GoGamecocks.com
Maddox hopes to earn his share
USC sophomore tailback gets opportunity to shine with Davis out of practice for a week
Brian Maddox
Lindsay Semple/lsemple@thestate.com
CommentsIf it happens on the field, it’s a good thing. If it happens because of an injury, it’s simply a matter of making the best of a bad situation.
USC sophomore Brian Maddox would rather earn the No. 1 tailback gig by outperforming senior Mike Davis than to have it handed to him. That’s why he wishes Davis a speedy recovery from a bruised left shoulder.
That said, Maddox will make full use of Davis’ anticipated weeklong absence to dazzle the Gamecocks coaching staff and earn his fair share of carries come Aug. 28.
“It certainly is my opportunity to shine and keep the position if I excel on the field,” Maddox said.
Maddox managed just six carries and 14 yards this past season playing behind Davis and Cory Boyd. That was a significant change after two stellar years at T.L. Hanna. He amassed 4,200 yards in a career that did not really begin until Rafael Little graduated and moved on to Kentucky.
Though he rode the bench for most of 2007, Maddox said, he probably could not have handled much more. His freshman year was a blur as he tried to absorb the multiple pass protections and beef up his blocking skills.
“It was hard. It was very hard just to learn all the pass protections,” he said. “The running game was easy for me.”
Things began to click during the spring practices and so far this fall, so good.
“I feel great right now. I know what I’m doing. I’m just working on my game,” he said. “I am ready for this. I feel a whole lot (more) ready this year than last year if (Davis and Cory Boyd) went out.”
USC coach Steve Spurrier did not hesitate to put Maddox atop the depth chart when Davis was injured Thursday evening.
“He’ll be No. 1. Brian is first,” Spurrier said. “Taylor Rank, probably, then Eric Baker, so yeah, B-Madd, Brian Maddox is the guy. If Mike can’t play, he’d be the starter.”
Most likely, Maddox will be keeping the spot warm for Davis, since the injury is not very serious. Maddox figures carries will not be a problem, since USC’s offense is not necessarily a single-back scheme.
“We need him to get back as quick as possible just because he’s a key point to the offense,” Maddox said. “It’s a two-back set, though. You need two backs in the SEC, or really, any conference. ... I felt I showed what I could do in the spring. I’ve just got to show it I can do it on the field in games. I’ve just got to get out there on Aug. 28 and get the job done.”
One-on-one with Mike Davis
Reach Obley at (803) 771-8473.
Most Viewed Stories
- Spurrier hires new assistant
- Late losses dampen USC bowl spirit
- Outback still likes USC; Beecher demoted
- RB Giles getting closer to decision
- Gamecocks pass Ivy League hoops test
- Spurrier questions Kiffin's call
- South Carolina rolls by Princeton 84-58
- Coaching news may ignite recruiting
- Two Carolina coaches hit the road
- Women's pregame: USC vs. Wake Forest
@Nyx.CommentBody@