2011 South Carolina Gamecocks Fall Practice: What to Watch for on Offense
by Gamecock Man on Aug 2, 2011 9:08 PM EDT
in South Carolina Gamecocks Football
Email
PrintFootball season is getting even closer, with fall practice beginning tomorrow. Here are a few things to watch for from our offense.
This one is a no-brainer. Needless to say, Carolina has everything riding on Garcia showing improvement. Garcia's inconsistency last year was likely the single biggest thing keeping Carolina from 11 wins and a possible BCS Bowl this side of a weak secondary; if he eliminates that inconsistency, the sky is the limit for Carolina this season. However, he's been suspended for quite a while. How will he respond to his reinstatement? We're hearing that he's been working hard despite the suspension. Is that true? You can count on all eyes being on Garcia during fall practice.
New Faces on the Offensive Line
Shawn Elliott brought much longed-for improvement to the Carolina line this past season. One would expect continued improvement in Year Two, but Carolina will have to replace key contributors like Jarriel King, Hutch Eckerson, and Garrett Chisolm. One of the key players to watch is A.J. Cann. After reportedly making major strides in S&C and knowledge of the offense while redshirting last year, the highly recruited lineman will likely start at left guard. Is he ready to begin a legendary career in 2011?
Second Wide Receiver
We know Alshon Jeffery will put up big numbers. But will somebody step up and replace Tori Gurley as the second option? The main candidates are Ace Sanders and D.L. Moore, both of whom had decent seasons last year, and DeAngelo Smith, who made big strides in the spring.
Backup Runningback
As with Alshon, we know Marcus Lattimore will be great. But can we rely on either Kenny Miles or Eric Baker to fill in when Lattimore needs a break? Both have the potential to be very solid backups, although Miles struggled last year, while Baker has been out with various injuries. I like Miles to keep a handle on this spot for most of the year, but I also like us to put the speedy Baker's versatility to use in certain situations.
So, what are you watching for on offense this August?
17 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I'm most excited to hear about Bruce Ellington's play.
I’m also looking forward to hearing evaluations on the play of our backup QBs.
by Skulls and Spurs on Aug 2, 2011 10:24 PM EDT reply actions
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if our backups don't see a single significant snap this year. That's why I didn't mention that.
However, I’m definitely excited about Ellington. Can’t wait to see him on kick returns, and I should have thrown him in there in the discussion about backup receivers. Would also like to see us give him a shot out of the Wild ’Cock.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Aug 2, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
interesting
because I expect that Shaw and either Baker/Miles.- whoever emerges as the number 2 – will see a decent amount of p.t. (yes – I think Garcia is going to be QB1 unless he either has another public discipline failure or throws more than 2 INT in a game).
also looking forward to seeing if Brandon Shell contributes on the O line as a true FR.
i think most of us agree Bruce Ellington will likely completey replace Stephon Gilmore as the “wildcock” QB and maybe even take Stephon’s place on special teams – which will let Stephon concentrate exclusively on his defensive play.
Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee! UNIVERSITAS CAROLIN MERID. 1801 Emollit mores nec sinit esse feros (Ovid)
Baker and Miles will undoubtedly get plenty of playing time.
However, I really think we’ll only see Shaw / Thompson in garbage time, unless something drastic happens with Garcia, that is. Of course, I hope we have plenty of blowout victories and they get the opportunity to get in plenty of games.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
Curious here,
but did Stephon take a single snap in the “Wild ’Cock” formation last year? I know he did in 2009 during the Clemson game, but I can’t remember him being under center in 2010 at all. I think if we’re going to see the Wild ‘Cock, it’ll be Shaw under center, but maybe I’m wrong.
Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina
by The Feathered Warrior on Aug 3, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he took a couple against Southern Miss in the opener, and then he did against FSU in the Peach Bowl.
He actually completed a long pass to Alshon in the Peach Bowl.
I agree that I’m not sure we should expect much from this package, considering that it’s mostly been all talk so far.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
Ah, yes.
My memories of the Peach Bowl are… fuzzy.
Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina
by The Feathered Warrior on Aug 3, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
FB
no not facebook but fullback. Want to see who will step up and fill the shoes of DiMarco. A overlooked position but crucial to the ground attack’s success in 2011.
USC Gamecocks Sports Analysis and Insight
www.leftoverhotdog.com
Dalton Wilson? Justice Cunningham?
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Aug 3, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Shon Carson
I think Carson will end up with more playing time than Baker and maybe even Miles as a change of pace back.
Yeah, I think there's a good chance of that. Carson is a solid-looking player.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Aug 3, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
carson
should be redshirted. Why waste the year with Latti and Miles holding down the spot.
USC Gamecocks Sports Analysis and Insight
www.leftoverhotdog.com
I agree with Flounder on this point.
Kenny Miles was smart and red-shirted his freshman year, and it benefited him tremendously. Hopefully Carson is thinking about his playing career long-term.
Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina
by The Feathered Warrior on Aug 3, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll do a defense post tonight.
As far as practice reports go, I won’t be covering practice live. However, we’ll def. be talking about the news coming out of practice from now until ECU.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Garnet And Black Attack
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
