The South Carolina football team has gone through one week of practice.
Here are just a few quick practice observations:
Alshon is the best WR in the nation.
There is a not a better wide receiver in the nation than Alshon Jeffery. He has been held back a little in practice but when given the chances he still makes one-handed catches look so easy. This future NFL first round draft pick will end up on the All-SEC and All-American lists.
Don’t Worry about emergence of a WR #2.
Going into the fall season, one question was “who would emerge as a viable number two.” Don’t fret as the Gamecocks are good to go in this department. DeAngelo Smith, Damiere Byrd, Ace Sanders, D.L. Moore, Jason Barnes and Bruce Ellington all are doing good things. Each should be able to make plays and force the opposing defenses to respect them enough that they cannot blanket Alshon Jeffery.
The defensive line is the best in college football.
The Gamecocks will field the best defensive line in college football thanks to the likes of Devin Taylor, Melvin Ingram, Travian Robertson, Byron Jerideau, Kelcy Quarles, Kenny Davis, Corey Robinson, J.T. Surratt, Byron McKnight, Chaz Sutton, Aldrick Fordham and Jadeveon Clowney. Accept this notion and don’t worry proof is coming soon.
Speed Unlike Ever Seen at USC
This team is fast. Speed everywhere. Not just at the skill positions but the overall team speed easily makes this the fastest team ever at USC.
Special Teams will be special.
The good news is that first year Coach John Butler continues to show some major improvement with the Special Teams, especially with the Kickoff and Punt teams.
Right now it appears the field goal duties will be given to Jay Wooten. He has been drilling everything from 20 to the 45 yards with distance to spare.
The two slots for kickoff return specialists could change be it seems at least one will be DJ Swearinger. Bruce Ellington and Damiere Byrd are getting looks at first unit kick returners also but neither seems to have a grasp on the other slot. Still needs to be determined.
This is going to be the year either on kickoff or punt returns that USC scores a touchdown.
Speaking of punt returns, Stephon Gilmore looks like he will continue, at this time, to be the primary punt return specialist, with Bruce Ellington likely being the number two guy.
In regards to punting duties, it looks like a battle between Joey Scibner-Howard and Patrick Fish, but don’t count out the transfer player
Mike Williamson. Williamson has been booming some punts and has caught the eye of Coach Butler. Will be interesting to see who can secure this slot but whichever gets the nod will put USC in good shape as all three have a strong leg. Odds on favorite is Scribner-Howard.
Stephen Garcia is the best option at QB.
Connor Shaw and Stephen Garcia both threw the ball well. But there is no QB competition. Garcia is the starter.
Coach Spurrier will try to get Shaw in some games to get him some experience for next year but go ahead and accept that USC will have Garcia under center as they make a run at the BCS berth.
Team first, Heisman and National Championship.
Three terms that are being discussed at USC, which is refreshing and exciting. These 2011 Gamecocks are serious about rewriting USC’s football history.
Running back Marcus Lattimore is openly talking about his goal being the Heisman. He knows it means a strong team performance also. He is on a mission and this is the type guy that does not accept failure.
National Championship talk is also circling the Gamecocks which has not happen since 1984. Let’s stop there so no jinxing happens.
Team first is the phrase heard a lot with this squad which for a USC fan is good to hear. This team has a strong bond and this means good things going into SEC battles.
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