Gamecocks Top 20 for ’12: No. 19

NOTE: This South Carolina Gamecocks blog is counting down the Top 20 projected players on South Carolina’s 2012 team. Players are measured on overall importance and expected productivity during the upcoming season.

The basics: A.J. Cann is slated to be a starter at offensive guard and likely on the left side. He is a big body at 6’4″ 309 pounds that was a starter in 2011. The play of the line is crucial in 2012 as winning the trench battles will translate to good things overall. With USC using the zone-read, the play on the inside of the line is vital to success in grinding out necessary yards. 

Rewind: Cann is a sophomore in 2012 and started every game last season. His 2011 contributions led him to be selected as a first-team Freshman All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com, CBSSports.com, FOX SportsNext.com and Phil Steele.

Forecast: Look for him to be a solid contributor and to state a solid case on All-SEC accolades. The rushing attack for USC will feed off the play of A.J. Cann. Meaning good things are in store.

Others in Top 20
– No. 20 – Shaq Roland

{photo credit: The State Newspaper}