The University of South Carolina Football team resumed Spring Practice this week and now is the week to begin to get serious about doing the necessary things to improve as a team as the start of college football will be here before we know it. With the spring drills and upcoming spring game around the corner, let’s take a look at “5 Gamecocks on Offense with the Most to Prove this Spring.”
1. QB Stephen Garcia
As I noted last time, all eyes on Spurrier’s gun-slinger this year as he brings experience and has earned some SEC stripes the last two seasons but now it is time to turn in up a notch. Garcia had 2,862 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2009 in his first full season as the true starter. Everyone knows he is capable of making the passes but what he needs to demonstrate this Spring is leadership. He needs to make this his team and be the emotional leader of the club in 2010.
2. The other USC running backs – Brian Maddox, Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles
These three running backs will be fighting for playing time in a crowded back field with the highly touted Marcus Lattimore coming into the mix in the fall. Much anticipation and excitement surrounds Mr. Lattimore as he is the prize of the recent recruiting class. The time is now for these 3 players to demonstrate to the coaching staff their abilities and justification for playing time. All three have great up-side and accomplished a good deal in 2009 with over 1000 yards and 8 TDs between the them.
3. C TJ Johnson
TJ is making the shift on the offensive line to the center position in 2010. This redshirt sophomore is highly talented as evidenced in his All-SEC Freshman team selection in 2009 but now some extra responsibilities are being given to him going into the season. How will he adjust? Will he and the QB find the groove and timing? Just a few of the questions that will be flushed out and answered as this guy is the right one to assume the role of leader on the offensive line that must improve.
4. WR Tori Gurley
This wideout has pro material written all over him and is continuing to learn the art of being a big time receiver. This redshirt sophomore is part of a great WR corp and opposite the talented WR Alshon Jeffery. Tori had 2 TDs officially in 2009 as he had quite a few called back and over 400 yards receiving last season. He has proven he can play and the coaches have a goal to try to get he and Alshon on the field at the same type to provide excellent options for Garcia. He needs to do the right things this Spring and prove he can be one of the go-to-guys.
5. TE Weslye Saunders
He could be the next USC Gamecocks tight end to find his way into the NFL after Jared Cook did two years ago as Wes Saunders has the potential and talent. Sometimes he let’s his attitude shine a little too bright and needs to continue to do the little things on offense because of his ability to create a huge mis-match in the opposing secondary. Hanging the ego at the door and performing on the field is all he needs to do in 2010. He has 60 receptions for 718 yards and six touchdowns in his career and will continue to build off these numbers in 2010. If he can step it up to go along with the other receiving targets it could bold well for Spurrier’s style of play.
This post above was something I wrote for SouthernPigSkin.com last week (story HERE). Thoughts?
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