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Spurrier seeking a few good playmakers
CommentsSo, now that Tommy Beecher is the man and Steve Spurrier will be calling the plays, who will step up as their go-to guys?
Kenny McKinley, Dion Lecorn and the two-headed tight end monster of Weslye Saunders and Jared Cook are the obvious answers.
However, Spurrier would like to see someone from the group of Joe Hills, Matt Clements, Jason Barnes and Moe Brown establish themselves as a receiving threat.
“Those are players we need to come around,” he said. “Moe’s the fastest. Hopefully he can catch a deep one early and get his confidence up.”
Mike Davis is a clear choice as the starter at tailback, Spurrier said. Brian Maddux is making strides, but Eric Baker has some work to do.
As for Bobby Wallace: “He’s still here,” Spurrier said.
One development during the offseason is the growth (literally) of Patrick DiMarco, who has gained 15 pounds in anticipation of locking down a spot in the running back/fullback rotation.
One name missing from the list of potential playmakers: Larry Freeman. Once touted as a potential star at receiver, Freeman could find himself on the other side of the ball in August.
“He might play a little defense,” said Spurrier, who added the position in question is that of outside linebacker. Meanwhile, Melvin Ingram could move from linebacker to fullback.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE
Spurrier and his staff were tied in knots this past season trying to figure out why Captain Munnerlyn seemed to cramp up late in games. Unable to put a finger on it, they decided to ship him to Chicago this summer for a full workup.
The verdict: Grease.
“Embarrassing to say, we as coaches have not taught him how to eat properly,” Spurrier said. “They checked him out and said, “You need to stop eating fried food all the time.’
“Hopefully Captain will eat the way we ask him to eat.”
LEADER OF THE PACK
So far, quarterback Aramis Hillary appears to be taking on the leadership roles among the incoming freshmen.
“Aramis ... he loves everything about football, everything about the University of South Carolina,” Spurrier said. “He’s the kind of guy you wish you had 50 of them.”
Hillary, who starred at Strom Thurmond and is related to former USC player Ira Hillary, is on Spurrier’s long-term agenda.
“I’d prefer him to redshirt. I plan to be here five years from now and I think Aramis can really be an outstanding player, I really do,” he said. “He can make all the throws and dodge some guys, so we’re looking forward to seeing him. He’s got a wonderful attitude. I know fans are tired of all these players having all these issues. You don’t have to worry about Aramis.”
DUSTY’S TRAIL
Spurrier raved about the progress made by Dustin Lindsey, the one time starter who had fallen on hard times since his strong 2005 performance.
“Dusty hasn’t been a Model A student-athlete since he has been here, but according to Raymond Harrison, our academic advisor, Dusty has done an excellent job getting himself eligible and ready to graduate,” Spurrier said. “He has worked hard to get his knee back into good health, so Dusty Lindsey, shoot, he could be one of our starting linebackers inside.”
JUNIOR DAY
Spurrier will play host to about four dozen juniors today as a part of the school’s annual Junior Day.
“We are going to show them our campus and so forth and bring back a few NFL guys from South Carolina,” Spurrier said. “We’re looking forward (to) showing a whole lot of top recruits the University of South Carolina and our facilities.”
LADIES DAY
The fourth annual Steve Spurrier Ladies Clinic is slated for Saturday at the Colonial Center.
Activities will begin at 8 a.m., with the clinic starting at 9 a.m.
Spurrier and selected players will participate, sign autographs and be available for photos. There will be a question-and-answer session, interactive football drills and a tour of Williams-Brice Stadium.
And yes, once again, participants can run through the players’ tunnel and smoke with “2001” blaring over the sound system.
Cost is $45. For addition questions, call (803) 777-4273.
Those interested can register online at gamecocksonline.cstv.com
Reach Obley at (803) 771-8473.
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