This is something we wrote for SouthernPigskin.com and wanted to publish on our Gamecocks Blog. The point of this blog posting is to give you ten USC Gamecocks players to watch out for in 2011 as they are keys to USC repeating as champions of the SEC East.
Here are ten players that are clutch for USC’s chances in 2011:
QB Stephen Garcia – 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. He must continue to mature especially on the mental side of college football. If he continues to develop, SC will continue their dominance.
RB Marcus Lattimore – You just can not talk about USC’s chances with talking about Lattimore. Following an initial college season in which he rushed for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns, while catch 28 passes for more than 400 yards and two scores. He is the consensus National Freshman of the Year, in addition to several All-American teams, he could become a candidate for the Heisman Trophy if he steps up in 2011 and USC feeds him the reps. Teams in 2011 will look to shut him down, so the key his ability to overcome the pressures both on and off the field.
WR Alshon Jeffery – Best collegiate receiver opening the season in 2011, which means he has to step up and live up to the billing. As a sophomore Jeffery finished the season with 88 catches for 1,513 yards and nine touchdowns. In his career, he has 134 career catches for 2,280 yards and 15 scores. Continue this pace and USC could be seen in Atlanta again and he could be a Top 10 NFL pick.
C T.J. Johnson — The team’s top lineman, Johnson will have to step up and play an even larger leadership role as the anchor of the line. He knows, just like everyone, that the key to the Spurrier offense is a quality line that can pass block and create running lanes. 2011 success rests on the shoulders of the line.
OT Kaleb Broome – Enrolled in college in January but already being targeted to step up in 2011 to help establish a solid offensive line. Broome was a Junior College All-American and now is expected to translate those talents to make immediate impact on the line.
DT Kelcy Quarles — The former Parade All-American has the potential to play immediately on the defensive front alongside Robertson and Taylor. Will be looked upon to be the type defensive tackle that disrupts opposing offenses.
CB Stephon Gilmore — Although he led the team in tackles and interceptions, some believed the sophomore regressed in 2010. He needs a stellar junior season and emerge as the leader of a revamped secondary.
LB Shaq Wilson — After leading the team in tackles in 2009, he missed the 2010 campaign with an injured hamstring. His leadership will be imperative for the success of the team. The linebacking corp has to be better as they are the key to an Ellis Johnson coached defense.
DT Travian Robertson — A starter since the day he arrived on campus, he will have to be the run-stopper the Gamecocks need on the line.
DE Jadeveon Clowney – going out on a limb and claiming he will sign with USC over Alabama, FSU and Ohio State (just to name a few). If I happen to be right, then every opposing quarterback and offensive coordinator on the South Carolina schedule has to take notice. Clowney is a special player that will cause havoc for three years before his NFL career. Look for him to claim the other DE spot, opposite Devin Taylor, and look for him to be a force for Carolina.
The above represents the key ingredients to a SEC East title run for South Carolina and why many pundits have USC ranked high going into the new season. If the players profiled above do their job and the Gamecocks get some luck along the way then Coach Spurrier will claim the East once again.
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