TheState.com: GoGamecocks: Football

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.

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.

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

———

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

[Photos] USC's Sunday practice

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:00 EDT

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.”

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.

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.

Practice report: Spurrier, team ready for action

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:29 EDT

Steve Spurrier stood on the USC practice field on a pleasant Saturday evening and sounded ready to put four weeks' worth of work into play Thursday night against Southern Miss in the season opener.

“It wasn’t too hot. Nice little breeze here. Maybe it’ll be like this in about five days,” Spurrier said. “So anyway (I’m) looking forward to the ballgame and looking forward to practicing a little harder the next couple of days.”

His players are ready to stop hitting each other and hit someone wearing a uniform of a different color. As the opening kickoff approaches, a sense of urgency is beginning to fill the air.

“There’s always just a little bit more awareness that the game is getting closer. As you know, four weeks is a long time before you play a game. We used to have three weeks to practice, now it’s four,” he said. “You have to pace yourself. I’ve seen teams get ready too early and forget to get ready the week of the game.”

Spurrier, who’s entering his sixth season with a 35-28 record in Columbia, would like nothing more than to finally put USC’s last game behind him. The Gamecocks dropped a 20-7 decision to UConn in the Papajohns.com goal on Jan. 2.

[Videos] Spurrier, players after practice

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:42 EDT

Steve Spurrier, D.L. Moore and Jimmy Legree speak with the media following Saturday's practice.

Gamecocks release early depth chart

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:09 EST

South Carolina released an early depth chart Friday, with the starting quarterback and running back spots still undecided.

Incumbent starting quarterback Stephen Garcia is still listed with true freshman Connor Shaw as possible starters. Head coach Steve Spurrier has said both will play Thursday against Southern Mississippi.

Returning starting tailback Kenny Miles is listed atop the running backs along with true freshman Marcus Lattimore. Running backs coach Jay Graham has said two running backs would see most of the game action, with a third player possibly getting some carries.

Patrick DiMarco is listed as the first-team tight end and fullback. Suspended tight end Weslye Saunders is not listed on the current three-deep for the position.

Alshon Jeffery, Tori Gurley and D.L. Moore are listed atop the wide receivers.

Practice report: Saunders speaks out

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:09 EST

Even when he’s suspended, USC senior tight end Weslye Saunders manages to create a stir.

Saunders surprised everyone – including USC officials – Friday afternoon when he called into radio station 107. 5 The Game to give a statement responding to media and fan criticism regarding the controversies surrounding him.

Saunders, who’s being investigated by the NCAA about taking a trip to Florida possibly paid for by agents in addition to facing questions about his residency at the Whitney Hotel, wanted to refute talk that he didn’t care about the program. He was suspended at the start of this week for what Steve Spurrier called a violation of team rules, which the coach stated were unrelated to the NCAA investigation. Saunders missed a meeting and was late to a scrimmage last Saturday.

The continuing drama added another chapter at week’s end when he gave this statement to the station.

"I love the university and my coaches. Allegations of this being all about me and being a me-first guy and trying to bring the team down are false. Coach Spurrier and I are on good terms. We did have a misunderstanding, but that's all cleared up now. I couldn't have more respect for Steve Spurrier or (athletics director) Eric Hyman. I understand perception is reality and people will see what they want to from the outside. But what they see is not the case on the inside."

Johnson grows into center position

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:09 EST

South Carolina football fans have to be thankful that center T.J. Johnson gave up his dream of smashing baseballs for the reality of banging around with 300-pound-plus defensive linemen.

Growing up in tiny Aynor, Johnson’s first love was baseball. But his body quickly outgrew that sport, and he developed into the focal point of the Gamecocks’ offensive line.

“I almost didn’t play football my ninth-grade year,” Johnson said. “I thought I was going to be a baseball player. I ended up playing football in ninth grade, though, and I eventually grew into a football body.”

Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound redshirt sophomore, received All-SEC freshman honors from the league’s coaches and was named an honorable mention freshman All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com.

He redshirted in 2008 because he said he was not ready for SEC football.

Videos: Coach Spurrier, players, coaches after Wednesday's practice

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:20 EDT

University of South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier, coaches and selected players talk with members of the media Wednesday after practice at the Proving Grounds on Bluff Road.

TheState.com: GoGamecocks: Football

Sophomore WR a Gamecocks teamster

Practice report: USC awaits NCAA word

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

Maddox, Nunn, Jeffery

[Photos] USC's Monday practice

[Blog] Early-season game predictions

Taylor out to finish what he started

Recruiting: USC issues concern Clowney

Eagles seek return to glory

Video: Spurrier, Lattimore after Sunday's practice

Coach Spurrier

Marcus Lattimore, Byron Jerideau

Practice report: Lattimore ready to contribute

[Photos] USC's Sunday practice

Good times in the secondary

Q&A with Bryce Sherman

Morris: Garcia should be starter at QB

Practice report: Spurrier, team ready for action

[Videos] Spurrier, players after practice

Gamecocks release early depth chart

Practice report: Saunders speaks out

Johnson grows into center position

Videos: Coach Spurrier, players, coaches after Wednesday's practice

Coach Spurrier

Select coaches and players