The Feed Pail: Frank Martin eyeing Top 20 SG Naji Marshall; South Carolina baseball picked to make 2017 CWS

The State: Gamecocks in the mix for highly-rated Naji Marshall. Frank Martin has a four-star forward/guard in his sights for the 2017 class. If he can land him and Devontae Shuler, next year’s class will turn out to be fairly stacked. Also, a look at Griffin Gentry, who’s set to figure into the discussion at the Gamecocks’ new “Buck” position - an LB/DE hybrid. The Buck is effectively replacing the Spur in Muschamp’s revamped defensive set, so we’ll see what effect is has once the games begin in 2016.

TBS: Baseball America and Perfect Game are both projecting the Gamecocks to make it to Omaha next year! This is your reminder that the Gamecocks (2) and Coastal Carolina (1) have more CWS championships than Clemson (0). Also, a chat with Gamecocks football commit Damarri Mathis ($) and an update on 2017 ATH OrTre Smith ($). It’s going to be fun to see this battle come down to Clemson and South Carolina.

Maroon and White Nation looks at why a win by Mississippi State over South Carolina could be pivotal for the Bulldogs’ season. I think it’s kind of the same reasoning that we can take from the Gamecocks starting their season on the road against Vanderbilt.

Nice read from the Greenville News’ Willie T. Smith on Dawn Staley, who’s the assistant coach of the women’s national team during the Olympics next month. The U.S. is an overwhelming favorite going in (as always) and should win their sixth (!) consecutive gold medal in Rio.

P&C continues their look at the top 10 Gamecocks returnees, and Deebo’s #5. His nice game against Clemson comes up in this particular piece.

SEC Country: Let’s talk about SEC helmet designs! The Gamecocks (unfortunately) didn’t rank well. Spoiler: Kentucky is #3, which is probably the first time they’ve ranked so highly in something football-related.

BONUS VIDEO! JBJ seemed pretty happy about being selected to his first All-Star Game, tbh.