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Grading USC position-by-position
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Quarterbacks | Steve Spurrier is hitching his offense to the shoulders of Stephen Garcia — for the time being, anyway. Garcia had spurts last season when he looked terrific, but he struggled with his accuracy and decision-making — something Garcia tried to correct this preseason. Reid McCollum has emerged as a solid backup, giving Spurrier the second option he always likes to have. Grade: C+
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Running backs | There is a different look to this group of backs, who appear to possess the elusiveness and extra gear their predecessors lacked. Starter Brian Maddox is a physical runner who finished last season with a few nice gains in limited action. But three young burners also will get touches: Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles and surprising walk-on Bryce Sherman. Grade: B-
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Receivers/tight ends | USC's passing game has been boosted by an infusion of young talent, led by freshmen Tori Gurley, Alshon Jeffery and DeMario Bennett. None of the upperclassmen had a particularly strong camp: Dion LeCorn was hurt, while Moe Brown and Jason Barnes didn't do much. Tight end Weslye Saunders is one of Garcia's favorite targets, but the Gamecocks need one of the wideouts to step up. Grade: C
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Offensive line | First-year line coach Eric Wolford has brought a feisty attitude to a unit that will try to get tougher at the point of attack. USC is using wider line splits and a different blocking scheme, but the Gamecocks have to prove they can move defenders backward. Left tackle Jarriel King and center Garrett Anderson return, while guard Heath Batchelor is back after withdrawing from school midway through the '08 season. Grade: C-
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Defensive line | The Gamecocks are dangerously thin up front, where one of their defensive tackles (Ladi Ajiboye) is suspended the first three games and the other (Nathan Pepper) is battling knee issues. Also, the status of DE Clifton Geathers remains unsettled following his Aug. 23 arrest at a Vista nightclub. Spurrier believes Cliff Matthews can be one of the best defensive ends in the nation, but he needs to increase his sack total (three in '08) to be considered among the elite. Grade: B-
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Linebackers | Eric Norwood, a two-time All-SEC selection on pace to become the school's all-time sacks leader, should go down as one of USC's best defenders. He's a disruptive force who always finds a way to get in the backfield. He will be joined by middle backer Rodney Paulk, a two-year starter who redshirted last year, and a couple of Georgia Military transfers — Tony Straughter and Josh Dickerson — who appear to be solid backups. Grade: A
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Secondary | The Gamecocks will start a freshman and redshirt freshman at cornerback. And though Stephon Gilmore and Akeem Auguste have loads of talent, there will be times when their inexperience shows. USC has plenty of experience at safety, where Chris Culliver and Darian Stewart have proven to be equally adept in coverage and run support. Grade: C+
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Specialists | Special teams coordinator Shane Beamer hoped a kicker would emerge to take something off the plate of Spencer Lanning. But that didn't happen, meaning Lanning will handle punting and place-kicking chores. Beamer should have a few more breakaway threats in the return game, and look for 6-foot-7 Devin Taylor to block a kick or two. Grade: C
— Joseph Person
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