South Carolina Gamecocks Football Spring Practice Preview: What to Watch For
by Gamecock Man on Mar 8, 2011 3:47 PM EST
in South Carolina Gamecocks Football
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PrintFootball is upon us, folks. Next Tuesday, March 15, the Gamecocks will begin their quest to defend their 2010 SEC Eastern Division Championship and to win their first outright conference championship when they return to the Proving Grounds to begin spring practice.
The Gamecocks have a lot of talent returning this year, but they also have a lot of question marks. Here are some of the things that I'll be most avidly watching for:
What happens at the FB position? Think back to some of Marcus Lattimore's biggest runs last season. On many of them, Patrick DiMarco paved the way, laying out defensive ends and linebackers. Now, DiMarco is gone. It'll be interesting to see who gets the most reps at FB and he looks. Dalton Wilson and Matt Coffee get the nod on the depth chart, but I'm wondering if we'll see Justice Cunningham in this role, as well. Cunningham might be suited to a dual FB / TE role.
Who do we settle on at offensive line? There's likely to be a good bit of shuffling on the offensive line as we work to determine a tentative starting five. Some of the new faces to watch are Cody Gibson, Corey Robinson, Kaleb Broome, and A.J. Cann.
Who replaces Tori Gurley? It appears that D.L. Moore will replace Tori Gurley as the second receiver behind Alshon Jeffery, but it will interesting to see who else gets more looks. Jason Barnes is now in the starting lineup at a slot receiver, but, based on Barnes's longtime inability to stay in the starting lineup, I'm wondering if that will stick. Ace Sanders will obviously see plenty of time. I'm also interested in seeing if Nick Jones or Lamar Scruggs can get on the field, too.
Who replaces Ladi Ajiboye at DT? The current depth chart has Aldrick Fordham at DT, but at around 270, Fordham is definitely a tweener. We also have Melvin Ingram at DE, and I'm expecting Jadeveon Clowney to take that spot. I expect that we might see more of Ingram and Kelcy Quarles at the second DT slot than Fordham, but we'll see.
Will we have depth at the safety positions? Now that we've moved Akeem Auguste back to CB, we appear to be fairly set for depth at the CB positions, with Auguste and Stephon Gilmore starting, C.C. Whitlock providing rotation, and Victor Hampton and Cadarious Sanders providing additional depth. We have no one, though, behind DeVonte Holloman and D.J. Swearinger who is proven. That's worrisome because it caused problems last year, so I'd like to see somebody step up at these positions.
Can Jay Wooten replace Spencer Lanning? We've been blessed with good kickers for many years here at Carolina. Hopefully, Wooten will carry the torch.
So, what are you watching for this spring?
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QB
I’m going to be watching that one closely as I’m sure everyone else will be too. Its Garcia’s to lose but I think Shaw will put some good pressure on him.
Yes, for sure. Forgot about the obvious one.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
I'll be watching anything and everything.
We may have the only football team in the world whose halfback outweighs the fullback. Ridiculous. Cunningham may get a look there in addition to his tight end duties, but I feel it’s unnecessary. I understand why they did it last year, scrambling to replace Saunders at tight end, but they have too much time to plan this season for something like that to happen.
stuff 'bout stuff.
Towards that end
Any idea on if any of the three TEs we recruited will see immediate playing time? Also, what’s our LB depth like? I don’t think we have a lot. And though Lateek Townshend might be kicking himself for not coming here, what have we done to replace the lack of an immediate impact recruit?
Seeing as how the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tight end on the spring depth chart are guys converted from other positions ...
… I’d say the freshies have as good a chance as any reserves to get playing time.
Linebacker depth is shallow. Paulk and Wilson are starting, obviously, and should do fairly well. Bowens, the second string middle linebacker, was a three star guy in 2008 who has had injuries every year at Carolina. I liked what I saw from Quin Smith, second string outside linebacker, last season. He seemed competent in his role. With all the guys with past injuries, we might see someone like Damario Jeffery at linebacker by the end of the season. I don’t know if the freshies are ready for prime time.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Mar 9, 2011 2:14 AM EST up reply actions
I've heard a lot of positive things about both Bowens and Qua Gilchrist. Problem is that both have been injury prone.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Mar 9, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
At TE...
I keep hearing that Jerrell Adams, who is the best out of the incoming group, will move to DE. Out of the other two, Drew Owens is the one I could see getting some PT. Rory Anderson is probably just as good of a receiver, but while watching their videos I thought Owens looked stronger and better blocking for the run.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Mar 9, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
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