This Gamecocks blog recently answered some questions proposed by SouthernPigskin.com writer Ryne Hancock. Here is his questions and our answers on the 2011 Gamecocks Recruiting Class –
1. With the Stephen Garcia set graduate next year, what top flight quarterbacks are targeted for this years class?
This is Garcia’s team in 2011. Garcia is coming off a super season as he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, while picking up more than 200 yards rushing and six scores. He even had a touchdown catch. But it is not enough in the eyes of the Gamecock faithful. Entering 2011, the backup Connor Shaw will be given a chance to assume the starting role but in my opinion it is still Garcia’s team in 2011.
With respect to your question on recruiting at the quarterback position, the Gamecocks have targeted Tanner McEvoy to be the man in the future. He has huge upside and is very talented. I feel what appeals Spurrier the most is this kid is a young QB that he can mold. If that proves true and McEvoy acts a sponge, then look out SEC.
2. Although Marcus Lattimore will be in the backfield next season, will the Gamecocks target any running backs for the 2011 season?
The Gamecocks have landed the services of two running backs – Shon Carson and Brandon Wilds – for the 2011 class. Both may end up redshirting in 2011 as it is the Lattimore show but both present good things for Spurrier. Shon Carson is extremely talented and his lots of natural ability. He also wants to play baseball at USC and may be given the shot. Carson runs a 4.4 and could be a good back to relieve Lattimore when he needs a rest.
3. Will there be any any attempts on shoring up the receiving corps?
The Gamecocks currently have three pass catchers in the class with KJ Brent, Damiere Byrd and Shamier Jeffery. Out of those three, the one to really watch in 2011 is Byrd. He is electric and could be a factor now that Tori Gurley opted for the NFL, which opens up a starting spot. All three can stretch the field and have the speed to take it to the house. As usual, Spurrier has reloaded the weapons to catch his play calls.
4. On the defensive side of the ball, who are some of the prospects South Carolina looking at?
The biggest name is Jedeveon Clowney and he is a slight SC lean but everyone in Amercia is after his services. He is a “program changing recruit” that would bold well for the defense in 2011 to be top tier. He is nasty…Just watch this Video.
Along with waiting to hear from Clowney, the Gamecocks are in the lead for Philip Dukes a big DT and another hot commidty on the recruiting trail. Also there is Sheldon Royster out of New Jersey that is a solid recruit for the Gamecocks. He could factor in early in the USC secondary. The Gamecocks have sought out to build depth on the defensive side of the ball. They have Kelcy Quarles already enrolled and he could be a really good on the D line at tackle. He could step in right away. Also they have the Dixon brothers in and they could be really good once they development. USC has also gone out to reload in the secondary with a total of 4 or 5 current commitments ready to go to work. All in all this class may not be flashy with lots of stars but the Gamecocks needed to use the 2011 class to build depth and get quality players in as they already have playmakers. When they do get Clowney, then this will put SC in the top 15 classes for 2011. Without him and they linger around 25.
5. After winning the SEC East, how will that success help recruiting?
It is another selling point for Coach Spurrier along with what he has been saying and that is – “help build something special at South Carolina.” Now he gets to show evidence that he is building and who does not want to be part of something special that is gaining momentum?
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Thanks again to Ryne Hancock for the questions. Do check out his writings on Southernpigskin.com.
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