Spring Football Preview 2009
Here in the South there are three sports seasons: Football, spring football, baseball.
Well, it is time to strap on the pads, which means the real season is less than 6 months away.
Here in the coverage area of the Report (Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson) we will be looking at what to expect from spring ball, what to watch for position battle wise, and 5 things I think will happen to each team.
I'll start in alphabetical order.
Clemson
The Dabo Swinney era has officially begun at Clemson. This will mark the first spring under Swinney for the Tigers, and I expect some big changes for the orange clad bunch. New defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will look to bring some of that Alabama toughness to the Tiger D, while Billy Napier was promoted to offensive coordinator.
This breeds the two biggest questions for the Tigers: What kind of defense will they run? What type of offense?
If they run the Alabama 3-4-4, it will take away their lack of depth at defensive tackle, but it may expose the youthful, though plentiful, linebacker corp. On offense, will they run the same offense that was brought from Toledo a few years ago by Rob Spence, will they add some wrinkles, or start from scratch.
If I were the coaches, and thank God I'm not, I'd keep the same offense because it appeared to work under Swinney. As far as defense, well, both work, and with Clemson's D-line, I think they can hide their young linebackers regardless what formation they take.
Keep in mind, no mid-year enrolless means that a few spots will be up for grabs, especially the WR and safety position. And keep an eye on QB Tajh Boyd in the fall.
Position Battles
#1 Quarterback: The Tigers will look a little different on offense regardless. Seniors Cullen Harper, James Davis, Tyler Grisham, and Aaron Kelly are gone. Watch one key to be, big surprise here, the quarterback. Willy Korn has been in the program longer, so he has a slight edge over Kyle Parker. Add in baseball season, where Parker can be seen in the outfield of Doug Kingsmore, and it should be Korn pencilled into the #1 spot heading into the fall.
Prediction: Barring a massive meltdown, Korn should win this battle, but will have to fight for it in the fall.
#2 Wide Receiver: Only Jacoby Ford returns as a starter, which opens it up for Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear, Marquan Jones, Brandon Jones, and Jaron Brown to fight for the other two spots.
The Tigers could have one the of the tallest corps, especially if Dye (6'5), Clear (6'5), B. Ford (6'4) or Brown (6'3) take the two other spots. The wildcard could be senior Rendrick Taylor.
Prediction: Look for Jacoby to be the feature guy, Dye should win the possession spot, and Marquan Jones should take the slot.
#3 Backup Runningback: CJ Spiller returning was a huge boost to this squad, but who will be his backup. The Tigers have historically liked using a two back system, and they have two good ones to pick from in Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington. Harper saw the field limited last season, while Ellington redshirted. Harper possess more power, which would complement Spiller, while Ellington has the speed.
Prediction: I see Harper as the number 2 guy. His bulk and limited experience makes him a better suite. Ellington is too good to ride the bench the whole year, and he will see action in blowouts, but looke for Spiller and Harper to be the 1-2 punch.
#4 Defensive backfield: This unit got decimated in the offseason due to graduation. All four 2-deep safeties are gone, as is cornerback Chris Clemons. The Tigers have the bodies, but hardly any experience. Redshirt safeties Spencer Matthews, Rashard Hall, Carlton Lewis, Daniel Andrews, and DeAndre McDaniel will be fighting it out. Corner appears a little more stable with Crezdon Butler, Marcus Gilchrist, Coty Sensabaugh, and Byron Maxwell returning. Keep an eye out for RS Fr. Xavier Brewer as well.
Prediction: At safety, Spencer Matthews should get one spot. He has size, athleticism, and probably could've played last year had the depth not been where it was. The other safety is up in the air, and depends on where they put McDaniel. He should win the spot, but if he switches to linebacker, it could be a platoon job until Fall camp. Butler should hold the one corner spot, and I think Byron Maxwell can get the other.
5 Things that Will Happen
1-Quarterback will be settled going into the fall.
2-The offensive line will improve.
3-The defensive line will be the bedrock of the defense this year.
4-Incoming freshman will challenge in the spring. Especially at wide receiver and safety.
5-The D will be under a 3-4-4 under Steele.
Predicted Post Spring 2 Deep
QB: Willy Korn, Kyle Parker
RB: C.J. Spiller, Jamie Harper
WR: Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear (keep an eye on Bryce McNeal in the fall)
LT: Chris Hairson, Dalton Freeman
LG: Mason Cloy, Wilson Norris
C: Thomas Austin, Ben Ramsey
RG: David Smith, Antoine McClain
RT: Landon Walker, Cory Lambert
TE: Dwayne Allen, Michael Palmer
WR: Marquan Jones, Rendrick Taylor
WR: Jacoby Ford, Brandon Ford
*FB-Chad Diehl
DE: Ricky Sapp, Andre Branch
NG: Jarvis Jenkins, Miguel Chavis
DT: Brandon Thompson, Rennie Moore
DE: DaQuan Bowers, Kevin Alexander
LB: Stanley Hunter, Jeremy Campbell
LB: Brandon Maye, Scotty Cooper
LB: Kavell Connor, Jonathon Williard
CB: Crezdon Butler, Xavier Brewer
S: Spencer Matthews, Carlton Lewis
S: DeAndre McDaniel, Rashard Hall
CB: Byron Maxwell, Marcus Gilchrist
Georgia
Mark Richt has quite the rebuilding job to do. Not only did he lose his three year starter at QB in Matthew Stafford, but also his number one running back in Knowshon Moreno. Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo have quite the job to do.
Luckily, they return their offensive line, and receiver A.J. Green to build around, as well as most of their defense.
Their biggest question is, who will play quarterback? Senior Joe Cox and sophomore Logan Gray have been in the program, but mid-year enrollees Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger look to make a stake for the title of starting QB.
Running back may be a little easier to settle.
Position Battles
#1 Quarterback: As stated above, the guys going for QB all bring different strengths to the table for the Dawgs. Cox brings senority, but doesn't have a lot of game experience. Gray brings athleticism, but also little QB experience. Murray and Mettenberger bring potential from the high school ranks. One thing is for sure, they will have a good Oline to protect them, and a strong safety blanket in Green to throw to.
Prediction: Richt likes to give his seniors a chance. He did it with D.J. Shockley and Joe Tereshinski, which had mixed results. Look for Cox to be the man coming out of spring, but he will be challenged all year.
#2 Runningback: With Moreno gone, it is wide open. Caleb King seems to have an inside edge with game experience, but Dontavius Jackson, Carlton Thomas, and Richard Samuel all will push for the starting job. Jackson is a lot like King in size and speed, while Thomas is the small, pinball style back, and Samuel is the bigger, stronger back. Again, a good Oline makes any RB look good. The question for Georgia is who will look the best?
Prediction: King should win this spot, but I look for Jackson to make a strong run, and don't count out the little guy in Thomas.
#3 WR oppostie Green: Mohammed Massaquoi gave Georgia a second option to take the pressure off Green. Now he is gone, and I think his precense will be missed more than most think. Guys like Mike Moore, Kris Durham, Tavarress King, and Israel Troupe will look to take the job, but don't count out Tony Wilson.
Prediction: I think this is the year Troupe makes the noise he was recruited for back in 2007. King will see action, as will the rest of the Dawg wideouts, but he will be opposite Green most of the time.
Most of the Georgia two-deep is set until next season when they lose some key guys. A big help on D is the return of Geno Atkins and Kade Weston to plug up the middle.
5 Things that Will Happen
1-Defense will dominate this spring for Georgia.
2-One of the two freshman QBs will be on the two deep, while the other redshirts and eventually transfers.
3-Trinton Sturdivant will improve the O-line play.
4-Two Kings will be on the field for some sets. Caleb and Tavarres, will it be a royal flush?
5-Aron White will be the #1 TE will the fall camp starts.
Predicted Post Spring 2 Deep
QB: Joe Cox, Aaron Murray
RB: Caleb King, Dontavius Jackson
FB: Shaun Chapas, Fred Munzenmaier
WR: A.J. Green, Mike Moore
LT: Clint Boling, Kiante Tripp
LG: Cordy Glenn, A.J. Harmon
C: Ben Jones, Kevin Perex
RG: Chris Davis, Dallas Lee
RT: Trinton Sturdivant, Justin Anderson
TE: Aron White, Bryce Ross
WR: Israel Troupe, Tavarress King
DE: Damarcus Dobbs, Justin Houston
DT: Kade Weston, DeAngelo Tyson
DT: Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens
DE: Roderick Battle, Jeremy Longo
LB: Akeem Dent, Christian Robinson
LB: Rennie Curran, Marcus Dowtin
LB: Darryl Gamble, Charles White
CB: Prince Miller, Sanders Commings
S: Reshad Jones, Bacarri Rambo
S: Bryan Evans, John Knox
CB: Brandon Boykin, Vance Cuff
South Carolina
Well, the last two seasons haven't ended the way SC wanted. A true QB has yet to be developed, but this looks to be the season Stephen Garcia finally gets it together. But, the Cocks face a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball, as well as defensive back. On a good note, Spurrier has revamped his coaching staff and brought in six new coaches (Quarterbacks-G.A. Mangus, Defense and corners-Lorenzo Ward, Runningbacks-Jay Graham, Tight ends-Jeep Hunter, O-line and "Running Game Coordinator"-Eric Wolford).
Position Battles
#1-Offensive Line: Consider it wide open this year, again. Go ahead and pencil Garrett Anderson in at starting center, but after that, all bets are off. LT should go to Jarriel King, but you can never tell with a new coach. The guards are wide open, LG should go between Lemuel Jeanpierre, Pierre Andrews, and Kevin Young, while RG is between Terrence Campbell and TJ Johnson. RT could go to a number of players, Kyle Nunn, Hutch Eckerson, or Quinton Richardson could get it. Also, RG Heath Batchelor may return after the spring, and signees Kevious Watkins and Steven Singleton come in this fall. This group may not be settled until week 1 of the season.
Prediction: Look for King, Jeanpierre, Anderson, Johnson, and Richardson to leave the spring, but I expect Watkins and Singleton to see some action, and if Batchelor comes back, he will win the right guard spot.
#2 Defensive back: This group got decimated to attrition. Starting corners Capt. Munnerlyn, Carlos Thomas, and Stoney Woodson are gone, as is safety Emmanuel Cook. It is assumed that Darian Stewart will fill the hole Cook left, but corner is a big question, as is depth. Stephon Gilmore, Addison Williams, CC Whitlock, Akeem Auguste, and Jay Spearman will all be fighting for the two spots. The spur will also change, either Alonzo Winfield, Reggie Bowens, or new guy Tony Straughter. This group may also change with guys like Damario Jeffery, Chris Payne, and Cory Addison coming in this fall. This group probably won't be settled until fall.
Prediction: I see Whitlock and Auguste winning the CB spots. Culliver will hold onto the FS, and Stewart will keep SS with Holloman close behind. Spur will be unanswered until the fall, which could end up being Damario Jeffrey, but Winfield, with his alleged 4.3 speed, should keep it leaving spring.
#3 Running back: Gone is Mike Davis after a four year career, and the door is wide open for anyone. Eric Baker and Brian Maddox have had very little carries in their short careers, but watch out for RS Freshman Kenny Miles, and true freshman Jarvis Giles. I think Miles and Maddox get the top spot, but don't count out Baker, and Giles will play a good bit.
Prediction: I see Miles winning the starting spot, with Maddox being the backup. Baker is going to play, but he will be more situational. Giles will be slowed by an injury, and won't show out until fall camp.
#4 Wide Receiver/Tight end: Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook are gone. Who is going to catch the ball now. Jason Barnes and Moe Brown have shown they can catch, but not on a consistent basis. RS Freshman DL Moore and Tori Gurley (formerly Tori Childers) look to make a statement, as does Matt Clements and Joe Hills. One bright spot is that Dion Lecorn is back. Also, TE Wes Saunders says he is ready to be a main guy. The true playmaker may not be on campus until fall, Alshoun Jeffery.
Prediction: I see Barnes, Lecorn, and Brown being the starting three. Saunders will be the starting TE. I see Joe Hills moving to TE for this year.
#5 Kicker/Punter: Ryan Succop is gone, and that leaves a huge void for the Gamecocks to fill. Spencer Lanning, who punted last year, is the prime candidate, but I think he sticks to punting. The kicker position will come down to two guys, Adam Yates and Eric Davis, both walk-ons.
Prediction: I'm at no liberty to pick the kicker because I haven't seen either of them play.
5 Things that will Happen
1-Garcia will finish the spring.
2-The Defense will be better than last year
3-Kenny Miles will be the starting running back
4-The offense will not be settled going into fall
5-The new coaches will bring more toughness into the program
Post-Spring Depth Chart
QB: Stephen Garcia, Reid McCollom
RB: Kenny Miles, Brian Maddox
WR: Jason Barnes, Tori Gurley
LT: Jarriel King, Hutch Eckerson
LG: Lemuel Jeanpierre, Kevin Young
C: Garrett Anderson, Seaver Brown
RG: TJ Johnson, Terrence Campbell
RT: Quinton Richardson, Kyle Nunn
TE: Wes Saunders, Mike Triglia
WR: Moe Brown, Matt Clements
WR: Dion Lecorn, D.L. Moore
FB: Pat Dimarco, Dustin McElroy
DE: Cliff Matthews, Devin Taylor
DT: Ladi Ajiboye, Melvin Ingram
DT: Nate Pepper, Travian Robertson
DE: Clifton Geathers, Chaz Sutton
LB: Eric Norwood, Josh Dickerson
LB: Rodney Paulk, Shaq Wilson
Spur: Alonzo Winfield, Reggie Bowens
CB: Akeem Auguste, Jay Spearman
S: Darian Stewart, Devonte Holloman
S: Chris Culliver, Antonio Allen
CB: CC Whitlock, Stephon Gilmore
Well, it is time to strap on the pads, which means the real season is less than 6 months away.
Here in the coverage area of the Report (Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson) we will be looking at what to expect from spring ball, what to watch for position battle wise, and 5 things I think will happen to each team.
I'll start in alphabetical order.
Clemson
The Dabo Swinney era has officially begun at Clemson. This will mark the first spring under Swinney for the Tigers, and I expect some big changes for the orange clad bunch. New defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will look to bring some of that Alabama toughness to the Tiger D, while Billy Napier was promoted to offensive coordinator.
This breeds the two biggest questions for the Tigers: What kind of defense will they run? What type of offense?
If they run the Alabama 3-4-4, it will take away their lack of depth at defensive tackle, but it may expose the youthful, though plentiful, linebacker corp. On offense, will they run the same offense that was brought from Toledo a few years ago by Rob Spence, will they add some wrinkles, or start from scratch.
If I were the coaches, and thank God I'm not, I'd keep the same offense because it appeared to work under Swinney. As far as defense, well, both work, and with Clemson's D-line, I think they can hide their young linebackers regardless what formation they take.
Keep in mind, no mid-year enrolless means that a few spots will be up for grabs, especially the WR and safety position. And keep an eye on QB Tajh Boyd in the fall.
Position Battles
#1 Quarterback: The Tigers will look a little different on offense regardless. Seniors Cullen Harper, James Davis, Tyler Grisham, and Aaron Kelly are gone. Watch one key to be, big surprise here, the quarterback. Willy Korn has been in the program longer, so he has a slight edge over Kyle Parker. Add in baseball season, where Parker can be seen in the outfield of Doug Kingsmore, and it should be Korn pencilled into the #1 spot heading into the fall.
Prediction: Barring a massive meltdown, Korn should win this battle, but will have to fight for it in the fall.
#2 Wide Receiver: Only Jacoby Ford returns as a starter, which opens it up for Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear, Marquan Jones, Brandon Jones, and Jaron Brown to fight for the other two spots.
The Tigers could have one the of the tallest corps, especially if Dye (6'5), Clear (6'5), B. Ford (6'4) or Brown (6'3) take the two other spots. The wildcard could be senior Rendrick Taylor.
Prediction: Look for Jacoby to be the feature guy, Dye should win the possession spot, and Marquan Jones should take the slot.
#3 Backup Runningback: CJ Spiller returning was a huge boost to this squad, but who will be his backup. The Tigers have historically liked using a two back system, and they have two good ones to pick from in Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington. Harper saw the field limited last season, while Ellington redshirted. Harper possess more power, which would complement Spiller, while Ellington has the speed.
Prediction: I see Harper as the number 2 guy. His bulk and limited experience makes him a better suite. Ellington is too good to ride the bench the whole year, and he will see action in blowouts, but looke for Spiller and Harper to be the 1-2 punch.
#4 Defensive backfield: This unit got decimated in the offseason due to graduation. All four 2-deep safeties are gone, as is cornerback Chris Clemons. The Tigers have the bodies, but hardly any experience. Redshirt safeties Spencer Matthews, Rashard Hall, Carlton Lewis, Daniel Andrews, and DeAndre McDaniel will be fighting it out. Corner appears a little more stable with Crezdon Butler, Marcus Gilchrist, Coty Sensabaugh, and Byron Maxwell returning. Keep an eye out for RS Fr. Xavier Brewer as well.
Prediction: At safety, Spencer Matthews should get one spot. He has size, athleticism, and probably could've played last year had the depth not been where it was. The other safety is up in the air, and depends on where they put McDaniel. He should win the spot, but if he switches to linebacker, it could be a platoon job until Fall camp. Butler should hold the one corner spot, and I think Byron Maxwell can get the other.
5 Things that Will Happen
1-Quarterback will be settled going into the fall.
2-The offensive line will improve.
3-The defensive line will be the bedrock of the defense this year.
4-Incoming freshman will challenge in the spring. Especially at wide receiver and safety.
5-The D will be under a 3-4-4 under Steele.
Predicted Post Spring 2 Deep
QB: Willy Korn, Kyle Parker
RB: C.J. Spiller, Jamie Harper
WR: Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear (keep an eye on Bryce McNeal in the fall)
LT: Chris Hairson, Dalton Freeman
LG: Mason Cloy, Wilson Norris
C: Thomas Austin, Ben Ramsey
RG: David Smith, Antoine McClain
RT: Landon Walker, Cory Lambert
TE: Dwayne Allen, Michael Palmer
WR: Marquan Jones, Rendrick Taylor
WR: Jacoby Ford, Brandon Ford
*FB-Chad Diehl
DE: Ricky Sapp, Andre Branch
NG: Jarvis Jenkins, Miguel Chavis
DT: Brandon Thompson, Rennie Moore
DE: DaQuan Bowers, Kevin Alexander
LB: Stanley Hunter, Jeremy Campbell
LB: Brandon Maye, Scotty Cooper
LB: Kavell Connor, Jonathon Williard
CB: Crezdon Butler, Xavier Brewer
S: Spencer Matthews, Carlton Lewis
S: DeAndre McDaniel, Rashard Hall
CB: Byron Maxwell, Marcus Gilchrist
Georgia
Mark Richt has quite the rebuilding job to do. Not only did he lose his three year starter at QB in Matthew Stafford, but also his number one running back in Knowshon Moreno. Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo have quite the job to do.
Luckily, they return their offensive line, and receiver A.J. Green to build around, as well as most of their defense.
Their biggest question is, who will play quarterback? Senior Joe Cox and sophomore Logan Gray have been in the program, but mid-year enrollees Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger look to make a stake for the title of starting QB.
Running back may be a little easier to settle.
Position Battles
#1 Quarterback: As stated above, the guys going for QB all bring different strengths to the table for the Dawgs. Cox brings senority, but doesn't have a lot of game experience. Gray brings athleticism, but also little QB experience. Murray and Mettenberger bring potential from the high school ranks. One thing is for sure, they will have a good Oline to protect them, and a strong safety blanket in Green to throw to.
Prediction: Richt likes to give his seniors a chance. He did it with D.J. Shockley and Joe Tereshinski, which had mixed results. Look for Cox to be the man coming out of spring, but he will be challenged all year.
#2 Runningback: With Moreno gone, it is wide open. Caleb King seems to have an inside edge with game experience, but Dontavius Jackson, Carlton Thomas, and Richard Samuel all will push for the starting job. Jackson is a lot like King in size and speed, while Thomas is the small, pinball style back, and Samuel is the bigger, stronger back. Again, a good Oline makes any RB look good. The question for Georgia is who will look the best?
Prediction: King should win this spot, but I look for Jackson to make a strong run, and don't count out the little guy in Thomas.
#3 WR oppostie Green: Mohammed Massaquoi gave Georgia a second option to take the pressure off Green. Now he is gone, and I think his precense will be missed more than most think. Guys like Mike Moore, Kris Durham, Tavarress King, and Israel Troupe will look to take the job, but don't count out Tony Wilson.
Prediction: I think this is the year Troupe makes the noise he was recruited for back in 2007. King will see action, as will the rest of the Dawg wideouts, but he will be opposite Green most of the time.
Most of the Georgia two-deep is set until next season when they lose some key guys. A big help on D is the return of Geno Atkins and Kade Weston to plug up the middle.
5 Things that Will Happen
1-Defense will dominate this spring for Georgia.
2-One of the two freshman QBs will be on the two deep, while the other redshirts and eventually transfers.
3-Trinton Sturdivant will improve the O-line play.
4-Two Kings will be on the field for some sets. Caleb and Tavarres, will it be a royal flush?
5-Aron White will be the #1 TE will the fall camp starts.
Predicted Post Spring 2 Deep
QB: Joe Cox, Aaron Murray
RB: Caleb King, Dontavius Jackson
FB: Shaun Chapas, Fred Munzenmaier
WR: A.J. Green, Mike Moore
LT: Clint Boling, Kiante Tripp
LG: Cordy Glenn, A.J. Harmon
C: Ben Jones, Kevin Perex
RG: Chris Davis, Dallas Lee
RT: Trinton Sturdivant, Justin Anderson
TE: Aron White, Bryce Ross
WR: Israel Troupe, Tavarress King
DE: Damarcus Dobbs, Justin Houston
DT: Kade Weston, DeAngelo Tyson
DT: Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens
DE: Roderick Battle, Jeremy Longo
LB: Akeem Dent, Christian Robinson
LB: Rennie Curran, Marcus Dowtin
LB: Darryl Gamble, Charles White
CB: Prince Miller, Sanders Commings
S: Reshad Jones, Bacarri Rambo
S: Bryan Evans, John Knox
CB: Brandon Boykin, Vance Cuff
South Carolina
Well, the last two seasons haven't ended the way SC wanted. A true QB has yet to be developed, but this looks to be the season Stephen Garcia finally gets it together. But, the Cocks face a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball, as well as defensive back. On a good note, Spurrier has revamped his coaching staff and brought in six new coaches (Quarterbacks-G.A. Mangus, Defense and corners-Lorenzo Ward, Runningbacks-Jay Graham, Tight ends-Jeep Hunter, O-line and "Running Game Coordinator"-Eric Wolford).
Position Battles
#1-Offensive Line: Consider it wide open this year, again. Go ahead and pencil Garrett Anderson in at starting center, but after that, all bets are off. LT should go to Jarriel King, but you can never tell with a new coach. The guards are wide open, LG should go between Lemuel Jeanpierre, Pierre Andrews, and Kevin Young, while RG is between Terrence Campbell and TJ Johnson. RT could go to a number of players, Kyle Nunn, Hutch Eckerson, or Quinton Richardson could get it. Also, RG Heath Batchelor may return after the spring, and signees Kevious Watkins and Steven Singleton come in this fall. This group may not be settled until week 1 of the season.
Prediction: Look for King, Jeanpierre, Anderson, Johnson, and Richardson to leave the spring, but I expect Watkins and Singleton to see some action, and if Batchelor comes back, he will win the right guard spot.
#2 Defensive back: This group got decimated to attrition. Starting corners Capt. Munnerlyn, Carlos Thomas, and Stoney Woodson are gone, as is safety Emmanuel Cook. It is assumed that Darian Stewart will fill the hole Cook left, but corner is a big question, as is depth. Stephon Gilmore, Addison Williams, CC Whitlock, Akeem Auguste, and Jay Spearman will all be fighting for the two spots. The spur will also change, either Alonzo Winfield, Reggie Bowens, or new guy Tony Straughter. This group may also change with guys like Damario Jeffery, Chris Payne, and Cory Addison coming in this fall. This group probably won't be settled until fall.
Prediction: I see Whitlock and Auguste winning the CB spots. Culliver will hold onto the FS, and Stewart will keep SS with Holloman close behind. Spur will be unanswered until the fall, which could end up being Damario Jeffrey, but Winfield, with his alleged 4.3 speed, should keep it leaving spring.
#3 Running back: Gone is Mike Davis after a four year career, and the door is wide open for anyone. Eric Baker and Brian Maddox have had very little carries in their short careers, but watch out for RS Freshman Kenny Miles, and true freshman Jarvis Giles. I think Miles and Maddox get the top spot, but don't count out Baker, and Giles will play a good bit.
Prediction: I see Miles winning the starting spot, with Maddox being the backup. Baker is going to play, but he will be more situational. Giles will be slowed by an injury, and won't show out until fall camp.
#4 Wide Receiver/Tight end: Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook are gone. Who is going to catch the ball now. Jason Barnes and Moe Brown have shown they can catch, but not on a consistent basis. RS Freshman DL Moore and Tori Gurley (formerly Tori Childers) look to make a statement, as does Matt Clements and Joe Hills. One bright spot is that Dion Lecorn is back. Also, TE Wes Saunders says he is ready to be a main guy. The true playmaker may not be on campus until fall, Alshoun Jeffery.
Prediction: I see Barnes, Lecorn, and Brown being the starting three. Saunders will be the starting TE. I see Joe Hills moving to TE for this year.
#5 Kicker/Punter: Ryan Succop is gone, and that leaves a huge void for the Gamecocks to fill. Spencer Lanning, who punted last year, is the prime candidate, but I think he sticks to punting. The kicker position will come down to two guys, Adam Yates and Eric Davis, both walk-ons.
Prediction: I'm at no liberty to pick the kicker because I haven't seen either of them play.
5 Things that will Happen
1-Garcia will finish the spring.
2-The Defense will be better than last year
3-Kenny Miles will be the starting running back
4-The offense will not be settled going into fall
5-The new coaches will bring more toughness into the program
Post-Spring Depth Chart
QB: Stephen Garcia, Reid McCollom
RB: Kenny Miles, Brian Maddox
WR: Jason Barnes, Tori Gurley
LT: Jarriel King, Hutch Eckerson
LG: Lemuel Jeanpierre, Kevin Young
C: Garrett Anderson, Seaver Brown
RG: TJ Johnson, Terrence Campbell
RT: Quinton Richardson, Kyle Nunn
TE: Wes Saunders, Mike Triglia
WR: Moe Brown, Matt Clements
WR: Dion Lecorn, D.L. Moore
FB: Pat Dimarco, Dustin McElroy
DE: Cliff Matthews, Devin Taylor
DT: Ladi Ajiboye, Melvin Ingram
DT: Nate Pepper, Travian Robertson
DE: Clifton Geathers, Chaz Sutton
LB: Eric Norwood, Josh Dickerson
LB: Rodney Paulk, Shaq Wilson
Spur: Alonzo Winfield, Reggie Bowens
CB: Akeem Auguste, Jay Spearman
S: Darian Stewart, Devonte Holloman
S: Chris Culliver, Antonio Allen
CB: CC Whitlock, Stephon Gilmore
Comments
Post a Comment