the last time we got a player from Texas?? Willie Offord, maybe??

[Neo]

Total Commitments: 12
Class Rank: 28

#15 2-Star P/K Ryan Doerr
Katy (TX) Katy
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 185 lbs
Forty: 4.8 secs
Class: 2008 (High School)

NR 4-Star S Antonio Allen
Fork Union (VA) Fork Union Military Academy
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 190 lbs
Forty: 4.5 secs
Class: 2008 (Prep School)

NR 4-Star DB Akeem Auguste
Fork Union (VA) Fork Union Military Academy
Ht: 5-foot-11
Wt: 180 lbs
Forty: 4.4 secs
Class: 2008 (Prep School)

NR 4-Star TB Eric Baker
Fork Union (VA) Fork Union Military Academy
Ht: 5-foot-11
Wt: 190 lbs
Forty: 4.4 secs
Class: 2008 (Prep School)

#18 3-Star LB Reggie Bowens
Garner (NC) Garner
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 210 lbs
Forty: 4.5 secs
Class: 2008 (High School)

#31 3-Star DT Kenny Davis
Newberry (SC) Newberry
Ht: 6-foot-4
Wt: 295 lbs
Forty: 4.9 secs
Bench max: 350 pounds
Squat max: 430 pounds
GPA: 3.0
SAT: 890
Class: 2008 (High School)

#11 3-Star QB Aramis Hillary
Johnston (SC) Strom Thurmond
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 205 lbs
Forty: 4.68 secs
GPA: 2.51
SAT: 900
Class: 2008 (High School)

NR 3-Star OL T.J. Johnson
Aynor (SC) Aynor
Ht: 6-foot-4
Wt: 285 lbs
Forty: 5.2 secs
Bench max: 325 pounds
Squat max: 450 pounds
GPA: 3.82
Class: 2008 (High School)

#14 3-Star QB Reid McCollum
Summerville (SC) Summerville
Ht: 6-foot-4 (Events)
Wt: 195 lbs
Forty: 4.73 secs
Bench max: 250 pounds
Vertical: 29 inches
Class: 2008 (High School)

#50 3-Star ATH Jay Spearman
Greenwood (SC)
Ht: 6-foot-0 (Event)
Wt: 187 lbs
Forty: 4.4 secs
Bench max: 280 pounds
Squat max: 405 pounds
GPA: 3.9
Class: 2008 (High School)

#26 3-Star LB Shaq Wilson
Jacksonville (FL) First Coast
Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 220 lbs
Forty: 4.59 secs
Class: 2008 (High School)

NR/NE DE Jarriel King
Milledgeville (GA) Georgia Military
Ht: 6-foot-7
Wt: 285 lbs
Forty: 4.8 secs
Bench max: 340 pounds
Class: 2008 (Junior College - Dec Grad)

NR = Not Ranked
NE = Not Yet Evaluated

[C_hris]

Are there really 668 pages of this thread..........Thats nuts......

[pc72687]

Thankfully we got another kicker. This is a big part of the game and not having a good one can break you.

[Wynnco.com]

Thankfully we got another kicker. This is a big part of the game and not having a good one can break you.

Bingo. Can you remember how horrible the Holtz years were? Just horrible. We cheered when we hit an extra point it was so bad. Please, let's keep a couple of kickers on scolly.

[Wynnco.com]

October 18, 2007
USC Hosting High Scoring Guard
By Phil Kornblut

PG/2G Tyree Graham (6-1 195) of Fayetteville, NC will make an official visit to USC this weekend. This will be his first official visit. According to his coach, the Gamecocks are very high on Graham. "Coach Odom liked him a lot," Brian Phillips said. "He liked everything about his game. He really likes coach Odom a lot." Graham will visit Texas Tech next weekend and Virginia Tech November 3rd. USC and Texas Tech are the top two with him. Graham, a native of Durham, averaged 25 points per game last season. "He can jump out of the gym," Phillips said. "He plays very much under control. He runs the floor well and gets everyone involved. He's a great passer." Graham is a first cousin of former North Carolina player and current Milwaukee Buck David Noel.

[Wynnco.com]

October 18, 2007
Spurlock Sticking To Weekend Plans
By Phil Kornblut

OL David Spurlock (6-5 290) of Murfreesboro, TN said earlier in the week he would make an unofficial visit to USC for this weekend, and there was a good possibility he would commit while on campus. Thursday night Spurlock reaffirmed those plans after talking with his Gamecock recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. "He just talked about when I was going to get down there and who I'm playing Friday night, and for me to call him when I get there," Spurlock said. "I'm still thinking about committing, it most likely will happen." Spurlock plays left guard. He also has offers from Louisville, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Middle Tenneseee State and Arkansas.

[Wynnco.com]

October 18, 2007
Commings Coming Back To USC
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Sanders Commings Jr. (6-2 195) said Thursday night he plans to make another unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Vanderbilt game. Commings has made three other unofficial visits to USC since August. "I'm just going to talk to the coaches and make a little visit, nothing big," he said. "There's no chance I'll make a commitment." Commings has been favoring USC and Georgia. He's also been looking at Clemson, Auburn, Maryland and Florida.

Others scheduled to be at USC for the Vanderbilt game on unofficial visits are DL Randy Salmon (6-3 285) of Stockbridge, GA, RB Ingram Bell (6-0 187) of St. James, DL Taylor Loftley (6-2 255) of Chamblee, GA, OL Jonathan Cooper (6-3 305) of Wilmington, NC and OL David Spurlock (6-5 290) of Murfreesboro, TN. Loftley and Spurlock said earlier this week they could make commitments.

Gamecock commitment LB Shaq Wilson (6-1 210) of Jacksonville said earlier this month he was looking at making his official visit this weekend.

Another prospect who said earlier in the month he might possibly make an official visit for the Vanderbilt game was DE Michael McAdoo (6-7 218) of Antioch, TN.

Not making a visit to USC Saturday will be RB Martin Ward (5-10 190) of Jonesboro, GA. He had planned to come in for the Vanderbilt game but won't be able to make it. Ward said he's still favoring the Gamecocks and plans to set official visits with USC, Louisville, North Carolina, Memphis and Clemson.

[Wynnco.com]

October 19, 2007
Walker Sets Third Official Visit
By Phil Kornblut

WR Deion Walker (6-3 188) of Christchurch, VA has set an official visit to Notre Dame for November 9th. He has visited Penn State and Florida State. He is undecided about his other visits but is looking at USC, Clemson, Southern Cal, California, Virginia Tech, Michigan, LSU and Florida for those final visits. Walker said he hears a lot from USC. "I talk to coach Lawing a good bit," he said. "We talk a lot. I talked to him last week." Walker doesn't have a favorite. He's only played in two and a half games this season due to turf toe. He is back playing but is not at full speed.

[Wynnco.com]

October 19, 2007
Wilson Making USC Official This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

USC commitment LB Shaq Wilson (6-1 210) of Jacksonville, FL will make his official visit with the Gamecocks this weekend. Wilson was USC's first commitment for the 2008 class making his pledge in April. "My commitment to USC is 100%," Wilson said. "Everyone is still trying to call. I just tell them and they respect my decision." Thru six games this season Wilson had 70 tackles with six sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

October 19, 2007
USC Adds Baseball Commitment
By Phil Kornblut

Junior 3B and RBP Greg Harrison of HIlton Head has committed to USC according to the Island Packet newspaper. Harrison was 8-2 with a 2.10 ERA last season. He struck out 100 hitters in 70 innings. He also batted .420 with 39 RBIs. Harrison's brother, Brian, will be a freshman on the Furman baseball team this season.

[Wynnco.com]

October 20, 2007
Landi Hears More From USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruiters continue to work ATH Evan Landi (6-4 200) of Coral Springs, FL. He talked last week to recruiters Steve Spurrier Jr. and Robert Gillespie. "They just talked about what I'm looking for in a school and how my season is going," Landi said. "They are still very interested." Landi said he will schedule official visits with USC and South Florida. He also has offers from Louisiana Lafayette, Akron, Florida International and Florida Atlantic. He favors USC and South Florida. The Bulls are recruiting him as a quarterback. He also plays receiver and safety and said he has no position preference.

[Wynnco.com]

October 20, 2007
Rumph Film Gets To USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC has been showing increasing interest in DE Donte Rumph (6-4 250) of Calhoun County and the Gamecocks received new senior film on him this week. They have not offered. Rumph has offers from Clemson, Kentucky and Tennessee. Kentucky and Tennessee are his favorites right now despite the fact his uncle coaches at Clemson and his cousin plays for the Tigers. Rumph apparently is not strongly interested in joining with his family members at Clemson and prefers to go his own way. He also has drawn interest from NC State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina.

[Wynnco.com]

October 20, 2007
Loftley At USC Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

DL Taylor Loftley (6-2 255) of Chamblee, GA made an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Vanderbilt game. Loftley had said before the visit he might commit while in Columbia, but that didn't happen. He said the Gamecocks remain one of his favorites along with Vanderbilt, Central Florida and Duke and he plans to set official visits with those four. "I enjoyed the visit," he said. "I talked to several of the coaches before the game including coach Spurrier. I was tempted to commit but didn't. My parents definitely want me to come back for an official visit." Loftley said he'll also try to get back to USC for at least one more game.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Ellington Looking At Two Other Programs
By Phil Kornblut

Clemson commitment RB Andre Ellington (5-10 170) of Berkeley made an unofficial visit to Kentucky Saturday and also has interest in USC. Ellington committed to Clemson last summer but is interested in taking a closer look at the Wildcats and Gamecocks. "I talked to (USC running backs coach) coach Gillespie last week," Ellington said. "He called to ask me how I was doing and said they were still looking at me." Ellington said he was impressed by whaw he saw at Kentucky Saturday. "They have a pretty nice program," he said. "They came very close to beating a very good football team." Ellington also has talked with his Clemson recruiter David Blackwell about his thinking. "I told him I was still with Clemson but am looking at the other two programs," he said. "I'm still committed to them but I'm going to visit the other schools to see what they are like." Ellington said he will take in a USC game this season, and he plans to set official visits with Clemson, USC and Kentucky. Ellington was picked for the Shrine Bowl and has rushed for over 1000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Spurlock Gets Good Look At USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL David Spurlock (6-5 290) of Murfreesboro, TN spent the weekend at USC with his parents on an unofficial visit. "It was real nice except for the outcome of the game," Spurlock said. "I got to view the stadium, the lockerroom and the weight room. I talked to coach Spurrier, and coach Spurrier Jr. showed me around. I also talked to coach Hunt." Last week Spurlock said he would consider committing while on the visit if he liked everything, but he didn't make the pledge this weekend. "I want to think about it for a couple of weeks," he said. "They said my offer is still on the table. I want to see more of the campus, like the dorms." Spurlock added that his parents very much enjoyed the visit. He plans to schedule an official visit with USC later this week. He has no plans to visit any other schools at this time.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Dawkins Checks Out Florida State
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl DL Everett Dawkins (6-3 235) of Byrnes spent Saturday in Tallahassee as a guest of Florida State on an unofficial visit. "It was great, it was a nice environment," Dawkins said. "The fans were really in to it. I met a lot of recruits they already have committed. The coaches were real nice." Dawkins has been favoring the Seminoles and continues to do so. USC is picking up their interest in Dawkins. He talked to recruiter Brad Lawing Thursday night, and Lawing scouted his game Friday night. "He basically said if I play good he's going to offer," Dawkins said. USC has not yet offered. He has offers from Florida State, Wake Forest, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee, Wisconsin and NC State. He plans to schedule official visits with Florida State, Tennessee, NC State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, but he said he probably would bump someone for USC if the Gamecocks offer. Dawkins has been invited to play in the Emfinger All Star Game January 5th in Louisiana. Thru eight games this season he had 96 tackles with 5 sacks, 22 quarterback hurries and 17 tackles for loss.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Freeman Makes Official Visit To FSU
By Phil Kornblut

OL Dalton Freeman (6-6 265) of Pelion made his official visit to Florida State over the weekend. Freeman met with some of the coaches Friday then went to the game against Miami Saturday. He said he met with some academic people and then hung out the players. Sunday morning he met with head coach Bobby Bowden before departing. "He knows he's in a rebuilding phase and he hopes everyone else knows that," Freeman said. "He said he's very interested in me but he didn't put any pressure on me. He said to take my time." Freeman also has made official visits to Colorado and Penn State. He is looking at Clemson, Tennessee and Florida for his other visits. And he is also considering USC. He plans to make an unofficial official visit to USC at some point, one where he will spend the weekend at the school but will drive back and forth from his home. Freeman said he does not have a favorite or an order with his schools. He hopes to get to Tennessee for one of their games soon, and he plans to be at Clemson for the Boston College game.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Georgia Safety Takes In USC Game
By Phil Kornblut

DB Roy Mangram (6-2 200) of Brunswick, GA made an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Vanderbilt game. That was his first visit of any kind this season. "I got to go on the field and meet some of the players and coaches," Mangram said. "It was a really good atmosphere." Mangram said he has verbal offers from USC, Clemson, NC State, Georgia and Troy. He said the offers aren't official because he's yet to qualify. For that matter, Mangram said he's yet to take the SAT or ACT. Mangram said USC is aware of that situation. "They said they'd have a plan for me if my grades don't work out." Mangram said USC and NC State are showing the most interest and are his top two. He plays safety but could play linebacker in college.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Commings Doesn't Make It To USC
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Sanders Commings Jr. (6-2 195) of Augusta did not make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Vanderbilt game as he had planned. Commings said he got home around 2:00 AM Saturday morning from his out of fown game and would have had to get up around 7:00 AM to make the trip to Columbia. He didn't feel like doing that. Commings has an official visit set with the Gamecocks for November 23rd and one set with Clemson for January 11th. He will set a visit with Georgia as well. He favors USC and Georgia.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
USC Moves To The Front With Graham
By Phil Kornblut

6-2 Tyree Graham of Fayetteville, NC made his official visit to USC over the weekend and left Columbia feeling the Gamecocks as his favorites. "It was real good, I really enjoyed it," Graham said. "I got to meet the team and the coaches. I got to talk to coach Odom a lot. I stayed in a nice spot and I ate real good." Graham said Odom's reputation for developing guards is another reason he's favoring USC. "Coach Odom is a guard oriented coach," he said. "He pretty much lets his guards do what they want to do." And Graham can pretty much do it all based on his junior statistics at Southern Durham High School where he averaged 25 points, 8 assists and 9 rebounds per game. He recorded seven triple-doubles last season. He will play this season for Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville. Graham said he will make his final decision around November 6th. He will visit Texas Tech this weekend and Virginia Tech the following weekend.

[Wynnco.com]

October 21, 2007
Page Makes Official Visit To Notre Dame
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl OL Kenneth Page (6-3 290) of AC Flora made his official visit to Notre Dame over the weekend for the Southern Cal game. "It was a great visit," Page said. "They impressed me in all aspects...academics, how I fit in with their scheme. They are playing young guys right now but in a few years they are going to be contenders just like Notre Dame is supposed to be. And it was the first bowl type stadium I've been to. I liked it more than other stadiums." Page's parents joined him on the visit and he said "they loved it, they had a great time." This was Page's first official visit. He is set to visit USC November 30th and Clemson January 11th. He's undecided about his other two visits. He is considering North Carolina, Stanford, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Florida, Maryland and Tennessee for thos visits. Page said he does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
Abrams-Ward Remaining Open
By Phil Kornblut

Clemson and USC remain in the picture with ATH E.J. Abrams-Ward (6-5 215) of Thomasville, NC. For that matter, so does everyone else that's offered. "I'm still wide open," he said. "I'm going to narrow things down the end of this month or the start of next month." Abrams-Ward said his strongest interest is coming from Clemson, USC, North Carolina, Tennessee, NC State and Boston College. He has not decided on his official visits.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
Thomas Looking At Four For Visits
By Phil Kornblut

LB Jacoby Thomas (6-0 232) of Mobile, AL has not scheduled any official visits and has not taken any unofficial visits for games because many of his games have been played on Saturdays. He hopes to get to an Alabama game and a USC game before the season is over. Thomas said he is looking at USC, Alabama Auburn and Purdue for official visits. Those are his top four schools.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
Two Offers In For King
By Phil Kornblut

DB Yari King (5-10 160) of Irmo has picked up offers from Presbyterian and Newberry. He's had some contact from USC. He's also heard from Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina, South Carolina State, North Carolina and Lenoir Rhyne. King said Presbyterian has been recruiting him the hardest. He's been to a couple of games at USC and one at Lenor Rhyne.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
Kentucky Lands Another SC Prospect
By Phil Kornblut

Kentucky landed a commitment Monday night from Byrnes DB Cartier Rice (5-11 177) of Byrnes according to websites which cover the Wildcats. Rice made a visit to Kentucky last weekend. He also had offfers from Michigan State, NC State, Wisconsin and Rutgers. He also drew interest from USC and Georgia.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
Harris Not Ready To Name Favorites
By Phil Kornblut

LB Jerrell Harris (6-4 215) of Gadsden, AL insists he's concentrating on his season and not worrying much with recruiting. He said he's not cut his list down from his 30 offers. "I'm looking at everybody right now," he said. Harris said he hears from Clemson weekly and from USC once every two weeks. He feels the schools showing him the most interest are Clemson, Southern Cal, Florida State, Auburn and Alabama. He was at the Miami-Florida State game last weekend and also has been to Clemson, Auburn and Alabama for games.

[Wynnco.com]

October 22, 2007
USC Gains Ground With NC Athlete
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Darius Spencer (5-10 178) of Asheville, NC has been committed to East Carolina since May. But he made an unofficial visit to USC last weekend for the Vanderbilt game, and the Gamecocks are firmly in the running for him. "The visit moves South Carolina up," Spencer said. "I am thinking about switching my verbal. I liked the atmosphere. It was just the fans. I've never been to a college game with an atmosphere like that. When I stepped onto that field, I told myself that I could play there." Spencer plans return visits to USC for the Florida and Clemson games. Spencer has scored 19 touchdowns this season and said the Gamecocks have told him he could play on offense or in the secondary and could even get a look as a kick returner.

[Wynnco.com]

October 23, 2007
Brown Holding Steady With Top Five
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jaron Brown (6-3 190) of Cheraw has had a top five of Clemson, USC, Tennessee, West Virginia and Vanderbilt, and those remain his favorites after his unofficial visit to USC last Saturday. "The loss didn't affect my opinion of South Carolina," Brown said. Brown also was at USC for the Kentucky game and he plans to be at Tennessee this weekend when the Vols meet the Gamecocks. His parents will join him on that visit. Brown had planned to attend the Virginia Tech at Clemson game earlier this month but had to take the SAT that morning and couldn't make it to the upstate. He has set an official visit with Tennessee for December 7th but probably will need to reschedule because that's the weekend for reporting for Shrine Bowl practice.

[Wynnco.com]

October 23, 2007
Williams Has Official Visits In Mind
By Phil Kornblut

WR Demario Williams (6-4 180) of Columbia, TN plans to set official visits with USC, Ole Miss, Troy, Memphis and Middle Tennessee State. He has been to MTSU for a pair of games. Williams said USC recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. called him a couple of weeks ago to let him know he remains interested. Williams also is a basketball prospect and has offers in that sport from Wofford, MTSU, Dayton, Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, Murray State, Morehead State and David Lipscomb.

[Wynnco.com]

October 23, 2007
Becton Sets First Two Visits
By Phil Kornblut

OL Nic Becton (6-6 291) of Wilmington, NC has set his first two official visits. He will visit Virginia Tech December 7th and Alabama January 11th. Becton said he also will set visits with USC and NC State. And for his final visit he's considering Clemson and East Carolina. Becton said he has no favorite and he hears regularly from his USC and Clemson recruiters.

[Wynnco.com]

October 23, 2007
Sanders Planning Holiday Visit To USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL Zebrie Sanders (6-6 273) of Clayton, OH plans to set an official visit with USC for the weekend of the Clemson game which, of course, falls on the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Sanders lived in Columbia until the fifth grade, and his father played at Spartanburg High School and SC State, so the family has ties to the state. Sanders has been talking weekly with USC offensive line coach John Hunt. He has made an official visit to Florida and will visit Georgia November 9th. He is looking at LSU and UCLA for his final visits. Michigan also is a factor and he's made several unofficial visits to Ann Arbor. He does not have a current favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

October 24, 2007
Poole To Watch USC & UT
By Phil Kornblut

RB Tauren Poole (5-10 200) of Toccoa, GA, a former Tennessee commitment, plans to make an unofficial visit to Knoxville Saturday to watch the Vols play another of his favorites, USC. "I have seen the opportunity that I have if I go to South Carolina," Poole said. "They have guys leaving at the running back position and they don't have a lot of depth, so I could step in there and play. Tennessee is a great school also. Running back is all about competiting. I feel like I can go in and compete with anybody." Poole plans to be in Columbia November 10th when the Gamecocks tackle Florida. "I'm just trying to weigh it out," Poole said. "I think it's going to take a long time, but I'm pretty sure that I will make it toward the end of the football season. It's South Carolina or Tennessee, though. Those are the only two schools that hung in it with me the whole time." Thru eight games this season Poole has rushed for 1300 yards and 20 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

October 24, 2007
Georgia RB Getting USC, Klimp Sin Attention
By Phil Kornblut

USC and Clemson are among the schools picking up the interest in RB Kenny Miles (5-10 195) of Snellville, GA. Miles, who has rushed for 1349 yards this season, an average of 224 yards per game, has an offer from Central Florida. He made unofficial visits to Clemson and Southern Miss while USC and North Carolina also are becoming more involved. "There's no doubt that he ranks up there not only with the best we've had here, but with the best in the state," his coach, Mark Crews, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He hits the hole and he's gone. And he's a powerful back. What he's done is remarkable."

[Wynnco.com]

October 24, 2007
Allen Going To Blacksburg Thursday
By Phil Kornblut

The big ACC showdown between Boston College and Virginia Tech Thursday night in Blacksburg will attract nationwide attention, but it won't attract the large number of major recruits who ordinarily would attend a game like this played on a Saturday because of school and high school games the next day. But one major recruit who plans to be at Lane Stadium is TE Dwayne Allen (6-4 240) of Fayetteville, NC. Allen said Wednesday night he will be in Blacksburg for the game. Allen has been committed to Georgia but has been checking out other places. He has been to games this season at USC, Georgia, North Carolina and NC State. Asked if he remains a Georgia commitment, Allen said, "No comment." But he did say Georgia was still his favorite. Allen talked with USC recruiter Fred Chatham Wednesday night. "He just asked about how I was doing," he said. "He talked about where he saw me in their offense and the different types of things they can do with a guy like me." Clemson recruiter Chris Rumph scouted Allen last Friday night. And he also talked with the Georgia tight end coach a couple of nights ago. Except for an official visit to Georgia, Allen said he's undecided about his other trips.

[Wynnco.com]

October 25, 2007
Floyd Set On Two Official Visits
By Phil Kornblut

DB J.T. Floyd (6-0 185) of JL Mann plans to make an official visit to Michigan November 16th and another of his official visits to NC State his father said. Floyd made an unofficial visit to Michigan earlier this month. Miami also is starting to show interest in Floyd who has been a soft commitment to Tennessee. USC, Maryland and North Carolina also have offered. He's not heard much from USC recently.

[Wynnco.com]

October 25, 2007
USC Makes Contact With Jenkins
By Phil Kornblut

USC was one of the first schools to make contact with WR A.J. Jenkins (6-2 180) of Jacksonville following his announced de-committment from Georgia Tech. He talked with Gamecock recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. Wednesday. "We talked about me coming in for a game and for an official visit," Jenkins said. "He's showing a lot of interest." Jenkins said he definitely wants to make an official visit to USC. He's also been contacted by Illinois, South Florida, Florida and Georgia Tech since reopening his recruiting. All of those schools are among his 45 offers. "I'm looking at the type of offense, the distance from home and the depth chart," Jenkins said in explaining what he's looking for in a school. "I committed a little too early and I want to make sure I'm not making the wrong decision." Jenkins also has an offer from Clemson but has not heard from the Tigers.

[Wynnco.com]

October 25, 2007
Dawkins Gets Call From USC
By Phil Kornblut

DE Everett Dawkins (6-3 235) of Byrnes was contacted Thursday night by USC recruiter Brad Lawing and was officially offered by the Gamecocks. 'I was expecting them to offer forever," Dawkins said. "It was a good feeling to get an offer from an in state school. I was like, thank you." Dawkins said the offer elevates the Gamecocks into his top five and he probably will set an official visit with them. The others in his top five are Florida State, his leader, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and NC State. Dawkins plans to be at Tennessee Saturday for the game between the Vols and the Gamecocks.

[Wynnco.com]

October 27, 2007
Top Junior Prospect Lost For The Season
By Phil Kornblut

DE Chris Bonds (6-4 265) of Richland Northeast, already one of the most heavily recruited players in the state for next season, suffered a season ending left knee injury in Friday night's loss to Dutch Fork. Bonds went down late in the first half with what is believed to be a torn ACL one play after recording a sack. "I really don't remember a lot of it," Bonds said of the play. "He came out to block me and I planted my left foot and my knee just gave out. I was in a lot of pain." Bonds was taken to the hospital after the game and will be examined again Monday. He expects to have surgery later in the week. Bonds has numerous offers including USC, Clemson, Miami, Auburn, Tennessee, Michigan and Florida. He admits the injury gives him cause for concern about his college future. "I've got one more year to go so hopefully most of the colleges will keep their offers," Bonds said. "I haven't really thought about favorites. I just want to go to college. I'll be the first in my immediate family to go to a Division One school." Bonds also is getting interest from Notre Dame, Florida State, Southern Cal, Boston Colllege and Oregon.

[Wynnco.com]

October 28, 2007
Lewis Hearing From Recruiters
By Phil Kornblut

DB Carlton Lewis (6-3 190) of St. Augustine counts USC and Clemson among his offers and both schools are keeping in touch. "I talked to coach Spurrier Jr, (USC) last week and to coach Swinney (Clemson) last Thursday," Lewis said. "South Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest and South Florida are showing the most interest." Lewis said he doesn't have a favorite. He's made unofficial visits to USC and Clemson and is looking at those two along with Georgia Tech, Illinois, South Florida and Wake Forest for his official visits. Thru seven games Lewis has 30 tackles and one interception.

[Wynnco.com]

October 28, 2007
Hall Makes Louisville Visit
By Phil Kornblut

DB Rashard Hall (6-3 190) of St. Augustine, FL made an official visit to Louisville over the weekend. "I had a real good time," Hall said. "They touched on every area I want to see on a visit. I liked everything. I spent a lot of time with Coach K and my position coach. I got to meet the players. They have some good fans. Everything was just real nice. And opportunity for early playing time is there which is a plus." Hall will take more official visits and plans to set up trips with Clemson, USC, South Florida and Mississippi State. Clemson has offered, USC has not. He doesn't have a favorite. "Anything can change when I take another visit," Hall said.

[Wynnco.com]

October 28, 2007
McAdoo Sets USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

DE Michael McAdoo (6-7 218) of Antioch, TN has set up three of his official visits with USC to be one of his stops. He is scheduled to visit the Gamecocks January 18th. McAdoo will visit Kentucky December 14th and North Carolina January 11th. He also will set an official visit with Vanderbilt. He's undecided about his fifth visit. McAdoo said he hears from USC recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. weekly and he was by his school last week. "He tells me how much I could fit in in South Carolina's program," McAdoo said. He plans to make an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida game. He also has offers from Ole Miss, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State, Memphis and Kentucky.

[lacene]

I'm surprised I hadn't heard about this earlier:

October 29, 2007
Quinn Underdoing Emergency Surgery
By Phil Kornblut

Fort Dorchester star DE Robert Quinn is undergoing emergency brain surgery today at MUSC in Charleston. Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad confirmed the operation for ESPN Radio 910 in Charleston. Doctors are trying to determine why Quinn is suffering from swelling on his brain. Quinn played the entire game against Summerville Friday night.

[lacene]

Robert Quinn Update
By Phil Kornblut

Fort Dorchester LB Robert Quinn is out of surgery this afternoon and reporters are waiting at the high school for a briefing from head coach Steve LaPrad who is serving as a spokesman for the family. Darren Goldwater of ESPN Radio 910 in Charleston talked with LaPrad just after the surgery concluded. The coach said the surgery went well and a small tumor was removed. The tumor was causing swelling an a blockage. It will be Wednesday or Thursday before doctors know if the tumor is cancerous. According to Phillip Bowman of the Post and Courier, Quinn apparently had been suffering from headaches and fainted four weeks ago. He played against Summerville last Friday night and recorded six tackles. Saturday morning he fell in his bathroom and hit his head and that was when he was taken to the hospital.


My prayers are with Robert and his family.

[Williams-Brice]

God bless the Quinn family and the doctors involved. What a heartbreaking situation.

[MBGamecock]

God bless the Quinn family and the doctors involved. What a heartbreaking situation.


I second that. At least it sounds like everything is going to be OK.

[uscrules]

Do you think he will ever play football again? I for one seriously doubt it. This is such a tragedy.

[Wynnco.com]

There's more to life than football. Will have the young man and his family in our prayers.

[Wynnco.com]

October 29, 2007
Clemson, USC Keeping Bell's Interest
By Phil Kornblut

Clemson and USC are two of the schools being looked at by DB T'Sharvan Bell (6-1 170) of Seminole, FL according to his coach Jeff Rolson. Bell is scheduled to visit Clemson November 9th and also will set a visit with Georgia Tech according to Rolson. "Clemson, Georgia Tech, Auburn and South Carolina are the schools he's looking at the hardest," Rolson said. Clemson and Tech have had coaches down to scout Bell this season. Rutgers also has been involved.

[uscrules]

There's more to life than football. Will have the young man and his family in our prayers.I certainly agree with that.

[raptorcox]

Thanks for the update on Quinn.

Please continue to update his status and let us know if it is cancerous or not. I will pray for this young man and his family.

[Williams-Brice]

There's a chance this could end his career. I think they're going to put a temporary stint in a blood vessel, and if they end up needing to put a permanent stint in there, then he won't be able to play again.

Keep praying for him.

[Wynnco.com]

October 29, 2007
Dawkins Not Overwhelmed By UT
By Phil Kornblut

Byrnes DE Everett Dawkins (6-3 235) made an unofficial visit to Tennessee last Saturday for the USC game. "It was a nice visit but it wasn't what I thought it would be," Dawkins said. "When I went to Florida State, the coaches were around the prospects more talking to them." Dawkins said he plans to attend USC's final two home games and he also plans to get to a game at Virginia Tech. He has not set his official visits but plans to with USC, Florida State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and NC State.

[Wynnco.com]

October 31, 2007
Commings Jr. Commits To Georgia
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Sanders Commings Jr. (6-2 195) of Augusta committed Tuesday night to Georgia over USC.

[GetEmGamecocks]

What will happen with the three or four freshmen (or two, I don't remember) we lost b/c they weren't accepted to the school? Where did they end up for 07-08, and will they try to come to USC again?

[lacene]

What will happen with the three or four freshmen (or two, I don't remember) we lost b/c they weren't accepted to the school? Where did they end up for 07-08, and will they try to come to USC again?

We lost 5, I think. 3 of them are at prep school (Fort Union), and are still committed to joining USC: Eric Baker, Akeem Auguste, and Antonio Allen. The other 2 that did not pass admissions are choosing to play elsewhere....

[GetEmGamecocks]

We lost 5, I think. 3 of them are at prep school (Fort Union), and are still committed to joining USC: Eric Baker, Akeem Auguste, and Antonio Allen. The other 2 that did not pass admissions are choosing to play elsewhere....

If those 3 do come back (to USC), will they be considered freshmen, and will they be allowed to redshirt? If so, this could be a big advantage for us by the time they're upperclassmen.

[Williams-Brice]

Yes, they'll all be able to redshirt.

[WayzUp]

Do you think they will though? I don't think they will with who we have set to graduate at their respective positions.

[Wynnco.com]

October 31, 2007
Taylor Has First Visit Set
By Phil Kornblut

DE Devin Taylor (6-6 220) of Beaufort has scheduled his first official visit for November 30th at Duke. The Shrine Bowl selection said he also will set visits with USC and Virginia Tech. His other offers are Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Furman, Citadel, SC State, Presbyterian and Buffalo. Taylor talked with his USC recruiter Shane Beamer Monday. "They really want me there," Taylor said adding that all the schools are recruiting him about the same. He does not claim a favorite. Thru ten games Taylor has about 60 tackles and 10 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

October 31, 2007
Ward Will Visit USC Next Week
By Phil Kornblut

RB Martin Ward (5-10 190) of Jonesboro, GA never has been to a USC football game, but he plans to be on hand when the Gamecocks play host to Florida a week from Saturday. Ward said he's not sure at this point if the visit will be official or unofficial. Ward has been favoring the Gamecocks and they still lead. "South Carolina is where I might be headed," he said. "I want to see how the crowd reacts with the team and how the team works as a unit." Ward said he is also looking at visits with Clemson, Louisville, North Carolina and Memphis.

[Wynnco.com]

October 31, 2007
Boyd Sets USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

DL Javonta Boyd (6-2 287) of St. Petersburg, FL has scheduled an official visit to USC for November 30th. That's the only visit he has scheduled. Boyd said he hears from USC recruiter David Reaves weekly, and Boyd said he has strong interest in USC. Boyd also has offers from Clemson, Florida, Georgia, NC State and South Florida. He said he's not hearing that much from Clemson but is hearing a lot from Georgia and South Florida. Boyd said he does not have a favorite.

[Williams-Brice]

Do you think they will though? I don't think they will with who we have set to graduate at their respective positions.

I doubt they'll redshirt, but it wouldn't shock me. I highly doubt Antonio Allen and Akeem Auguste will start in the secondary. Allen hasn't been playing football very long, and he'll have to adjust big time. Auguste will be behind at least Munnerlyn, Thomas, J. Williams, and A. Williams at the start of camp. Erik Baker will be behind Mike Davis and Brian Maddox at the start of camp. Redshirting is not out of the question, but I really only see these guys on special teams next year.

[Wynnco.com]

November 01, 2007
Spurlock Still Favors USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL David Spurlock (6-5 290) of Murfreesboro, TN once appeared to be on the fast track torwards a commitment to USC. He might still end up a Gamecocks, but the process has slowed for him. "I've been taking my time, but South Carolina is still at the top of my list," Spurlock said. He said he last talked with recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. about two weeks ago. Spurlock plans to set an official visit with the Gamecocks. A new team has popped up with him with an offer from Colorado, and he said he is interested in the Buffs. He also has offers from Louisville, Vandy, Ole Miss, Middle Tennessee State and Arkansas State. Outside of setting up a visit with USC, Spurlock said he doesn't have any other visits in mind.

[raptorcox]

November 02, 2007
Robert Quinn Update
By Phil Kornblut

Here's the latest information on the condition of Fort Dorchester LB Robert Quinn who underwent emergency brain surgery in Charleston Monday. According to Darren Goldwater of ESPN Radio 910 and Phillip Bowman of the Charleston Post and Courier, the tumor removed from Quinn's brain was found to be benign. The drainage tube was removed Thursday and Quinn continues to progress. He is still in ICU but doctors hope to move him into a regular room by tonight or Saturday. If Quinn continues to progress at this rate, the hope is he will be released from the hospital next week.

Great news! :thumpsup:

[Wynnco.com]

November 01, 2007
Whitlock To Chapel Hill This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester makes his second official visit this weekend when he and his father head to North Carolina. Whitlock said he will spend Saturday and Sunday with the Tar Heels. "I know I'm going to have fun everywhere I go," Whitlock said. "I've visited there one time and I just want to go there and get another view and have fun." Whitlock visited Alabama in September. He is scheduled for official visits to USC November 9th and Florida November 23rd. He also will set a date with Clemson. Whitlock said USC is the only school recruiting him strictly as a receiver. The other schools are recruiting him primarly as a defensive back. "I can't say they (USC) are standing out," Whitlock said. "It doesn't matter which side they play me on. Everyone has told me I'll end up touching the ball. And I want to touch the ball." Whitlock said he'll take all of his visits before deciding. He said he talked with his USC recruiter Ron Cooper last week but hasn't heard from his Clemson recruiter Billy Napier in a while. Whitlock's team will open playoff action Friday night. He was chosen for the Shrine Bowl as a defensive back.

[Wynnco.com]

November 02, 2007
USC Remains Out Front With Lawrence
By Phil Kornblut

USC continues to set the pace in the recruiting of WR T.J. Lawrence (6-2 190) of Lakeland, FL. "South Carolina is still my leader," he said. "They are still on top. My top four is South Carolina, Florida, Virginia Tech and Miami." Lawrence plans to be in Columbia next weekend when the Gamecocks take on Florida. He said he will take several of his official visits before he makes his decision. He is also scheduled to visit Virginia Tech November 16th and Florida November 23rd. This season Lawrence has over 40 catches with 11 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

November 04, 2007
USC Rekindles Interest In Texas TE
By Phil Kornblut

USC offered TE Taylor Thompson (6-6 230) of Prosper, TX last summer but he committed to Vanderbilt in July and the Gamecocks appeared to have backed off. But tight ends coach Fred Chatham contacted Thompson a couple of weeks ago and the interest is flowing again both ways. Thompson plans to make an unofficial visit to USC for the Clemson game according to his father, and he is looking at making an official visit in January. This weekend Thompson made an unofficial visit to Oklahoma State. "Oklahoma State was the first to show interest and make him an offer," Thompson's father said. "They've stayed in contact and turned up the heat in the last three or four weeks." As for the commitment to Vandy, Mr. Thompson said it remains in place. "When you give a handshake deal, you want to stick by that agreement." Vanderbilt actually is recruiting Thompson as a defensive end while USC likes him as a tight end. This season Thompson had 30 catches for 546 yards and 5 touchdowns. Last season he had 22 catches for 375 yards and 1 score.

[Wynnco.com]

November 04, 2007
Whitlock Makes Visit To UNC
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester made his official visit to North Carolina over the weekend. "It was more than I thought," Whitlock said. "The game was packed and the fans were into the game. I loved it. Coach Davis was telling me. about his background and how I'm like a Deion Sanders and how he would use me on both sides of the ball." Whitlock did not commit and will continue with his visits. This weekend he and his father will make an official visit to USC, and Whitlock will visit Florida officially November 23rd. He also has visited Alabama and will set a date with Clemson. Whitlock said he does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

November 05, 2007
USC Will Get Visit From Jenkins
By Phil Kornblut

WR A.J. Jenkins (6-2 180) of Jacksonville has not yet scheduled his official visits, and he's still working on some of the schools to visit. But he said Monday night three schools that are in solid shape for a visit are USC, Florida and Georgia Tech. Jenkins said it would be a couple of more weeks before he firms up all the visits. Jenkins, who once was a Georgia Tech commitment, has nearly 50 offers. He does not have a favorite. Jenkins said he hears regularly from USC recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr.

[Wynnco.com]

November 05, 2007
USC Eliminated By Barnum
By Phil Kornblut

OL Ricky Barnum (6-4 275) of Lakeland, FL said Monday night he has cut his list to a final five. USC, which at one point appeared to be in position for an official visit, did not make the cut. Barnum said he will take his official visits with Georgia, Florida, Georgia Tech, West Virginia and South Florida. Barnum said he does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

November 05, 2007
Mattes Starts Visits This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

OL R.J. Mattes (6-7 285) of Concord, NC has made numerous unofficial visits during the season. This weekend he will make his first official visit to NC State. The Wolfpack play host to North Carolina Saturday. Mattes will make official visits to Virginia November 16th, USC November 23rd and North Carolina November 30th. He will also make an official visit to Clemson but has not set that date. Mattes said he does not have a favorite among his final five.

[Wynnco.com]

November 06, 2007
USC Remains Relevant With Moore
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY remains very interested in USC and hears from the Gamecocks on a weekly basis. He has made official visits to USC and Colorado and will visit Purdue this weekend. He has not scheduled any more visits. He also has offers from Nebraska, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio, Colorado and Western Kentucky. Moore said Illinois recently contacted him and is now showing interest. He does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

November 06, 2007
Landi Makes His Decision
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Evan Landi (6-4 200) of Coral Springs, FL was looking hard at USC until the Gamecocks informed him last week that their offer no longer was on the table. "They said they had some other guys they wanted commit," Landi said. With USC no longer an option, Landi proceeded to commit to South Florida. He will go there as a quarterback but could play receiver or safety.

[Wynnco.com]

November 06, 2007
McCray Can't Make USC This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

LB Lerentee McCray (6-2 205) of Dunnellon, FL had planned to make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Florida game, but the death of his grandmother will keep him home this weekend. McCray said he remains interested in USC and talks regularly with recriter Steve Spurrier Jr. "He calls a lot and checks up on me," McCray said. McCray has taken an official visit to LSU and said he plans to set other visits with USC, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Miami. He's been committed to Miami and said the commitment remains in place. This season McCray has 152 tackles and 6 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

November 06, 2007
Freeman To Be At USC-Florida
By Phil Kornblut

OL Dalton Freeman (6-6 265) of Pelion said Tuesday night he will make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Florida game. Freeman originally had considered going to the Clemson-Wake Forest game Saturday, but his team plays at Chapman Friday night, and with the 12:00 kickoff at Clemson, Freeman said since he would be getting home so late he wouldn't be able to make it back to the Upstate. Freeman has taken official visits to Penn State, Colorado and Florida State. He said he will take an official to Tennessee in January. He is looking at Clemson or Florida for his fifth official visit. He said he will spend a weekend at USC on an unofficial visit but will treat it as an official visit. Freeman said he does not have a favorite but Florida State has been making a strong impression. "Florida State has done a great job here lately and they are getting their message across," Freeman said. Freeman talked with Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins Monday night.

[Wynnco.com]

November 07, 2007
Page Further Trims List
By Phil Kornblut

The elimination process by OL Kenneth Page (6-3 290) of AC Flora continues as he's cut his list from ten to eight schools. Page has made an official visit to Notre Dame and is scheduled for official visits to USC November 30th and Clemson January 11th. He said he's undecided about his other visits and is looking at North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Florida and Maryland for those final visits. Stanford and Alabama previously was on his list. Page said he has no favorite. He will attend the Wake Forest at Clemson game Saturday afternoon and will try to get back to Columbia in time for the Florida at USC game.

[Williams-Brice]

I've received a few private messages wondering if I was still going to be providing recruiting insight. I will be, but it's going to come in a different manner.

I don't have the same privaleges I once did. I'm no longer getting the one-on-one information, and I don't have the same sources. Every bit of information I posted on this site came directly from me, unless I credited someone else within that post. I am still getting second-hand information, and I have sources out there. However, I'm not going to go out of my way to post second-hand information because it has the potential to come back and bite my credibility and reputation on this site.

What I'm going to encourage everyone to do is ask me specific recruiting questions. Pretty much each and every time you read one of my answers, please keep in mind some sort of disclaimer to remind you that the information is no longer coming directly from me.

While most of my "sources" are great, I'm just not going to take a chance. If you want to know anything, especially now that recruiting is really heating up, then just let me know. I'll do my best to find an answer.

One other thing . . . don't ask something and come straight back to the board looking for an answer. I may answer some things right away, but when it comes to certain topics or certain recruits, it may take me longer than what you are accustomed to with me.

Thanks, guys. I look forward to fielding your questions! God bless!

[raptorcox]

Thanks as always W-B!

I am still wondering about the Gamecock Baseball team and trying to gather all the info I can on them. I think we should be loaded this year and have an awesome shot at returning to Omaha. I just pray that UNC and USC do not yet again meet before Omaha as I think both will be deserving of the trip as they have been the past several years.

[lacene]

I've received a few private messages wondering if I was still going to be providing recruiting insight. I will be, but it's going to come in a different manner.

I don't have the same privaleges I once did. I'm no longer getting the one-on-one information, and I don't have the same sources. Every bit of information I posted on this site came directly from me, unless I credited someone else within that post. I am still getting second-hand information, and I have sources out there. However, I'm not going to go out of my way to post second-hand information because it has the potential to come back and bite my credibility and reputation on this site.

What I'm going to encourage everyone to do is ask me specific recruiting questions. Pretty much each and every time you read one of my answers, please keep in mind some sort of disclaimer to remind you that the information is no longer coming directly from me.

While most of my "sources" are great, I'm just not going to take a chance. If you want to know anything, especially now that recruiting is really heating up, then just let me know. I'll do my best to find an answer.

One other thing . . . don't ask something and come straight back to the board looking for an answer. I may answer some things right away, but when it comes to certain topics or certain recruits, it may take me longer than what you are accustomed to with me.

Thanks, guys. I look forward to fielding your questions! God bless!

OK, I'll shoot:

What do you know about Jaron Brown, a 3* WR out of Cheraw, and D.L. Moore, another 3* WR out of Bowling Green, KY, and their prospects as Gamecocks? In the SEC Recruiting thread, I noticed that you had mentioned neither of these recruits......

[JerryBeeds]

BamaFanKY says that he has talked to DL Moore and that he believes that he'll be a Gamecock.

[Wynnco.com]

November 08, 2007
Cooper Holding With Same Three Visits
By Phil Kornblut

OL Jonathan Cooper (6-3 305) of Wilmington, NC has had his eyes on USC, North Carolina and Wake Forest for three of his official visits for several weeks, and that remains the case. He has not yet set his dates, and he's not sure about the other visits he will schedule. He also has offers from East Carolina, North Caolina A&T, Duke and NC State. He has been to USC for an unofficial visit. He will not make a visit anywhere this weekend. Cooper said he doesn't have a favorite and all the schools are recruiting him hard. "North Carolina might be pushing a little harder," he said. He did talk to his USC recruiter Brad Lawing last week. Cooper said most schools are recruiting him for center and defensive tackle. As for what he's looking for in a school, Cooper said "a good education and good football."

[Wynnco.com]

November 08, 2007
Green Hoping To Watch Favorites
By Phil Kornblut

RB Franklin Green (5-11 208) of Savannah has been committed to Florida for months but continues to look hard at USC. He is planning to make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday when the Gamecocks and Gators square off. "I talked to coach Hunt last night and I might come in for the game," Green said Thursday night. "Some of my teammates, like Chaz Sutton, might come, too." Sutton, a defensive lineman, also is a Florida commitment. Green said he will set official visits with USC and Florida and then make a final decision after those trips. "I'm still committed to Florida," he said, "but South Carolina is very close to Florida. Their coaches have stayed aggressive even though I've been committed to Florida." This season Green has rushed for 1423 yards and 19 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

November 08, 2007
Five Officials For USC This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

Two major, uncommitted prospects and three who have already pledged to USC will make their official visits with the Gamecocks this weekend. ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester and DB Darrell Simmons (6-2 194) of College Park, GA are uncommitted and will get a close up look at USC. Whitlock has been Alabama and North Carolina and also will visit Florida and Clemson. Simmons hsa visited Miami and also plans to visit Tennessee and Miami.

[Williams-Brice]

OK, I'll shoot:

What do you know about Jaron Brown, a 3* WR out of Cheraw, and D.L. Moore, another 3* WR out of Bowling Green, KY, and their prospects as Gamecocks? In the SEC Recruiting thread, I noticed that you had mentioned neither of these recruits......

I don't see Jaron Brown leaving the state of South Carolina. Our coaches absolutely love him.

We are holding out on D.L. Moore. Our coaches want explosive wide receivers in this class. Moore is a possession type receiver. I've seen some film on him, and he's a very good player. He doesn't drop passes. He just doesn't have that break away spead. As we've seen this year, Spurrier does not have the deep thread wide receiver that his offense relies so heavily on. I see us sticking primarily to guys with "big play" potential. I've been told by multiple people that Moore would commit to Carolina right now if we weren't holding out.

[lacene]

I don't see Jaron Brown leaving the state of South Carolina. Our coaches absolutely love him.

We are holding out on D.L. Moore. Our coaches want explosive wide receivers in this class. Moore is a possession type receiver. I've seen some film on him, and he's a very good player. He doesn't drop passes. He just doesn't have that break away spead. As we've seen this year, Spurrier does not have the deep thread wide receiver that his offense relies so heavily on. I see us sticking primarily to guys with "big play" potential. I've been told by multiple people that Moore would commit to Carolina right now if we weren't holding out.

OK, that's good news, and a quick response. Thanks!

[raptorcox]

Who is visiting USC this weekend? I know that there are supposed to be 5 on official visits and maybe some more on unofficial visits.

Can you tell us who is supposed to come and maybe once they are actually here, tell us who actually ended up showing up?

This class worries me because outside of the 3 that we placed from last year's class, we have no high profile commitments and the one's I have read that are visiting have such long lists and we do not seem to be in the lead with any of the big boys. Am I missing something or is this likely to be a bad class? Has our losing streak cost us many recruits in your opinion?

BTW, any word on Jarriel King?

[Williams-Brice]

Who is visiting USC this weekend? I know that there are supposed to be 5 on official visits and maybe some more on unofficial visits.

Antonio Allen, Eric Baker, Akeem Auguste, Darrell Simmons, and Charles Whitlock are all making official visits.

This class worries me because outside of the 3 that we placed from last year's class, we have no high profile commitments and the one's I have read that are visiting have such long lists and we do not seem to be in the lead with any of the big boys. Am I missing something or is this likely to be a bad class? Has our losing streak cost us many recruits in your opinion?

Don't get caught up in the star system. All of the guys we wanted were "first choice" guys for our coaches. You're way off base if you are thinking this class will be bad. In terms of talent (not depth), this is shaping up to be the 2nd best recruiting class we've ever had. The losing streak has cost us no recruits. What team hasn't lost games they shouldn't have lost this year? There aren't many.

BTW, any word on Jarriel King?

He's a Gamecock. All indications are that he'll still be here.

[raptorcox]

Thanks W-B!

So Jarriel King should still qualify even though he bailed out of school? I realize he is still shown on al our lists. Isn't he the guy that was a 4 or 5 star when he went to Juco?

[Williams-Brice]

He was a 2-star when he went to JUCO. Rivals will not rate you as high as you should be if you have no chance of qualifying. That was the case with King. Otherwise, he would have at least been a high 3-star guy. He has been called the best player ever at GMC.

Our coaches have told him that he still has a spot in our class.

[scfan5338]

Don't get caught up in the star system. All of the guys we wanted were "first choice" guys for our coaches. You're way off base if you are thinking this class will be bad. In terms of talent (not depth), this is shaping up to be the 2nd best recruiting class we've ever had. The losing streak has cost us no recruits. What team hasn't lost games they shouldn't have lost this year? There aren't many.


I certainly hope you're right WB. I haven't been following recruting as much this year and I did last year, but I unfortunately tend to always look at the star system and I tend to think we don't have a good class coming in. But you know a thing or two about recruting, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I think the star system is still legit, cause most of the guys they have ranked up top every year tend to be the great players in college football and go on to the NFL. Since Spurrier has been here, we haven't been able to get any HUGE 5 star prospects QB or RB wise like I thought we would. I realize we got Culliver last year and he is going to be pretty good. I hope we can stay in with recruting and keep bringing in good players.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Simmons Doesn't Make It To USC
By Phil Kornblut

DB Darrell Simmons (6-2 194) of College Park, GA was scheduled for an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida weekend but he said he missed his flight out of Atlanta and didn't make it. He has rescheduled the visit for the weekend of the Clemson game. Simmons has made an official visit to Miami and has said he will visit Florida, Tennessee and Alabama.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Georgia RB Commits To USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC picked up a commitment Saturday from RB Kenny Miles (5-10 195) of Snellville, GA. Miles made an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida game. Miles has rushed for over 2000 yars this season including 226 Friday night in a win over arch rival Parkview High. The Brookwood High star has been timed in the forty at 4.3. "He hits the hole and he's gone," said his coach Mark Crews. "And he's a powerful back." Miles squats 425 pounds and benches 335 pounds. He also has an offer from Central Florida and has drawn interest from North Carolina and Southern Miss.

[Williams-Brice]

I certainly hope you're right WB. I haven't been following recruting as much this year and I did last year, but I unfortunately tend to always look at the star system and I tend to think we don't have a good class coming in. But you know a thing or two about recruting, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I think the star system is still legit, cause most of the guys they have ranked up top every year tend to be the great players in college football and go on to the NFL. Since Spurrier has been here, we haven't been able to get any HUGE 5 star prospects QB or RB wise like I thought we would. I realize we got Culliver last year and he is going to be pretty good. I hope we can stay in with recruting and keep bringing in good players.

I agree with what you are saying. The star system on the whole is legit. However, it says a lot when a coaching staff is able to get their first choice in terms of recruits. Last year's class and this year's class are primarily made up of guys who we targeted early on. We haven't missed on many prospects we have wanted the past year in a half.

I know it's frustrating to see classes made up of 3-star players. However, consider this hypothetical situation. Would you rather miss on three players at a position and then have to turn to a player late in the process and know that you are getting a "back-up plan" type player, or would you rather get the guy the coaches go after from day one in the process, regardless of star ranking? I can assure you that the latter is happening right now.

The RB commit we just got has burst onto the scene this season. No one had heard of him until this fall. From what I understand, we were the first school to contact him. That's the kind of guy I want. A guy our coaches want from the get-go.

By the way, according to what I know right now, this concludes our running back class unless we are able to sway Ellington from Clemson. Our coaches supposedly want Ellington to play many roles here, and he'll be one of those players we take regardless of the numbers in the class. Of course, all of that is subject to change.

The Gamecocks are going to land Charles Whitlock. It's just a matter of time now. Right now, all indications are that he will pull the trigger within the next two weeks. He may still visit Florida, but what didn't he see from the Gators last night that he would see on a visit? Insert laugh here.

Whitlock would be a HUGE get for the Gamecocks. Believe me when I tell you that our coaches believe he's more dangerous with the ball in his hands than any of the wide receivers in last year's class. Carolina is the only school recruiting him as a receiver. The other schools in his top four (UNC, UF, Bama) want him as a DB and are promising him that he'll touch the ball as a return man. ESPN has him as a top 40 player, and Rivals has him as a 4-star.

[scfan5338]

Yeah WB I agree with what you are saying about getting the first choice guy and that does make a lot of sense. During Holtz era and somewhat during Spurrier era, we haven't been able to develop that talent onto great play onto the field. Am I the only one that thinks that or do any of the other fans think that? I really hope we can pull out a big winning season next year.

I hope you are right about Whitlock. It would be awesome to get this guy. We need some beef on the OL...anything you heard about the guys we are recruting on OL WB??? Whatever happenened to that big OL class we recruited two years ago. Something like 4 or 5, 4 star OL's?

[Williams-Brice]

It takes linemen more time than any other position to develop. I really, really hate excuses, but youth is a very real thing, and it starts up front for Carolina. Web Brown is the only senior on the OL, and it could be argued that he has been the only stable performer for Carolina on the OL all season until last night's first snap, which was Brown's fault and cost the Gamecocks their first drive. Meredith is a junior, but let's not forget that he came here as a DL, and he just learned to play the left tackle position last year. Justin Sorensen is not athletic at all. I don't think I've ever seen him bend his knees. This is his 4th year here. He's starting becuase he's got the body to do so, while our guys from our recent recruiting classes have not developed, yet.

I would not be shocked to see Heath Batchelor take over the RT spot next year, beating out Sorensen. That may be the first sign that the linemen from the previous classes are developing. Garrett Anderson will be the starting senior. He probably has the most natural talent out of any of our linemen, but his body just isn't there, yet. Also, you should finally see Kevin Young able to perform at a guard spot next year. You'll have Meredith at left tackle, and they'll find someone for the other guard spot.

The line is going to be the wild card next year. They'll get no preseason awards, and no one outside of Columbia will be talking about them, but it will probably be the most physically talented line we've had here in a long, long time. They should be physically ready to play, and if they develop a mean streak, then they could be very, very good.

The great thing is that there's going to be depth at the OL position. Quintin Richardson and Hutch Eckerson are going to push the other tackles. Lemuel Jeanpierre and Gurminder Thind might start and will provide depth, if nothing else. Ryan Broadhead is starting to physically look like an SEC OL, and he still has 4 full years of eligibility. Kyle Nunn will still be developing next year. Plus, we're going to sign a very, very solid OL class this year. While none of them will be "big-timers", they should all be top 25 guys nationally at their position. It's all about developing these guys in time, and contrast to what most people are saying right now, John Hunt is doing a very good job at getting the job done.

Hope that answers your question.

[scfan5338]

That does help, thanks. Our OL is always the wildcard, but for next year I hope its a wildcard in the good sense. Seems like also on the DL we have talent, but those guys still need to get bigger to compete daily in the SEC and get pressure on the QB. We haven't really been able to get pressure on anyone consistently.

[uscrules]

I think we have just as much trouble on the DL as the OL. I thought this would be the year for Marque Hall but he has not had a solid season. Maybe the injury has affected his confidence. Nathan Pepper is much better defending the run. Run defence starts with the Def. Tackles and our run defence as you know is bad. Do you know if we have any big DL on our wish list WB?

[Williams-Brice]

I think Jarriel King will be a DT.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
USC Strengthens Position With Lawrence
By Phil Kornblut

WR T.J. Lawrence (6-2 190) of Lakeland, FL made an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida game. Lawrence was favoring the Gamecocks before the visit, and despite the Gamecocks dissapointing loss to the Gators, Lawrence said Sunday he still has USC at the top of his list. "They didn't win but that's not going to affect my decision," Lawrence said. "I stayed for the whole game. USC is the leader. They were out front before I even came there. I like any team that passes the ball and I feel they pass it more than anybody." Lawrence said he spoke briefly with Steve Spurrier before the game. "He didn't say much, he was really focused on the game," Lawrence said. Lawrence will make an official visit to Virginia Tech this coming weekend. He is going to Florida for their game with Florida State. He will set other official visits with USC, Miami and Florida. This season Lawrence has caught 58 passes for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Ward Watches USC Saturday Night
By Phil Kornblut

RB Martin Ward (5-10 190) of Jonesboro, GA made an unofficial visit to USC Saturday night for the Florida game. Ward came in for the game with one of his coaches and a friend. "We walked around and got to see the tailgaters," he said Sunday night. "I got to talk to coach Spurrier for a second. I saw coach Nix, coach Gillespie, all of the coaches. I liked it but the game wasn't what I expected. I thought they would come out stronger. But the loss didn't mess with my visit. They run (on offense) basically the same thing we run. I liked seeing Cory Boyd out there. I wanted to see a little more of Mike Davis." Ward has been favoring USC and admitted he's thinking about committing, but he's waiting on his test score to come back so he knows where he stands from a qualifying standout. He also is thinking about visiting Louisville, Memphis and North Carolina. Ward said he might be back in Columbia in two weeks for the Clemson game.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Page Does Double Dip Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

OL Kenneth Page (6-3 290) of AC Flora took advantage of the early and late starts for the Clemson and USC games Saturday to make unofficial visits to both. Page, his mother and his uncle traveled up to Clemson for the noon kickoff for the Wake Forest game. "I had to cut the Clemson game a little short," Page said. "We left in the third quarter but the game was in hand. It was a great game, they played well." While there Page said he talked briefly with offensive line coach Brad Scott. The trio made it back to Columbia in plenty of time for the 7:45 kickoff against Florida. Page said he spoke with line coach John Hunt and his recruiter David Reaves then settled in to watch the game. "They played well at times and at times they didn't play all that well," Page said. This weekend Page will visit Tennessee for their game with Vanderbilt. The following weekend he will attend the Clemson-USC game in Columbia. He then will make his official visit to USC the weekend of November 30th. Page will take his official visit to Clemson January 11th. He's undecided about his other visits and is looking at North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Florida and Maryland. He has taken an official visit to Notre Dame. Page said he does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Whitlock Has Big Time At USC
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester made his official visit to USC over the weekend with his father. Whitlock is being recruited as a receiver by the Gamecocks and found everything in Columbia to be to his liking. "I don't know what it is about USC, but I love USC," Whitlock said. He attended Saturday night's game and then toured the campus and facilities Sunday morning. He met with Steve Spurrier before leaving. "We had a nice little five to ten minute meeting," Whitlock said. "He talked to me about playing in his offense and said he felt it was best that I have the ball in my hands. You know I love playing with the ball in my hands." Whitlock also has made official visits to Alabama and North Carolina. He is scheduled to visit Florida in two weeks. He said he could have a decision in another week or two.

[Wynnco.com]

November 11, 2007
Quinn On The Mend & In Columbia
By Phil Kornblut

Just two weeks removed from major brain surgery for the removal of a tumor, Fort Dorchester LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) is getting back to his day to day life. His high school football career is over, but not his days as an athlete. Quinn will soon begin wrestling, and he will be able to play college football next fall. So after a brief respite from recruiting, Quinn is getting back to that aspect of his life as well. He made an unofficial visit to USC Saturday night for the Florida game. "It was nice, it was exciting until near the end," Quinn said Sunday night. "They just stopped playing or something. We didn't stay for the whole game so I didn't get to talk to the coaches." Quinn's former teammate, Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap Jr., had a sack in the game. "I saw in an interview where he said he dedicated that sack to me," Quinn said. "He said he was playing for me." Quinn said since his surgery he has talked with recruiters from USC, Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina, Rutgers and Florida State. He said he will set his official visits with USC, Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina and Florida State. His next out of town trip will be to Auburn. He'll make an unofficial visit there in two weeks for the Alabama game. He does not have a favorite.

[raptorcox]

The Gamecocks are going to land Charles Whitlock. It's just a matter of time now. Right now, all indications are that he will pull the trigger within the next two weeks. He may still visit Florida, but what didn't he see from the Gators last night that he would see on a visit? Insert laugh here.

Whitlock would be a HUGE get for the Gamecocks. Believe me when I tell you that our coaches believe he's more dangerous with the ball in his hands than any of the wide receivers in last year's class. Carolina is the only school recruiting him as a receiver. The other schools in his top four (UNC, UF, Bama) want him as a DB and are promising him that he'll touch the ball as a return man. ESPN has him as a top 40 player, and Rivals has him as a 4-star.

I was just coming over here to ask about Whitlock and Kenneth Page.

Whitlock will certainly be a huge pickup.

Do we stand a good shot at Page or is he just toying with us?

[Williams-Brice]

At this point, I think Carolina will be in his to-be-released top five. The longer his recruiting process lasts, the better for Carolina. Right now, he wouldn't choose us.

[Wynnco.com]

November 12, 2007
Spencer Planning To Join USC
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Darius Spencer (5-10 178) of Asheville, NC made an unofficial visit to USC Saturday for the Florida game. That was his second unofficial with the Gamecocks. He also was at their game with Vanderbilt. "I liked the atmosphere," he said. "I love the coaching staff." Spencer has not been anywhere else for games and might return to USC for the Clemson game. He committed to East Carolina in the spring but is rethinking his options at this point. "I'm still thinking right now," he said. "South Carolina is on me pretty hard. They hare just waiting for me to finish up this semster of school. If my grades turn out good, I'll go to South Carolina. If I don't make the grades, they are going to send me out to a prep school." Spencer has offers from USC, East Carolina, Marshall, North Carolina and North Carolina A&T. Spencer, who says he runs a 4.3 forty, has rushed for 1700 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. He plays running back and cornerback.

[Wynnco.com]

November 12, 2007
USC Leads For NC Defensive End
By Phil Kornblut

USC holds the lead for DE Allen Crowder (6-3 250) of Mebane, NC and he made an unofficial visit for the Florida game. "I've been watching South Carolina play on school a lot," he said. "It's a good school and the stadium is real nice. Right now, South Carolina would be the top one. I'm just waiting on the rest of the offers." Crowder holds offers from USC, East Carolina and Buffalo. He also is hearing from Tennessee, Michigan and LSU. Crowder also visited USC for the Mississippi State game and will return for the Clemson game. He plans to set official visits with USC, Tennessee and Buffalo. Crowder said he averaged about seven tackles per game this season.

[Wynnco.com]

November 12, 2007
Abrams-Ward On Hand For USC Game
By Phil Kornblut

ATH E.J. Abrams-Ward (6-5 215) of Thomasville, NC made an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida game. "I loved the atmosphere," Abrams-Ward said. "It was SEC, all about it. You hear its different from other conferences, and it is." Besides absorbing his surroundings, Abrams-Ward focused on the Gamecocks on the field. "I paid attention to how they played and how the coaches reacted to the players," he said. "I was not dissapointed." Abrams-Ward also has been to Tennessee and North Carolina for games. He will go to Clemson this weekend. "I'm going down there this weekend and see how they operate and see how they utilize their tight end, and go from there." Abrams-Ward plans to go to NC State the following weekend. He's not decided on his official visits but has his choices down to USC, Clemson, Boston College, Tennessee, North Carolina,Georgia and Alabama. He said USC is recruiting him as a receiver and Clemson is recruiting him as a tight end.

[Wynnco.com]

November 13, 2007
Page Taking Official Visit This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

AC Flora OL Kenneth Page (6-3 290) had planned to go to Tennessee Saturday for their game with Vanderbilt. Now, Page has decided to turn the trip into an official visit. That will be his second official trip. He went to Notre Dame in October. Page will take an unofficial visit to USC for the Clemson game and then return to the USC campus the following weekend for his official visit. He will make an official visit to Clemson January 11th. He is looking at Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Tennessee and Maryland for his final official visit.

[Wynnco.com]

November 13, 2007
Allen Makes Georgia Visit
By Phil Kornblut

Georgia commitment TE Dwayne Allen (6-4 240) of Fayetteville, NC made his official visit to Georgia over the weekend. "It went well," he said. "I had a lot of fun. I got to meet some more of the players." Allen said he remains committed to Georgia but will take more official visits. He will use one this weekend to see Virginia Tech. He is not sure of his other visits and is considering USC, Clemson, North Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Miami and Virginia for his final three trips.

[Wynnco.com]

November 13, 2007
Alabama Defensive End Plans USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

DE Jamarcus Savage (6-3 262) of Huntsville, AL had hoped to make to USC Saturday for the Florida game but didn't make it. He still plans to set an official visit with the Gamecocks. "South Carolina seems to be very interested," Savage said. "I talked to coach Spurrier just the other day." Savage said USC and Auburn are recruiting him the hardest. He has been to Tennessee and Alabama for games and will make an unofficial visit to Auburn for the Alabama game. He has set an official visit with Tennessee for December and one with Auburn for January. He also will set up a trip to Alabama. All of his favorites have offered except for Alabama. He does not have a favorite. This season Savage has 62 tackles with 9 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

November 13, 2007
Dawkins Watched USC Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

DE Everett Dawkins (6-3 235) of Byrnes was among the prospects making unofficial visits to to USC last Saturday for the Florida game. It was the first game he's seen at USC. "Everything was good, it was a real nice atmosphere and everything," Dawkins said. "It was kind of what I expected." Dawkins talked with his recruiter Brad Lawing. "He talked about what position I would play if I came there, and about playing time," Dawkins said. He plans to return to USC for the Clemson game. And he might attend the Virginia Tech game this weekend. He also has taken official visits to Florida State and Tennessee. He will set official visits with USC, Florida State, Tennessee, Florida State and Virginia Tech. Dawkins said Florida State remains his favorite. This season he has 140 tackles with 11 sacks, 27 tackles for loss and 47 quarterback hurries.

[Wynnco.com]

November 13, 2007
Brown To Watch Klimp Sin Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jaron Brown (6-3 190) of Cheraw didn't make it to the USC-Florida game last weekend, but he plans to be at Clemson this Saturday for the Boston College game. This will be his first ever game at Death Valley. "I expect the guys to get after it," Brown said. "They are coming off a good win." Brown has made two unofficial visits to USC and one to Tennessee. And he has scheduled official visits to USC November 30th and Tennessee January 11th. He also will set official visits with Clemson and West Virginia. He does not have a favorite. "I'm taking it slow," he said. "South Carolina and West Virginia are recruiting me the hardest." Brown said all of his favorites are recruiting him as a receiver, and Tennessee also has talked to him about playing safety. The Shrine Bowl pick has 23 catches for 520 yards and has scored a total of 11 touchdowns this season.

[raptorcox]

W-B, what are our chances of getting DE Anthony Mains away from USF?

[Williams-Brice]

I don't see it happening at this point.

[raptorcox]

I don't see it happening at this point.

Because we don't want him or because he won't change his commitment?

It is bad if we can't even steal a recruit from USF.... :brick:

[scfan5338]

Because we don't want him or because he won't change his commitment?

It is bad if we can't even steal a recruit from USF.... :brick:

USF is an up and coming program. They got a lot of national attention when they beat Auburn and WV and those are two pretty good teams. They were ranked as high as #2, though probably overrated. It's not like we are the greatest football school either so you can't say its sad we can't steal a recruit away from them. They have had as much success as we have had in their short history. We'll get our bunch of players we WANT and NEED, and they can have theirs.

[Williams-Brice]

Because we don't want him or because he won't change his commitment?

Both. I see him sticking with South Florida because they were on him way before we were, he's a Florida guy, and it sounds like he wants to honor the commitment he made. Also, I see us getting some better defensive ends. This kid probably won't see the field for 3 years because he's going to have to develop. We're going to get some guys that will have the ability to contribute much sooner than that.

It is bad if we can't even steal a recruit from USF.... :brick:

Why? There are plenty of advantages in playing for USF.

[HughDamwright]

Hey W-B

What are our chances with Whitlock

Whitlock Has Announcement Time In Mind
By Phil Kornblut
On Recruiting
Published: November 14, 2007
One lucky school will get an early holiday present, a commitment from ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester. "I'm going to have a decision around the first week of December," Whitlock said Wednesday night. Whitlock needs to make an early decision because he plans to graduate from Chester in December and enroll in college in January. Whitlock has taken official visits to USC, North Carolina and Alabama. He is scheduled to visit Florida November 23rd but will take that visit only if his team loses its playoff game Friday night. He also is considering Clemson. Whitlock said he does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

November 14, 2007
Williams Gets First Look At USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL Elliott Williams (6-6 270) of Woodstock, GA was at the USC-Florida game last Saturday, the first time he's seen the Gamecocks in person. "I liked it, everything about it, I liked it," Williams said. "We saw the weight room, and it's huge. I also saw some lockerrooms." Williams plans to return to USC for the Clemson game, and he set an official visit with USC for sometime in December. He said the Gamecocks and Auburn are his top two right now though he hasn't heard from the Tigers in a little while. Williams also plays defense and though projected for offensive tackle, he said he wouldn't mind giving defense a try in college.

[Wynnco.com]

November 14, 2007
Hall Holding With Same Favorites
By Phil Kornblut

DB Rashard Hall (6-3 190) of St. Augustine, FL is taking a break from unofficial and official visits until after his season. He has made an unofficial visit to Clemson and an official visit to Louisville. Hall has not set any other visits. He said he will set his other official visits with Clemson, USC, South Florida and Mississippi State. USC is the only one of his favorites to not yet offer but Hall spoke with recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. last week and is confident of an offer from the Gamecocks. He talked to Clemson recruiter Dabo Swinney a couple of weeks ago. Hall said he does not have a favorite. This season. Hall has scored 10 offensive touchdowns and 2 on defense. He has 25 catches for 325 yards along with seven interceptions.

[Wynnco.com]

November 14, 2007
Whitlock Planning December Decision
By Phil Kornblut

One lucky school will get an early holiday present, a commitment from ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester. "I'm going to have a decision around the first week of December," Whitlock said Wednesday night. Whitlock needs to make an early decision because he plans to graduate from Chester in December and enroll in college in January. Whitlock has taken official visits to USC, North Carolina and Alabama. He is scheduled to visit Florida November 23rd but will take that visit only if his team loses its playoff game Friday night. He also is considering Clemson. Whitlock said he does not have a favorite.

[Williams-Brice]

Whitlock is a Gamecock lock. Take it to the bank.

[lacene]

Records shattered in Green Wave rout
By Philip M. Bowman (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, November 17, 2007


Summerville 78, Fort Dorchester 47

http://media.charleston.net/img/photos/2007/11/16/8_td3_t180.jpg
Summerville's Marcus Morris hauls in a touchdown pass in front of Fort Dorchester defender Durrell Mitchell.

SUMMERVILLE — Records were shattered Friday night as Summerville quarterback Reid McCollum completed 29-of-47 passes for 518 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Green Wave to a school-record-setting 78-47 playoff victory over Fort Dorchester in front of more than 9,000 fans.

McCollum's nine touchdown passes were the most in a single game in state history, according to Palmetto's Finest, and the 78 points broke the Summerville school record of 75.

Marcus Morris was the sizzling QB's main beneficiary, as the senior receiver hauled in 10 receptions for 242 yards and five touchdowns. LaQuan Gilliard added 10 catches for 141 yards,while A.J. Green caught six passes for 80 yards and three scores.

Summerville will host Gaffney, a 21-14 winner over Sumter, in the lower state finals next Friday.

"We needed a big night, and we took care of business tonight," said McCollum, who is heading to Columbia to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks. "The coaches told me I had nine touchdown passes. That's crazy. We had some long balls, some receivers open. They wanted the ball tonight."

Morris made a name for himself in the big rivalry game.

"Everyone knows about A.J. and LaQuan had a big game last week, so it was my turn this week," Morris said. "Beating Fort Dorchester is big. College football has South Carolina vs. Clemson. In high school, it's Summerville vs. Fort Dorchester."

Summerville had 588 yards in total offense and 166 returns yards. Fort Dorchester had 481 yards in total offense and 211 yards in returns, as the teams combined for 1,446 all-purpose yards.

"That's the most points I've ever seen in a game and I've been a coach for 56 years," said Summerville coach John McKissick, who gained his 555th career victory. "Our game is throwing the football, so I was pleased. I wasn't so pleased about the defense."

Trailing 40-36 at halftime, The Green Wave went into overdrive to push its record to 12-1 and send the Patriots home with a 9-4 record as McCollum threw five touchdown passes in the third quarter.

Charleston, SC Latest Sports News: Records shattered in Green Wave rout (http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/nov/17/records_shattered_green_wave_routsummerv22559/)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nice to see Reid have such an outstanding game in the playoffs. There are some who like to contend that it is A.J. Green that has made McCollum's stats, but he sure looked like he carried his team a little on his own Friday night, to me. I think Reid is going to be a good one for us....he now has passed for 3,312 yards and 43 touchdowns on the season.

[JerryBeeds]

Looks like we'll get Whitlock on tuesday.

[JerryBeeds]

USC RB commit Kenny Miles had 20 carries for 197 yards and 2 TDs in a 34-0 playoff win last night.

[Williams-Brice]

Miles is about to break the Gwinnet County single-season rushing record.

[Williams-Brice]

Carolina offered a 6'9" offensive tackle for the Class of 2009 yesterday.

[raptorcox]

Carolina offered a 6'9" offensive tackle for the Class of 2009 yesterday.

Any info on him?

[Wynnco.com]

November 15, 2007
Womble Ready For USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

RB Jamal Womble (5-11 225) of Sierra Vista, AZ has taken official visits to Boston College and North Carolina. He will make an official visit to USC for the weekend of the Clemson game, and he'll take his final official visit the following weekend when he travels to Arizona State. "I'll be attending one of those four schools, I'll guarantee you that," Womble said. "North Carolina has a slight edge. I had a good visit and it's a good situtation. But everybody still has a chance. I talked to coach Gillespie about a week ago. They're ready to have me in for a visit and show me what South Carolina football is all about. He explained it's going to be totally different from the last time I was there." Womble made an unofficial visit to USC last summer. He said his parents will join him on the visit. Womble finished his season with 1800 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 13 catches for 270 yards and one touchdowns, and he returned one kickoff for a touchdown.

[Wynnco.com]

November 16, 2007
Morrow Officially In USC Camp
By Phil Kornblut

6-8 Darius Morrow of Decatur, GA, USC's lone commitment thus far for the 2008 class, has signed and returned his letter of intent. Morrow committed to the Gamecocks in late September. He averaged 10 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.

[Wynnco.com]

November 16, 2007
Whitlock Ready To Announce
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Charles Whitlock (5-11 175) of Chester plans to announce his college choice Tuesday afternoon at a news conference at his school Chester coach Victor Floyd said Friday night. Whitlock made official visits to USC, North Carolina and Alabama. He was scheduled to visit Florida next weekend. He's also been considering Clemson. Indications are Whitlock has decided on USC. He made his official visit to Columbia with his father last weekend and gave the visit very strong reviews. Also, USC has recruited him as a receiver only from the outset, and that's the position Whitlock prefers to play.

[Williams-Brice]

Any info on him?

Plenty. Family friend, though, so I'm not going to post stuff until I talk to him personally.

[raptorcox]

So we are done recruiting at QB and RB for this class I am assuming.

If we hold onto the 2- 4 star DB's that we placed last year, I imagine we are done there as well.

We have also recruited a kicker, so that position is likely done.

Year before last was a class of lineman, but I think we have seen that we can always use great lineman and need to even our classes out some.

How many are we taking in this class? Originally I think we only had room for like 18 or 19, but I am sure that will be pushed and we will somehow take close to 25.

With 13 at the moment and Whitlock