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USC spokesman said QB Connor Shaw will have surgery on his injured left foot Friday and is not expected to be available for spring practices
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) January 3, 2013
To me, the only shocking thing about this news is how OK I am with it. As Connor enters his fourth year in the program, he likely wouldn't have needed a whole lot of reps this spring anyway, but he definitely does need to get that foot healed up because he's not the same quarterback when he isn't a threat to run. Besides, the coaching staff's - and the fane bases' - confidence in Dylan Thompson must be at an all-time high, and if Shaw takes a similar beating to the one he took during the 2012 season, it cannot hurt to have a well-refined backup (or co-starter?).
Today In Jadeveon Clowney
Where's Vincent? Is he OK? Did the bear leave? I think it was a bear, I'm still a little dizzy.
— Vince Smith's Helmet (@VincesHelmet) January 4, 2013
Basketball Coach Frank Martin had some things about The Hit:
How would Martin utilize Clowney on the basketball court? "I would put a helmet on the guys on the other team," Martin said.
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) January 3, 2013
Frank Martin said incoming USC hoops recruit Sindarius Thornwell quit playing football as a sophomore because Clowney hit him so hard.
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) January 3, 2013
There's no way Clowney can reach the last 30 Pringles in a can. twitter.com/ERobtheGamecoc…
— Elliot Robinson (@ERobtheGamecock) January 3, 2013
TRC Unleashed Episode 40 – The Clowneyplosion Episode (aka Outback Review)
The Rubber Chickens are back and talking about Jadeveon, that bowl game we won, and of course Dabo.
MOAR LYNEBAKKERS PLEEZ
Walton goes in-depth (Gamecock Central, subscription required)
Three star LB Jonathan Walton is currently committed to Penn State but has indicated that he will take an official visit to Columbia. With BIll O'Brien reportedly spurning the advances of the NFL to stay with the Nittany Lions, it may be difficult to pry the Alabama native away, but the Gamecocks are desperate, and it's worth a shot.
Florida linebacker gets USC offer
LB Skai Moore (6-3 210) of Fort Lauderdale committed to Rutgers in early December, but USC offered him Saturday and he plans to set an official visit with the Gamecocks. 247 Sports rates Moore as a 3 star and the 31st overall OLB in the 2013 class.
Linebacker in Rainey's future? (The Big Spur, subscription required)
South Carolina's lack of depth at linebacker is one of next season's biggest question marks. But could be answer already reside in Columbia? Wes Mitchell explores the possibility of Kelvin Rainey moving to weakside linebacker.
Williams makes decision & Foster looking at USC
RB David Williams of Philadelphia, who is at the Semper-Fidelis Game, told 247Sports.com today after practice he has made his decision and will announce during Friday's game. Former Alabama and Auburn commit Reuben Foster says he will take an official visit to South Carolina.
Other Recruiting News
Pomfret, MD offensive lineman and Gamecock lean Na'Ty Rodgers was also expected to announce his college decision on Friday, but apparently ESPN, who is televising the all-star game at which was set to announce, is gumming up the works:
If my 6 family members can't be on tv with me I am not making my college decision tomorrow
— Na'Ty Rodgers (@Ty_Cinco_Uno_) January 4, 2013
I've decided to not announce tomorrow sorry folks
— Na'Ty Rodgers (@Ty_Cinco_Uno_) January 4, 2013
USC, Clemson talking to Moody
ATH Mykal Moody of Conway received renewed interest from Clemson and USC after his Shrine bowl performance. Neither school has offered Moody but both reached out to him after the game.
UNC still pushing USC commitment
USC commitment DB Pharoh Cooper of Havelock, NC reveals that the Tar Heels are still trying to get him to flip his commitment but says he is still "solid to the Gamecocks."