TheState.com: GoGamecocks

New GoGamecocks.com site launches today

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:03 EDT

Welcome to the new and improved GoGamecocks.com. You told us you wanted more Gamecock coverage -- more recruiting news, photos, videos and insider information.

We listened and GoGamecocks.com is kicking off USC’s football season with:

- Expanded coverage of recruiting and top prospects, including interviews, profiles and performance reports on players who have committed or who are on USC coaches’ radar.

- Contests to win game-day tickets, parking and more.

- More breaking news and alerts delivered to the media device of your choice.

Practice report: USC awaits NCAA word

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:31 EDT

South Carolina officials hope to hear from the NCAA on the status of several key players this week, although coaches are preparing for the possibility of playing without embattled tight end Weslye Saunders this season, according to sources close to the program.

Saunders, who was questioned by NCAA investigators about his possible involvement with agents, has been suspended for the past week for a separate incident. The senior from Durham, N.C., was the Gamecocks’ third-leading receiver last season.

Saunders is also among 10 players who were asked by USC coach Steve Spurrier to move out of the Whitney Hotel this month and make restitution to the Shandon-area hotel after receiving discounted rates for extended stays. Saunders had been living at the Whitney since 2009, and must re-pay more than $5,000, according to a source.

In addition to Saunders, defensive backs Akeem Auguste and C.C. Whitlock are the players most likely to face the most severe penalties because of the Whitney situation, sources said. Auguste is the Gamecocks’ starting free safety, while Whitlock is a second-team cornerback.

Spurrier has said players could miss a game or two, based on the NCAA’s history with players who received extra benefits. Spurrier and his assistants were not available for comment following Monday’s practice.

Sophomore WR a Gamecocks teamster

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:33 EDT

Ask Tori Gurley a question — any question — and the answer invariably comes back to what he can do for the USC football team.

The sophomore wide receiver is big — 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds — but he’s not so big on talking about his skills. He would rather place whatever he can do this season in the context of winning games for the Gamecocks, who open the season Thursday night against Southern Miss at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“Individually, I want to be the best player I can be,” Gurley said. “I’ve dedicated this season to learning more about football and becoming a better special-teams player as well as a better receiver. With that mentality, I feel I can help the team and make a play anytime I’m on the field.”

The former Rock Hill High standout in football and basketball made plenty of plays last season as a redshirt freshman. He played in all 13 games and started five of them, catching 31 passes for 440 yards, a 14.2-yard average. He also caught a pair of touchdown passes, one apiece against Georgia and Clemson.

Those numbers could have been better if not for a little tough luck. In the first two games, Gurley had three touchdown receptions called back because of penalties.

GoGamecocks.com moving to membership model

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:06 EDT

In anticipation of college football season, we have rewritten the playbook for GoGamecocks.com.

In the coming days, we will begin charging a modest membership fee to access a new and improved GoGamecocks.com web site. Memberships will be available for $50 per year (less than 14 cents per day) or $10 per month.

Sign up for the annual membership and enjoy your first week for free so you can experience everything the site has to offer. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can opt out within that first week and your annual membership fee will be refunded. Those who subscribe at any frequency to The State’s printed newspaper will receive free access to the new GoGamecocks website.

Why the change?

Giving you a “best-in-class,” information-packed experience at GoGamecocks.com takes additional resources that require us to charge a modest membership fee.

Carson offers his services in 2-for-1 deal

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:35 EDT

Package deals are commonplace in recruiting these days, with college programs routinely offering scholarships to high school teammates.

Sometimes both are worthy, but often college coaches are willing to gamble on a lesser player in an attempt to land his high-profile teammate.

A package deal will be the only way to land Lake City tailback Shon Carson. Yet, his situation is different. Instead of signing one of his teammates, the program he chooses must accept Carson’s alter ego — the top-flight baseball prospect.

Carson said this weekend he isn’t ready to focus on football or baseball exclusively and plans to play both in college. Of course, the status quo could change by June if he’s drafted as high in the MLB Draft as many observers expect, giving him the option of turning pro immediately and bypassing college.

Carson named South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida State, Alabama and Georgia as the schools he’s considering for football, with USC and UNC believed to have a slight edge. However, he hasn’t put much thought into recruiting recently.

Eagles' receiver regaining form

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:34 EDT

Larry Fedora’s first news conference of the 2010 season went as expected leading to Thursday’s season opener at South Carolina.

Fedora, in his third season as Golden Eagles coach, walked into the media room at the Athletic Center and fielded a question about Southern Miss wide receiver DeAndre Brown.

Questions about Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks would have to wait.

Brown, a junior, was demoted to second team during fall camp behind Quentin Pierce.

Now, Brown appears ready. He has recorded 114 receptions for 1,902 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two years.

Video: Maddox, Nunn, Jeffery after Monday's practice

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:20 EDT

Brian Maddox, Kyle Nunn and Alshon Jeffery speak with the media after practice Monday evening.

Maddox, Nunn, Jeffery

[Photos] USC's Monday practice

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:14 EDT

[Blog] Early-season game predictions

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:37 EDT

USC vs. Southern Miss – Thursday

The Gamecocks didn’t receive any favors when North Carolina bailed out on USC to play LSU in Atlanta. ESPN officials helped USC land Southern Miss as a replacement, arguably a tougher opening-game draw for the Gamecocks than N.C. State the past two seasons.

The Golden Eagles were picked by most preseason magazines to win their division in Conference USA, and coach Larry Fedora has talked about surprising the Gamecocks on national TV. But unless Southern Miss improves defensively (25.8 points and 261 passing yards per game in 2009), USC will win its 11th consecutive opener.

Prediction: USC 24, Southern Miss 13

———

Recruiting: Harris jumps out to a quick start

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:08 EDT

Mason Harris is not the biggest name in South Carolina’s 2011 recruiting class.

However, the defensive end from Ridgeland (Ga.) had a big start to his senior campaign Friday, leading the Panthers to a 30-19 victory against Adairsville.

Harris had nine tackles, including one for loss, two forced fumbles, a blocked extra point and a quarterback hurry in the win.

“Between his athleticism and his high motor, he just gives himself a chance to make plays,” Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis said. “We played a good football team. They were big and strong, but his motor runs top end all the time. He never gives up on a play. With that type of attitude and athleticism, you’re going to have pretty good production every week.

“If we’re going to do what we need to do, he’s got to produce every week.”

Taylor out to finish what he started

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:48 EDT

In the history of South Carolina football, you’d be hard pressed to find a defensive player who enjoyed a better debut than defensive end Devin Taylor last year at N.C. State.

The soft-spoken giant from Beaufort set up the lone touchdown in the Gamecocks’ 7-3 win by forcing a fumble and also blocked a punt. Those plays came on the first two series of Taylor’s career.

But after becoming a situational player the second half of the season, Taylor aims to both start and finish 2010 strong. If he does so, don’t expect the 6-foot-7, 249-pounder to crow about it.

After all, this is a player whom teammates nicknamed “Don’t Say Nothin’” when he arrived on campus because of his economy with the spoken word.

“I really didn’t say much to anybody or any of the coaches,” Taylor said recently.

Practice report: Lattimore ready to contribute

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:48 EDT

Marcus Lattimore spent the past couple of years becoming a star at Byrnes High and watching South Carolina on TV.

But the Gamecocks’ tailback is reversing fields this week.

After tuning in for his alma mater’s 14-0 loss to Hoover (Ala.) High on ESPN on Saturday, Lattimore will make his highly anticipated debut Thursday against Southern Miss on the same cable network.

Lattimore’s primary goal is to do what Byrnes could not this past weekend without him.

“First of all, I want to win the game and help the team in any way that I can – scoring, any way I can,” Lattimore said following Sunday’s practice.

Eagles seek return to glory

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:51 EDT

The 2010 season rests in the arms of the Southern Miss defense — and if the unit that returns eight starters from last season is successful, the Golden Eagles should challenge for the Conference USA East championship.

The burden of reclaiming the Southern Miss defensive glory days that featured NFL players such as Adalius Thomas falls on the shoulders of coordinator Todd Bradford, in his third year.

Middle linebacker Korey Williams (121 tackles) and outside linebacker Ronnie Thornton (114 tackles) are the top returners on a defense that struggled last season. Southern Miss allowed 25.8 points per game and 392.5 yards per game last season.

The Golden Eagles, however, led the nation in caused fumbles (28) and finished No. 18 in sacks (34).

“We were not happy with the way we finished last year,” Bradford said. “I think this defense has a chip on their shoulder. They know about the defensive tradition at Southern Miss. This group also knows what I want and that (tradition) is our blue print.”

Recruiting: USC issues concern Clowney

Mon, 02 May 2011 01:45 EDT

THE COUNTRY’S top-ranked recruit, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (6-6, 247) of South Pointe, told reporters after Saturday’s ESPNU game against Northwestern he still has USC and Alabama as his top two schools.

Clowney said he has no favorite, but did indicate concern about the off-field issues at USC.

“You’ve seen the Roll Tide,” Clowney said. “They just play hard. South Carolina is in a little bit of trouble right now, so I don’t know right now. I’m still thinking about where I’m going to go to. I haven’t decided yet. It will be a big decision, though.”

Clowney is still considering Clemson, LSU, Florida State and Miami. He plans to be at the Alabama-USC game in October.

Quarterback Tanner McEvoy (6-6, 205) of Oradell, N.J., has cut down his list and says USC will be one of his official visits. McEvoy will not take any official visits until his season is finished because all but one of his games are on Saturdays.

USC women’s soccer shuts out Ohio

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:43 EDT

Sophomore Ali Glemser hit the game-winner and junior Kayla Grimsley notched a goal and assist to lead No. 13 South Carolina to a 2-0 victory against Ohio on Sunday at Stone Stadium in the Courtyard Cup.

USC goalie Mollie Patton made three saves for her 25th career shutout, eight shy of tying the SEC record. Glemser scored in the 39th minute off a pass from Grimsley, who scored an insurance goal in the 78th minute.

Grimsley, Kira Campbell and Elizabeth Sinclair were named to the all-tournament team for USC (3-1), which hosts Arizona State at 1 p.m. Sunday. The game was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. but moved for travel accomodations.

– From staff reports

Video: Spurrier, Lattimore after Sunday's practice

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:51 EDT

USC head football coach Steve Spurrier, and players Marcus Lattimore and Byron Jerideau talk with the media after practice Sunday evening.

Coach Spurrier

Marcus Lattimore, Byron Jerideau

[Photos] USC's Sunday practice

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:00 EDT

Q&A with Bryce Sherman

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:00 EDT

The speedy Bryce Sherman enters the 2010 season providing depth at kickoff returns and the running back position.

Last year he returned 24 kicks for a total of 502 yards (20.9 average). Sherman had one start in 2009 at tailback. For the year he rushed nine times for 62 yards.

The former track athlete walked on to the football team last fall and was rewarded with a scholarship in the spring.

How does it feel to start this year on scholarship?

I really feel blessed. Thank God for that. I really wanted a scholarship, coming from track and everything. Thanks to all the coaches for giving me a chance.

Good times in the secondary

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:36 EDT

South Carolina’s secondary features a group of players who aren’t above giving one another a hard time — even when it comes to their senior leader, Chris Culliver.

Sophomore safety DeVonte Holloman, for instance, insists Culliver isn’t that great on the basketball court.

“He thinks he can play basketball, but he’s no good,” Holloman said. “He’ll dunk every now and then, but that’s on a good day. I have to get out there and show him how to play.”

Sophomore cornerback Stephon Gilmore even challenged Culliver’s supremacy as the team’s fastest player.

“He’s always talking about his speed to me. You know he’s fast, maybe the fastest player on the team,” Gilmore said. “I wouldn’t say that. I always tell him to race me.”

Morris: Garcia should be starter at QB

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:03 EDT

IF WE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SOUTH Carolina’s quarterback situation, it is that Steve Spurrier again can yank his starter at a moment’s notice. He has a capable backup to redshirt junior Stephen Garcia in freshman Connor Shaw.

But let’s not go overboard in heaping praise on Shaw at Garcia’s expense. Nearly all reports out of fall camp indicate Shaw is a hard worker. Coaches report he releases the ball quickly and is an excellent runner. He apparently is capable of operating USC’s offense.

Unfortunately, Shaw has not taken a snap under center in a game. He never has played in front of 70,000 fans. He never has faced a pack of Georgia linebackers bearing down on him as he settles into the pocket. He is a freshman.

“In general, that’s a pretty easy assumption to make,” said G.A. Mangus, USC’s quarterbacks coach. “But I think I’ve also seen, as time’s gone on, you see more and more skilled young players playing all across America. … Sometimes, if they’re the best player, and typically that’s why they’re the best player, because they have that mentality that it doesn’t matter whether they’re 18 or 22.”

Still, freshmen do not have a grand history in the SEC. Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi never have turned to a freshman quarterback. Eric Ainge produced the best season for a freshman quarterback in the SEC when he led Tennessee to the East Division championship in 2004 by throwing for 1,452 yards and 17 touchdowns with nine interceptions.