GoGamecocks.com
USC's steals, impact players, more
Posted on 02.05.09
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Immediate help
Given USC’s depleted secondary, South Pointe defensive backs Stephon Gilmore and Devonte Holloman figure to get a long look this spring after both enrolled in January. Tampa native Jarvis Giles, another early enrollee, has the breakaway speed and confidence to get in the mix at tailback.
The USC newcomers who made the biggest impact last season were transfers from junior college or prep school. With that in mind, keep an eye on Georgia Military linebackers Tony Straughter and Josh Dickerson, GMC offensive lineman Steven Singleton and Fork Union defensive linemen Ronald Byrd and Chaz Sutton, both of whom signed with the Gamecocks last year but did not qualify.
Projects
USC was not planning to take a quarterback until Chris Smelley transferred to Alabama last month to play baseball. With many of the top-tier passers already committed, the Gamecocks turned to Andrew Clifford, whose other offers were from Charleston Southern, Liberty and a couple of Division II schools. Clifford passed for 2,263 yards and 20 touchdowns last fall.
USC had success last year with an offensive lineman from Georgia Military, although Kevious Watkins likely will need more time to develop than Jarriel King did last year. South Pointe receiver Charles Holmes and Beaufort defensive end Duane Chisolm appear to be prep school-bound.
Steals
The Gamecocks signed two players who were formerly Clemson commitments, and both could prove to be sleepers. Defensive end Leon Mackey, a Delaware native who originally signed with Virginia Tech, was Rivals’ No. 9 prep school prospect last fall at Hargrave (Va.) Military.
Ben Axon, a tailback from Bradenton, Fla., decommitted from Clemson following the Tigers’ coaching change. The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Axon is a big back with good speed who rushed for 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. Florida State, Purdue and West Virginia also were interested in Axon.
Ones that got away
USC missed on two in-state targets when Greenwood defensive end Sam Montgomery picked LSU and Timberland offensive lineman Quinton Washington chose Michigan. Montgomery was a longshot considering he never made an official visit to USC, but the loss of the 6-3, 315-pound Washington hurt because of the Gamecocks’ need for reinforcements up front.
USC had an early commitment from another talented offensive lineman, but Johnnie Farms, of Perry, Ga., changed his mind and signed with North Carolina.
— Joseph Person
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