Garnet And Black Attack - 2014 National Signing Day Central: South Carolina#SpursUphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50351/gaba-fav.png2014-05-20T14:14:19-04:00http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/rss/stream/51450912014-05-20T14:14:19-04:002014-05-20T14:14:19-04:00USC signee Kalan Ritchie enrolling in a JUCO
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<p>The plan is for the three-star prospect to spend the next two years in Milledgeville, Ga. before enrolling at South Carolina.</p> <p>Three-star defensive end signee Kalan Ritchie will enroll at Georgia Military College, according to tweets that the Goose Creek (S.C.) High School product published late Monday night. After two seasons at GMC, Ritchie will be eligible to join South Carolina's 2016 class.</p>
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<p>Gotta take a lil detour to GMC but only for 2 seasons , be back in cola before you know it</p>
— Kalan Ritchie (@KRitchie_85) <a href="https://twitter.com/KRitchie_85/statuses/468590405953392642">May 20, 2014</a>
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<p>Carolina has shown to much care into me , can't go back on them will def stick with the commitment throughout school !</p>
— Kalan Ritchie (@KRitchie_85) <a href="https://twitter.com/KRitchie_85/statuses/468592474915872768">May 20, 2014</a>
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<p>Despite the Gamecocks' desperate need for defensive ends, Ritchie was unlikely to see the field in 2014. At 6'5, 210 pounds, it was going to be a long-term project to turn him into an SEC-ready lineman. This may end up working out pretty well for all parties involved because South Carolina needed to offload some scholarships and Ritchie could benefit from some game experience against collegiate competition.</p>
<p>Even though Ritchie seems certain that he'll sign with the Gamecocks again in 2016, nothing in recruiting is guaranteed. South Carolina has had a run of JUCO placements in the past several years that ended up not working out for one reason or another. The Gamecocks don't have very many upperclassmen defensive ends and have a chance to sign a deep and talented class of pass-rushers in 2015. Ritchie might not like the look of the depth chart when it comes time to experience signing his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/national">National</a> Letter of Intent for the first time... again.</p>
<p>Assuming that former walk-ons <span>Sidney Rhodes</span> and <span>Connor McLaurin</span> will have their free rides renewed, Ritchie's enrollment in junior college represents South Carolina's break-even point on scholarships promised versus scholarships available. That means the Gamecock football team has officially escaped the NCAA-mandated scholarship reduction stemming from the violations that occurred at The Whitney Hotel and with the recruitment of <span>Damiere Byrd</span>.</p>
<p>Let's party.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/5/20/5734710/kalan-ritchie-south-carolina-junior-college-georgia-military-collegeConnor Tapp2014-02-18T15:38:18-05:002014-02-18T15:38:18-05:00South Carolina's five biggest recruiting wins for 2014<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://southcarolina.247sports.com/Article/Dexter-Wideman-was-the-biggest-recruiting-win-for-USC-in-2014-177985">South Carolina's five biggest recruiting wins for&nbsp;2014</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>The Big Spur broke down the Gamecocks' five most important recruiting victories in the 2014 class in this free feature.</p></p></div>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/18/5423412/south-carolinas-five-biggest-recruiting-wins-for-2014Connor Tapp2014-02-13T00:32:00-05:002014-02-13T00:32:00-05:00Which Recruits Will Impact Offense in 2014?
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<p>Other than at h-back and fullback, the Gamecocks are unlikely to play true freshmen on offense in 2014.</p> <p>This post continues our <a href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/8/5388656/national-signing-day-2014-where-can-this-years-class-help-in-2014">discussion </a>of which 2014 recruits have a chance to make an impact right away. Today, we're talking about offense. Given that we have a lot of returning talent on offense, it's less likely that you'll see true freshmen making a big impact on that side of the ball. The same was true last year, though, and <span>Pharoh Cooper</span> still ended up being a difference-maker with a big performance against Clemson, albeit in the unconventional wildcat role. Is there a Cooper in this year's class? Let's take a look.</p>
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<p><b>Quarterback</b></p>
<p id="paragraph7" class="pgh-paragraph">It's unlikely that QB commit Michael Scarnecchia will play this year. Steve Spurrier has emphasized that the job is Dylan Thompson's to lose, and if Thompson loses it to anybody, it's going to be <span>Connor Mitch</span> or <span>Brendan Nosovitch</span>, not Scarnecchia. Scarnecchia isn't going to back down from competition, though, as he revealed in his <a href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/11/5400286/michael-scarnecchia-senior-highlights-south-carolina-quarterback">interview </a>with our colleague Connor Tapp:</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph">"But it's not really enough for me," Scarnecchia says. "Getting that offer and signing, it's great and everything. But it's just in the past now. I'm really working to get that starting job when I'm up there in my first couple of years and I'm just going to work for it."</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph">Take this with a grain of salt because I'm not a scout and haven't watched the kid workout, but from seeing his video highlights, you can tell why Coach Spurrier liked him so much. He's tall yet moves in the pocket well, has a cannon for an arm and puts the ball where it needs to be, and makes good decisions. If he's coachable, you could easily see how he might be a good QB for us down the road.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Runningback</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">One freshman who might play early on offense is Joe Blue, who the Gamecocks recruited as a fullback. The two players who saw time at the position last year were walk-ons Connor McLaurin and, sparingly, Garrison Gist. Neither played much as Carolina generally ran out of the shotgun with one back when <span>Connor Shaw</span> was at QB. The coaches ran the I-formation more when Thompson played, so you may see the fullback get back onto the field more often this season. With all due respect to McLaurin, who looked good blocking when he got the chance, Blue may give us talent at the position that we haven't had in recent years. He's a hard hitter who should be a good lead-blocker, and he's a legitimate running and catching threat after playing tailback at Dillon. After watching LSU and UGA get big plays from fullbacks with running ability over the past couple of years, I'm curious to see if Spurrier can get similar results out of a player like Blue.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Another player to watch for in a similar role is <span>Kevin Crosby</span>, who the <a href="http://southcarolina.247sports.com/Article/Kevin-Crosby-will-play-H-back-for-Gamecocks-172444">coaches may use </a>as an h-back similar to how <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> was used in 2010. As you'll recall, in 2010 we had some formations with Garcia lined up in the shotgun and DiMarco lined up behind the offensive line as an h-back. You can see DiMarco make several key blocks for <span>Marcus Lattimore</span> out of these formations in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HeTQBMoSRI">highlights </a>of the UGA game from that year. DiMarco was also a receiving threat. We haven't run out of these formations much since then, but clearly, it's something our coaches would be interested in doing with the right personnel. Crosby provides that option.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">It's safe to say, in any event, that you're likely to see more FB/h-back looks this year than we have since 2010.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Offensive Line</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">As with QB, you generally don't see offensive linemen make a big impact in their true freshmen seasons. Just as QBs need time to learn complex college offenses, linemen need time to fill out physically. Having to press a lineman on the field too early is usually a sign of poor planning by the coaches. Thankfully, Carolina returns four starters on the line next season along with several good depth guys. The Gamecocks did sign two good guard prospects in Donnell Stanley and Malik Young. Stanley was among the nation's top prospects at the position, while Young rose in the rankings late in the process and is a sleeper favorite. Both should redshirt this year, though.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Wide Receiver/Tight End<br></b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Even with the loss of <span>Bruce Ellington</span>, the Gamecocks return no shortage of talent at wide receiver and tight end. Rory "Busta" Anderson and <span>Jerrell Adams</span> return at end and should see an increased role in the offense with Thompson understand center, as Thompson aggressively works the middle of the field more so than Shaw did. At receiver, likely starters will be <span>Shaq Roland</span> at split end ("x"), <span>Damiere Byrd</span> at flanker ("z"), and Pharoh Cooper at slot. Nick Jones will also likely compete for substantial playing time. Jones has played flanker when he's seen the field, and given that Byrd is adept at all three positions, you may see Roland, Jones, and Byrd lineups oftentimes, as well. <span>Shamier Jeffery</span>, <span>Kwinton Smith</span>, and <span>K.J. Brent</span> also look to compete for playing time; all three have shown potential but haven't been able to break into the starting lineup given the logjam of receivers we've had lately. As much as we've lacked a <span>Sidney Rice</span>- or Alshon Jeffery-esque star at receiver over the past couple of years, we've been very solid. I can't really think of notable poor plays by these guys last year, and it's impressive that we able to weather Roland's suspension without missing too much of a beat.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">With such a loaded depth chart at receiver, it seems unlikely that any of our incoming recruits will see the field much this year. We do bring in some good talent at the position, though. Tyshun "Deebo" Samuel might be the most likely to see the field early. Samuel was ignored by the recruiting services early on because he didn't earn a qualifying score until late in the process, but after doing so and receiving an offer from Carolina that he promptly accepted, he was given a <a href="http://southcarolina.247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/Commits">92 rating by 247</a>. That's the same as what the better-known Shaq Davidson received, and Samuel comes in as a bit more polished receiver than Davidson because Davidson spent most of his high-school career at QB. Still, the most likely place for Samuel to see the field as a freshman is as a return man, where he excelled in high school. As for Davidson, he has a bright future but could use a year to put on weight and continue learning the receiver position. Kalan Ritchie comes in as a TE recruit, although there's been some talk of moving him to defense. .</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">While none of these guys is likely to be a major cog in the 2014 offense, they could play a big role in 2015. The Gamecocks lose Byrd, Jones, and Anderson to graduation, while Adams and especially Roland may opt for the draft if they have good seasons. It was important to rebuild the lower tier of the depth chart at receiver this cycle, and we did that with some excellent prospects.</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/13/5403486/national-signing-day-2014-south-carolina-instant-impact-offenseGamecock Man2014-02-08T00:04:12-05:002014-02-08T00:04:12-05:00Which Recruits Will Impact 2014 on Defense?
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<p>South Carolina addressed pressing immediate needs at corner and defensive end while building depth linebacker and safety.</p> <p>With a hat tip to the great <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2014/2/6/5383414/missouri-football-national-signing-day-results-recap">Bill C.</a> for this post idea, let's talk about where this year's defensive class fits into our 2014 plans. In short, Carolina shored up on highly rated prospects where needed, although academic concerns among our defensive end recruits may eventually put a damper on the enthusiasm.</p>
<p><b>Defensive End</b></p>
<p>South Carolina heads into 2014 with the most uncertainty at defensive end since 2009, the year Devin Taylor was a true freshman. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138017/jadeveon-clowney">Jadeveon Clowney</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78901/chaz-sutton">Chaz Sutton</a> will be gone. Strong-side end and stalwart run-stopper <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138030/gerald-dixon">Gerald Dixon</a> returns after a promising 2013 campaign and is the favorite to hold down one side of the line. However, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158514/darius-english">Darius English</a> is the only other returner who has had significant playing time, and his inability to put on weight so far makes it unclear whether he'll ever be useful as more than a situational pass rusher.</p>
<p>The good news is that Carolina nabbed commitments from three defensive ends, including two four-star prospects. Those three players are Dante Sawyer, Dexter Wideman, and Jhaustin Thomas. Sawyer and Wideman were among the nation's best prospects at their position, while Thomas was a standout performer in the junior-college ranks after failing to qualify academically at Carolina out of high school. These players are all needed to come in and compete for playing time right away. Sawyer and Wideman are players who could be four-year starters given the depth-chart situation they're walking into, while Thomas has the potential to give Dixon a run for his money on the strong side.</p>
<p>The bad news here is that Sawyer and Wideman both have work to do to qualify academically. It's extremely important that at least one of them makes it in. Both might be too much to ask for.</p>
<p><b>Defensive Tackle</b></p>
<p>The Gamecocks lost one of their best players in DT Kelcy Quarles, but Carolina returns a solid depth chart at tackle. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116192/j-t-surratt">J.T. Surratt</a> will start at one tackle position after good sophomore and junior campaigns. Gerald Dixon, Jr. and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138033/phillip-dukes">Phillip Dukes</a> also have a decent amount of experience, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199845/kelsey-griffin">Kelsey Griffin</a> was highly rated out of high school. Someone should emerge out of that group as a solid partner for Surratt, with depth to spare.</p>
<p>Still, particularly considering that it's considered a developmental position given the physical rigors of playing on the interior in the SEC, it's always good to bring in a tackle or two per class. Carolina did that via <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207551/blake-mcclain">Blake McClain</a> and Abu Lamin. McClain likely needs some time in Carolina's S&C program before he'll be ready to contribute, but Lamin comes from a JUCO program and is more physically mature. As an early enrollee, Lamin will also have the opportunity to begin acclimating himself this spring. Carolina doesn't absolutely need him to contribute, but the potential for playing time is there if he's as good as advertised.</p>
<p><b>Linebacker</b></p>
<p>Linebacker was the big position of need heading into 2013. Carolina graduated its entire two-deep after 2012 and relied on a group of RS and true freshmen at MIKE and WILL and an unheralded RS junior at spur throughout the 2013 campaign. While there were growing pains, the unit improved over the course of the season and will be considered a position of strength heading into 2014.</p>
<p>Given the crowded depth chart, Carolina only took one linebacker in this class, Bryson Allen-Williams. (Joe Blue is listed as an ILB but was recruited to play fullback.) BAW doesn't have to be a star right away, but as the jewel of this class, he may be hard to keep off the field. It's going to take a strong showing to supplant 2013 frosh star <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199787/skai-moore">Skai Moore</a> at WILL, but I wouldn't be surprised to see BAW take the second spot on the depth chart quickly. I'm also wondering if the coaching staff considers putting BAW on the line in the rabbit package. BAW played end a lot in high school and has the look of an Eric Norwood-like tweener who can make plays from either OLB or DE.</p>
<p><b>Safety</b></p>
<p>As with linebacker, safety is another position where Carolina had some question marks heading into 2013 but looks more solid looking ahead to 2014. The Gamecocks return all four players on the two-deep from last season. There's no established star power, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132097/brison-williams">Brison Williams</a> has been a consistently reliable player, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158522/chaz-elder">Chaz Elder</a> showed a lot of potential in his RS frosh season last year. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158524/t-j-gurley">T.J. Gurley</a> showed a lot of potential in 2012 but struggled coming back from injury last year. He should be readier to go in 2014. J.J. Marcus has a lot of the athletic qualities you want at his position and could be solid if he cuts down on mental mistakes.</p>
<p>The Gamecocks still, though, picked up a couple of good prospects at safety in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">D.J. Smith</a> and Darin Smalls. Neither player is likely to be pressed into service too quickly, but with Williams and Marcus graduating next season, it was important to begin rebuilding the depth chart.</p>
<p><b>Cornerback</b></p>
<p>Along with defensive end, this was the other immediate position of need where new recruits might be expected to play a significant role in 2014. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78880/jimmy-legree">Jimmy Legree</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116172/victor-hampton">Victor Hampton</a> will both be gone after having gotten the lion's share of snaps the past two seasons. Last year's third corner, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138013/ahmad-christian">Ahmad Christian</a>, is also gone. That leaves <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158511/rico-mcwilliams">Rico McWilliams</a> as the only player returning who has had gotten any considerable playing time. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199789/ali-groves">Ali Groves</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199795/ronnie-martin">Ronnie Martin</a> are other players who may be capable of being reliable.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Carolina closed on an excellent cornerback class comprised of Wesley Green, Chris Lammons, and Al Harris, Jr. Green should step onto campus as the best cover corner we have, and Lammons and Harris also have excellent upside. Expect Green to start on one side of the field. McWilliams will likely start on the other, but don't be surprised if Lammons or Harris push for playing time, too.</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/8/5388656/national-signing-day-2014-where-can-this-years-class-help-in-2014Gamecock Man2014-02-07T07:01:01-05:002014-02-07T07:01:01-05:00South Carolina Signing Day Superlatives
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<p>The Gamecocks finished with a top 15 recruiting class. Which players will be making an immediate impact on the field and in your heart?</p> <h4>Most Likely to Start Against Texas A&M</h4>
<p>South Carolina returns exactly one scholarship cornerback who worked at that position in 2013. Sure, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199801/jamari-smith">Jamari Smith</a> will move over from running back and safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132097/brison-williams">Brison Williams</a> will get some work in coverage during spring practice, but that's the extent of the help that rising sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158511/rico-mcwilliams">Rico McWilliams</a> will get in 2014. Or at least that was the case until the Gamecocks went out and signed four cornerbacks, three of which were rated four stars.</p>
<p>Wesley Green of Lithona (Ga.) Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, ranked the No. 16 cornerback in the 2014 class, is the most highly regarded of South Carolina's defensive back signees and will have a chance to compete for a starting job right away. Of course, fellow four-star true freshmen corners <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">D.J. Smith</a> and Chris Lammons will have a say in whether or not Green takes the field against the Aggies on Aug. 28, as will Al Harris, Jr., son of dreadlocked former Pro-Bowler Al Harris, Sr.</p>
<h4>Most Likely to Succeed</h4>
<p>Bryson Allen-Williams probably won't start in his first game as a South Carolina Gamecock, but he is virtually a lock to have a great career in the garnet and black. Allen-Williams, the No. 8 outside linebacker in the 2014 class, is the most highly-rated player in South Carolina's signing class, but the Gamecocks' depth at linebacker means that he'll have to beat out an established starter like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/199787/skai-moore">Skai Moore</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158525/kaiwan-lewis">Kaiwan Lewis</a> to make his way onto the field as at his most natural position. Bryson, however, does have the ability to put his hand on the ground and rush the passer, so he could end up seeing the field as a freshman in third-and-long situations or on special teams.</p>
<p>Even if he fails to make an impact as true freshman, the 6'1, 222-pound prospect is too talented and too driven to be kept off the field for long. Even considering the talent already on hand, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Allen-Williams isn't making a major contribution by 2015.</p>
<h4>Most Likely to Outperform His Recruiting Ranking</h4>
<p>Tyshun "Deebo" Samuel had the second-lowest 247Sports Composite index rating of any player in South Carolina's 2014 recruiting class, but he did have one outlier projection. 247Sports rated Samuel as a four-star player and had him ranked above Shaq Davidson. The 5'11, 180-pound wideout played his high school ball in the small South Carolina town of Inman, so it's quite understandable how he might have been overlooked nationally. Aside from the Gamecocks, Deebo's only BCS offers came from Maryland, UNC, Vanderbilt, and N.C. State.</p>
<h4>Most Likely to Follow <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10824/melvin-ingram">Melvin Ingram's</a> Career Arc</h4>
<p>Prior to being taken No. 18 in the 2012 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> and earning unanimous All-America honors in his senior year at South Carolina, Melvin Ingram had bounced around from position to position before finally finding a home at defensive end. Ingram broke through as a pass-rush specialist in 2010 before bursting onto the national scene with an incredible 2011. Of the Gamecocks' 2014 signees, three-star tight end Kalan Ritchie seems most likely to follow this career trajectory.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons is that Steve Spurrier is already planning to move the 6'5, 210-pound prospect to defensive end. The Goose Creek, S.C. native will need to add a considerable amount of weight to be a viable SEC defensive lineman, but Ritchie's has the frame and quickness that would allow him to put on many pounds of additional weight. Even though South Carolina has big needs to fill at defensive end in 2014, Ritchie is a developmental prospect and is at least a year or two out from being a productive SEC defensive lineman.</p>
<h4>Most Likely to Be Your New Favorite Interviewee</h4>
<p>Southern accents can be obnoxious. They can be loud and piercing. The kind that you associate with television caricatures of <i>being southern</i> that prompt you to go to go out of your way to explain that <i>most people aren't really like that</i> to your cultured yankee friends. Then there are those adorable drawls that are spoken with barely parted lips. Donell Stanley has one of those. He also values adorable things such as staying close to home, South Carolina's academic program, and remaining open to the possibility of playing defense if that's what the coaches want him to do. All of these things can be witnessed in this video.</p>
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<h4>Most Likely To Be On A Horse</h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3971693/7_980435.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="7_980435" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971693/7_980435_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1391749118513"><i> Donell Stanley, No. 10 offensive guard, four-star prospect (<a href="http://247sports.com/Article/Stanley-Superstar-From-Small-Town-137834" target="_blank">photo via 247Sports</a>)</i></p>
<h4>Most Likely To Wear A Cowboy Hat</h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971743/donell-stanley-2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Donell-stanley-2_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971743/donell-stanley-2_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1391749809838"><i> Donell Stanley, No. 10 offensive guard, four-star prospect (<a href="http://sportstalksc.com/index.php/2013/09/27/stanley-ready-to-finalize-his-decison/" target="_blank">photo via SportsTalk</a>)</i></p>
<h4>Most Likely To Be On A Horse While Wearing A Cowboy Hat</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3971767/FjoSaoY.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3971767/FjoSaoY_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Fjosaoy_medium"></a> <br id="1391750325631"><i>Donell Stanley, No. 10 offensive guard, four-star prospect (artist rendering)</i></p>
<h4>Most Likely To Befriend A Woodland Creature</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3971549/Screen_Shot_2014-02-06_at_10.00.28_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3971549/Screen_Shot_2014-02-06_at_10.00.28_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2014-02-06_at_10"></a> <br id="1391746634347"><i>Taylor Stallworth, No. 49 defensive tackle, three-star prospect</i></p>
<h4>Least Likely to Take Meaningful Reps for South Carolina Because He Committed to Tennessee</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971863/12349342365_ea2b7a6f10_b.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3971863/12349342365_ea2b7a6f10_b_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="12349342365_ea2b7a6f10_b_medium"></a> <br id="1391756183887"><i>Derrell Scott, No. 126 player in the 2014 class, signed with Tennessee (photo credit Student Sports)</i></p>
<h4>Non-Dreadlocked Player Most Likely to End Career with Dreadlocks</h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971895/8635701212_f04739907f_b.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="8635701212_f04739907f_b_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971895/8635701212_f04739907f_b_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1391759174810"><i>Al Harris, Jr., aka Dreadlocks, Jr., No. 44 cornerback, three-star prospect (photo credit Student Sports)</i></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3971815/121606055.0.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3971815/121606055.0_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="121606055"></a> <br id="1391754083501"><i>Al Harris, Sr. aka Dreadlocks, Sr., father of Al Harris, Jr., hence the whole junior/senior thing (Ed Sczcezpanski, Getty Images)</i><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif"></p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/7/5384328/south-carolina-national-signing-day-rankings-superlatives-2014Connor Tapp2014-02-06T10:27:40-05:002014-02-06T10:27:40-05:00The South Carolina Recruiting Constellation
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<img alt="OH MY GOD" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZRqoRlyLROmDWIazpIQT9hMwW20=/0x16:578x401/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28175425/spurriergolfmap.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>OH MY GOD</figcaption>
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<p>HBC's got a strategy.</p> <p>Perhaps you've seen Good Bull Hunting's delicious <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goodbullhunting.com/2014/2/5/5384692/2014-national-signing-day-map-sec-recruiting-geography">interactive SEC recruiting map</a>. We at GABA highly recommend you go play around with it and enjoy its majesty. Perhaps in doing so you'll notice what I did: South Carolina's recruits plot out in a curious manner:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3967655/Screen_Shot_2014-02-06_at_10.01.34_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3967655/Screen_Shot_2014-02-06_at_10.01.34_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2014-02-06_at_10"></a> <br id="1391699647080"></p>
<p>Maybe I'm a bit of a closet conspiracy theorist, but something struck me as downright deliberate about this layout. As one might expect, we see a cluster of South Carolina recruits and a decent confluence of Atlanta area players. A few from northern Florida, one from southern Florida. Then we see a few outliers: Taylor Stallworth from Alabama, Jhaustin Thomas from a Texas JUCO and Abu Lamin from a Kansas City JUCO. These three form a westward dogleg (!) that, stitched with the typical eastern cluster, resembles something. Something familiar. Where have I seen this shape before?</p>
<p>After a few minutes of focused study and prayer, it hit me like a barrage of range balls:</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/GBHunting">@GBHunting</a>'s recruiting map a.) rules and b.) reveals that SC recruits via Spurrier Backswing constellation pattern: <a href="http://t.co/8vcrvMAYv6">pic.twitter.com/8vcrvMAYv6</a></p>
— Jorge (@Jorge_Stevens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jorge_Stevens/statuses/431443655887314944">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></p>
<p>And to think HBC is criticized for not having enough of a hand in recruiting. To that I say balderdash! Spurrier Recruiting Truthers Unite! It's all a lie! Clowney was a Venusian! The 5-peat was staged! They're putting Coors heavy in the drinking supply! <i>THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE AND SO FORTH!</i></p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/6/5385966/the-south-carolina-recruiting-constellationJorge De Los Gallos2014-02-06T09:36:53-05:002014-02-06T09:36:53-05:00HBC's signing day presser, via Google Translate
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<img alt=""We won 11 games out of seven."" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_S6_mH6gE9Phz_YBhYNny7XtFkc=/0x8:600x408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28171939/gyi0062456191.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"We won 11 games out of seven." | Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>"To fill in some of the lost ones is essential feel good."</p> <p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph0">Comments from Steve Spurrier's National Signing Day 2014 press conference, translated to various languages and back. <a href="http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020514aac.html" target="_blank">Source material.</a></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Opening Statement:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(English to Marathi to English):</i></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2">"Gamecocks good. We really an outstanding group of players we have signed today by the us believe. We will have to wait outside as we still have not signed the one out there. We believe other than those addressed a lot of needs. Gamecocks all know, as we Jadaveon Clowney, Chaz Sutton and defensive linemen Kelcy Quarles lost three starts. I think we have seven defensive linemen. The second requirement defensive back, defensive corner Victor Hampton and Jimmy Legree, especially with a senior and leaving early, we were required to change the players. We next year, we came in there that will play in four or five defensive team is required to return the type of guys who have picked up. And we have eight guys on offense when we, at Connor Shaw to play Bruce Ellington, Ronald and Patrick are the best quarterback to fill in some of the lost ones is essential feel good. We have an excellent player and we have to replace it in the field of Dylan Thompson. Overall, I think it's really good class and we are thrilled with all the guys we think they are fit very well. We have the opportunity to have this success here in South Carolina."</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">On if he was recruiting players who can come in and contribute this fall:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(English to Italian to Swedish to Gujarati to Arabic to Welsh to English):</i></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2">"Maybe we have a lot of good players. Last year we had a young team in the first part of the football. And whenever they leave the house and the four players on the same team, so we had four elderly. Some opportunities for students to play one of them in the coming year, I can play a good chance it is not."</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">On getting some guys to choose South Carolina on the last day:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(English to Hungarian to Simplified Chinese to Maori to English):</i></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2">"The signing of the power class. And, in the paper and sent us to the signing. Is not always the case. Many times, these other guys in the end, I do not know the way to go, but we are very happy with these players and arrows, he decided to come to us too."</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">On recruiting in-state players:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(English to Lao to Bulgarian to Zulu to Czech to Haitian Creole to English):</i></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2">"I think it's always important to put the best musicians in the state, CLEMSON certainly share. This may be the reason why we won 11 games out of seven, as we have in the back. When you get to the game in the country, then, you can go to the edge, like Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, which is a very good player. We have it in our country. Two schools in South Carolina and CLEMSON] Top 10 for two years, two schools did well. Point of sale is a good thing for our country.*"</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph"><i>*Note: For some reason, Clemson was translated in all caps along the way. Conspiracy!</i></p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014-south-carolina-football-recruiting-news/2014/2/6/5385792/steve-spurriers-signing-day-presser-via-google-translateJorge De Los Gallos2014-02-05T23:57:39-05:002014-02-05T23:57:39-05:00Gamecocks among National Signing Day's Big Winners
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<figcaption>Streeter Lecka</figcaption>
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<p>Gamecocks close strong in 2014 recruiting cycle.</p> <p>When National Signing Day began, South Carolina had the 22nd-best class in the nation according to <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/CompositeTeamRankings">247Sports</a>. When it ended, the Gamecocks sported the fifteenth-best class. Behind only Southern Cal and Michigan St., Carolina's meteoric rise was good for the third-best such jump among classes that finished in the top 25. On a day when many of our rivals failed to close as well as they had hoped, this has to be considered a major success for Carolina.</p>
<p>Keying Carolina's success was a clean sweep on the targets we remained in contention for coming into the day while not losing any of our commitments to other schools. Those uncommitted prospects were Dexter Wideman, Wesley Green, and Chris Lammons. All three chose to sign for Carolina. This was what most recruiting experts expected to happen, although there was some uncertainty regarding whether Lammons might choose Wisconsin. When you look around the country, though, you see many examples of programs getting surprising bad news today. Considering that each of these three players was heavily recruited by big-time programs, it's no mean feat that we managed to close with all of them. There are no guarantees until the letter is signed. The Gamecocks also enjoyed a somewhat surprising commitment from DL Blake McClain, which ended up being the cherry on top of an excellent finish.</p>
<div class="pullquote">You certainly shouldn't let your friendly neighborhood Dawgs fan tell you that Mark Richt let Carolina win these battles.</div>
<p>Multiple positive storylines pop out at me for this year's recruiting cycle. First of all, Carolina continued its success in getting top prospects from South Carolina to attend the state's flagship university. Carolina signed five of the state's top ten players according to <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/RecruitRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=SC">247Sports. </a>Other than Poona Ford, whose recruitment could only be described as bizarre, the Gamecocks got the players they wanted, too. There has been much debate regarding the Gamecocks' coaches' reasons for not pursuing <span class="sbn-auto-link">Christian Miller</span>, Jacob Park, and Mason Rudolph, but the coaches didn't feel these players were good fits for the program. They signed the players they felt they needed. Given this staff's track record in recent years, I trust their judgment.</p>
<p>Wideman's commitment was particularly telling. Up until recently, Carolina fans had witnessed many years of the Gamecocks losing prospects of Wideman's caliber to programs like FSU. Now, though, the Gamecocks keep the players from South Carolina that they want at home, even when the national champs come calling.</p>
<p>Another story was Carolina's continued success in the Peach State. The Gamecocks went into Georgia and signed several bluechip prospects. They went toe-to-toe with with UGA for some of these recruits, too. You certainly shouldn't let your friendly neighborhood Dawgs fan tell you that Mark Richt let Carolina win these battles. The Dawgs rolled out the red carpet for Bryson Allen-Williams and Wesley Green, but that didn't stop Carolina from earning the services of these young men. Among things that prove the sea change that's occurred with USC football over the last four years, our new-found ability to beat UGA for Georgia prospects has to be high on the list.</p>
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<p>This class is not only full of highly rated players but also fulfills several needs. Heading into 2014, the Gamecocks' most pressing needs are undoubtedly defensive end and cornerback. The Gamecocks brought in players who could help quickly at those positions, particularly in Wideman and Dante Sawyer at end and Green and Lammons at corner. My impression is that Sawyer and Green are the most mature players in this group and the most likely to press for early playing time, but each of our commits at these positions will get his chance given the wide open depth charts they face. I'm really looking forward to watching Green, who projects as an excellent pure corner and should be able eventually to fill the spot once held by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116172/victor-hampton">Victor Hampton</a> and Stephon Gilmore. Green isn't the only talented corner to sign in this class either; with five players coming in at the position, this year's class provides a lot of potential for future defenders of Carolina's DBU moniker.</p>
<p>Carolina also signed an excellent receiver class. While receiver isn't a position of need for next year, it likely will be the following year. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138014/damiere-byrd">Damiere Byrd</a> and Nick Jones are entering their senior seasons, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158509/shaq-roland">Shaq Roland</a> may consider foregoing his senior eligibility if he has a breakout season. Shaq Davidson headlines a group of incoming players at the position who can carry on the torch into 2015.</p>
<p>As usual, Carolina also recruited some solid prospects at the developmental positions along the interior. Carolina continues to manage to balance the need to build depth at those positions while still picking up enough highly rated prospects to finish highly in the rankings. Not every program in the recruiting top 25 manages to do that.</p>
<p>In short, this was an excellent day for the Gamecocks. Carolina is rightfully being <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5384072/national-signing-day-2014-recap-winners-losers-surprises">recognized </a>for its scintillating finish on National Signing Day. Fresh off a top-five finish in the national rankings and with another group of highly touted prospects in tow, the future has never looked brighter for South Carolina football.</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/2/5/5384954/national-signing-day-2014-south-carolina-gamecocks-among-big-winnersGamecock Man