Quick Overview of Gamecocks that are on draft boards....
***This is a follow up and update to this post awhile back where I gave a quick overview of NFL Draft prospects for those gamecocks hoping to play at the next level --- HERE.
Jared Cook, TE
Height: 6-5
Weight: 242
40 Time: 4.49
LOHD Projection: Round 2
Jamon Meredith, OT
Height: 6-5
Weight: 304
40 Time: 4.99
LOHD Projection: Round 2
Jasper Brinkley, ILB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 252
40 Time: 4.67
LOHD Projection: Round 3
Kenny McKinley, WR
Height: 6-0
Weight: 182
40 Time: 4.37
LOHD Projection: Round 5
Captain Munnerlyn, CB
Height: 5-9
Weight: 185
40 Time: 4.51
LOHD Projection: Round 7
Emanuel Cook, S
Height: 5-10
Weight: 214
40 Time: 4.50
LOHD Projection: undrafted free agent
Mike Davis, RB
Height: 5-9
Weight: 202
40 Time: 4.6
LOHD Projection: undrafted free agent
Stoney Woodson, DB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 197
40 Time: 4.57
LOHD Projection: undrafted free agent
Ryan Succop, PK
Height: 6-3
Weight: 218
LOHD Projection: undrafted free agent
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Gamecock Clippings
Here be some gamecock news stuffs---
- USC to honor McKinley in the fall
- Spurrier joins the Gamecock Club and tells South Carolina fans that he's as committed as ever to winning an SEC title
- Spurrier needs to make a phone call to UT qb B.J. Coleman who has decided to transfer
- ESPN's Chris Low highlights the SEC conference's first round selections
- SI Ranks Spurrier 21st Best Coach.
- Gamecocks players not sure how long they'll have to wait
- Gamecocks' Cook awaits the call
- Jared Cook an untarnished star
- Jamon Meredith plans to keep it simple
- Marlboro County grad ready for pro dreams to come true
- Top 100 players in the 2009 NFL draft
Friday, April 24, 2009
Truth bubbling out now about Morgan
Over at FITSnews (a political SC blog) there has been some interesting revelations - HERE -about what really occurred with the recent Mike Morgan departure.
I think most USC fans knew that this was a little deeper than a simple resignation. That is bogus and we are not dumb. A guy does not win a sportscaster award 3 yrs in a row and quits.
Seems the complex issue lies at the feet of Liz McMillan of Gamecock Sports Properties, the group that is the official liaison between ISP and USC. McMillan’s alleged justification for firing Morgan was that the announcer was involved in “major dispute” with a key USC advertiser (Time Warner Cable) over a personal invoice, and that the advertiser was threatening to pull its business over this spat. This is rumored to have been some pay back for the BurnLounge pyramid scheme that caused a black-eye for the athletic department and that McMillan was also involved in. This has internal investigation written all over it.....
What’s clear to USC fans is that Morgan’s dismissal was BS! Hyman and McMillan — forget ISP or Time Warner Cable or whomever they try to tell us made the call — need to fess up and tell gamecock fans the truth here. And yes we can handle the truth.....we need accountability and USC fans, and Morgan himself, deserve much, much better than this. Morgan was great at what he did and will be missed.
I think most USC fans knew that this was a little deeper than a simple resignation. That is bogus and we are not dumb. A guy does not win a sportscaster award 3 yrs in a row and quits.
Seems the complex issue lies at the feet of Liz McMillan of Gamecock Sports Properties, the group that is the official liaison between ISP and USC. McMillan’s alleged justification for firing Morgan was that the announcer was involved in “major dispute” with a key USC advertiser (Time Warner Cable) over a personal invoice, and that the advertiser was threatening to pull its business over this spat. This is rumored to have been some pay back for the BurnLounge pyramid scheme that caused a black-eye for the athletic department and that McMillan was also involved in. This has internal investigation written all over it.....
What’s clear to USC fans is that Morgan’s dismissal was BS! Hyman and McMillan — forget ISP or Time Warner Cable or whomever they try to tell us made the call — need to fess up and tell gamecock fans the truth here. And yes we can handle the truth.....we need accountability and USC fans, and Morgan himself, deserve much, much better than this. Morgan was great at what he did and will be missed.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Gamecock Clippings
Here is a shot of gamecock news---
- Former Gamecock Sheldon Brown has asked to be traded
- Play-by-play man Morgan out at South Carolina
- Morgan out as USC announcer
- Gamecocks make first visit to Harley Park today
- Besides Gators, SEC still has questions to answer
- Morris: Auburn pitcher is lucky after scary hit
- Court rejects ex-Gamecock's appeal
- QB, ex-pro pitcher opts for Tennessee
- Morris: Empty seats looming at Williams-Brice?
- Kiffin flap still not out of gas
- Morris: Auburn pitcher is lucky after scary hit
- Gamecocks make first visit to Harley Park today
- Gamecocks have big opportunity heading down the stretch
- Baseball: Gamecocks again solve Auburn
- College Baseball / USC 10, Auburn 4
Thursday, April 16, 2009
First look at 09-10 Gamecock Basketball Team & Thoughts
After reading, Five questions USC faces for 2009-10, from THE STATE and USC men’s basketball pick up two more signees ; I decided to take a stab at what the squad looks like in the upcoming season. Now this is assuming that Archie and Devan will be back.
The 09-10 Gamecock Squad ---
Starters
PG: Downey
Devan is an excellent PG, even if he struggled down the final stretch this year. I believe he was simply worn out by the end of the year. Hopefully next year we can get him more rest. I expect Downey's stats next year to be ~20 PPG, 4.5 AST, 3 STL. I expect him to come back for the 09-10 year. I also expect him to be a contender for SEC POY!
SG: Brandis Raley Ross
Congrats to Brandis for being named the SEC 6th Man of the Year, but I would say he would be a below average starter in the SEC. He's a decent ball handler, but he looks to be in slow motion when on the court. Not explosive at all and not able to create his own shot. Throughout his career he has typically played well in out-of-conference play and then disappeared in SEC play. This changed (to a degree) this season, but he still has the tendency to disappear for games at a time. His biggest attribute is his 3-point shooting; however, his form seems to fluctuate throughout the season. As a result his shooting is very inconsistent. In games this year he seemed to benefit from the occasional defensive breakdown. A 2 guard needs to be able to create his shot or be money from 3 Brandis has not been either of these so their is some work to do. Big area to improve is being a better decision maker on the court.
SF: Dominique Archie
Dominique will most likely provide more of the same: ~11.5 PPG 8 REB. Very athletic and very good defender. By the time he is done next year NBA scouts will be drooling over him. He has worked very hard on his shot all over the court, coach just needs to find a way to keep him in the offense. He is a freak athlete and a wonderful defender that is finally at his natural position. Needs to work on handling the ball. He unfortunately disappears on offense on occasion. However, when he is assertive and aggressive he is a weapon. It has always been very easy to tell how Archie will play in a game: just watch the 1st few minutes and that will tell you all you need to know. Archie is a good SEC player who I see duplicating his All-SEC 2nd Team honors next year. Doesn't need to go to NBA as one more year can help him!
PF: Mike Holmes
Mike is only a soph and I see him continuing to improve. This year he was slightly under 11 PPG and 8 REB. I see those numbers improving to about 13 PPG and 8.5 REB. Foul trouble is a weakness (his flopping does not endear him to the refs). He is a beast and wants to dominate every time out. That does let him get frustrated from time to time. Overall Mike is a very good player (I'd say 3rd team All-SEC this year) and I see him being even better than that in the future.
C: Sam Muldrow
Muldrow showed occasional glimpses of greatness (see UGA game and KY game) but otherwise was very inconsistent. I often question his awareness as far as defensive rebounding and locating defensive players. I also think he needs to be WAY more assertive when rebounding offensively. There is no reason a man of his size should not get some offensive putbacks. He can be a very good shot blocker, but he is no Varnado. Varnado is extremely disciplined and still gets his blocks, while I think Sam gambles on blocks and thus allows some easy baskets. Sam definitely needs to bulk up and just be more assertive on both ends of the court. Many have been very high on Muldrow this year but I still consider him a slightly below average SEC center/forward.
Bench:
Steed: hustles and provides decent depth, but at times he has really been a deficiency on the court (ex. MSU game in SEC tourney). Needs to work this summer on his game.
Evka: an excellent 3-point shooter who does not provide much else. Not much of a creator obviously, but that is ok as we need someone to keep defenses guessing with Devan driving and dishing. Also, he has become a pretty decent rebounder here at the end of the season as it seems he has quit shying away from contact. Unfortunately, despite his nice stroke from behind the arc he cannot create his shot at all. He is strictly a spot up shooter. His lack of speed often makes him unable to get open for a shot. As a result he often provides nothing on offense. On the defensive end his effort has gotten better but he is still a liability. I look to him to improve but to be much like he was this past year next year.
Carter: I know he was a project, but in the SEC, I would get my five fouls out of him. He is 6'10 260 and I think we are crazy not to put him in for 2 minutes spurts here and there.
Lakeem Jackson: I am extremely excited about Jackson as he seems to have a very high basketball IQ. He can play the 2 or the 3 and is another great athlete which we need. He will get his dunks in this offense. I like about him the fact that he prides himself on defense. I love a good defender and that will be huge subbing out Archie for another defender. He is able to do a lot on both ends of the court and has shown very good leadership for his high school throughout this season. I think Jackson will eventually be an excellent player for USC and will provide some excitement. In his 1st season I see ~8 PPG 5 REB.
Spinella: It is hard to argue with his 35 PPG in high school. He looks to be significantly more athletic than Evka and could steal his minutes next year. Pure scorer who can shoot and take it to the rack. What I like about him is the fact he is a 6'5 SG. Zam was huge this year but Spinella's size matching up against the Tennessee's of the world will be huge.
Jefferson: Junior college forward Johndre Jefferson should give the team more frontcourt depth. I hear he is a player that knows his role. A Ben Wallace type in that he knows he is not skilled offensively and is a pure shot blocker/rebounder. That is huge for USC as rebounding has hurt us late. Can always use a sold role player to take some minutes off of the bigs as they have a tendency to get in foul trouble. Perhaps he is a Steed with more experience? Just needs to help get easy put backs and rebounds when in.
Galloway: Don't know much about him but we just need a backup who can handle the ball to give Downey a rest here and there. Will hopefully provide much needed depth for Devan. Who knows if he is the future answer at PG until he gets on campus, all I know is what I've read on the forums. Looks to be much less of a scorer than DD.
What this means:
PG: A+
SG: C+
SF: A-
PF: B
C: C+
Bench: solid B....will be much improved next year when thinking about 08-09, both from a production standpoint and from a depth standpoint. Which is good news as you can tell at times we needed a deeper bench and especially during times we got in foul trouble. Seems the new guys also will bring some new energy to go well with the high risk/high reward style of Horn.
I think we can really be successful next year if Holmes/Muldrow elevate their games. I also look to the new guys to add where it counts. This team last year and this upcoming year has potential...we just need it every night. We will certainly have plenty of experience with 3 senior and 2 junior starters. Much improved depth will make us a tournament team in my view for 09-10. I hope we can defend the SEC East Co-Championship but UF/UK/UT will be better next year also....should make for a great SEC season and no more "weak SEC" talk!
The 09-10 Gamecock Squad ---
Starters
PG: Downey
Devan is an excellent PG, even if he struggled down the final stretch this year. I believe he was simply worn out by the end of the year. Hopefully next year we can get him more rest. I expect Downey's stats next year to be ~20 PPG, 4.5 AST, 3 STL. I expect him to come back for the 09-10 year. I also expect him to be a contender for SEC POY!
SG: Brandis Raley Ross
Congrats to Brandis for being named the SEC 6th Man of the Year, but I would say he would be a below average starter in the SEC. He's a decent ball handler, but he looks to be in slow motion when on the court. Not explosive at all and not able to create his own shot. Throughout his career he has typically played well in out-of-conference play and then disappeared in SEC play. This changed (to a degree) this season, but he still has the tendency to disappear for games at a time. His biggest attribute is his 3-point shooting; however, his form seems to fluctuate throughout the season. As a result his shooting is very inconsistent. In games this year he seemed to benefit from the occasional defensive breakdown. A 2 guard needs to be able to create his shot or be money from 3 Brandis has not been either of these so their is some work to do. Big area to improve is being a better decision maker on the court.
SF: Dominique Archie
Dominique will most likely provide more of the same: ~11.5 PPG 8 REB. Very athletic and very good defender. By the time he is done next year NBA scouts will be drooling over him. He has worked very hard on his shot all over the court, coach just needs to find a way to keep him in the offense. He is a freak athlete and a wonderful defender that is finally at his natural position. Needs to work on handling the ball. He unfortunately disappears on offense on occasion. However, when he is assertive and aggressive he is a weapon. It has always been very easy to tell how Archie will play in a game: just watch the 1st few minutes and that will tell you all you need to know. Archie is a good SEC player who I see duplicating his All-SEC 2nd Team honors next year. Doesn't need to go to NBA as one more year can help him!
PF: Mike Holmes
Mike is only a soph and I see him continuing to improve. This year he was slightly under 11 PPG and 8 REB. I see those numbers improving to about 13 PPG and 8.5 REB. Foul trouble is a weakness (his flopping does not endear him to the refs). He is a beast and wants to dominate every time out. That does let him get frustrated from time to time. Overall Mike is a very good player (I'd say 3rd team All-SEC this year) and I see him being even better than that in the future.
C: Sam Muldrow
Muldrow showed occasional glimpses of greatness (see UGA game and KY game) but otherwise was very inconsistent. I often question his awareness as far as defensive rebounding and locating defensive players. I also think he needs to be WAY more assertive when rebounding offensively. There is no reason a man of his size should not get some offensive putbacks. He can be a very good shot blocker, but he is no Varnado. Varnado is extremely disciplined and still gets his blocks, while I think Sam gambles on blocks and thus allows some easy baskets. Sam definitely needs to bulk up and just be more assertive on both ends of the court. Many have been very high on Muldrow this year but I still consider him a slightly below average SEC center/forward.
Bench:
Steed: hustles and provides decent depth, but at times he has really been a deficiency on the court (ex. MSU game in SEC tourney). Needs to work this summer on his game.
Evka: an excellent 3-point shooter who does not provide much else. Not much of a creator obviously, but that is ok as we need someone to keep defenses guessing with Devan driving and dishing. Also, he has become a pretty decent rebounder here at the end of the season as it seems he has quit shying away from contact. Unfortunately, despite his nice stroke from behind the arc he cannot create his shot at all. He is strictly a spot up shooter. His lack of speed often makes him unable to get open for a shot. As a result he often provides nothing on offense. On the defensive end his effort has gotten better but he is still a liability. I look to him to improve but to be much like he was this past year next year.
Carter: I know he was a project, but in the SEC, I would get my five fouls out of him. He is 6'10 260 and I think we are crazy not to put him in for 2 minutes spurts here and there.
Lakeem Jackson: I am extremely excited about Jackson as he seems to have a very high basketball IQ. He can play the 2 or the 3 and is another great athlete which we need. He will get his dunks in this offense. I like about him the fact that he prides himself on defense. I love a good defender and that will be huge subbing out Archie for another defender. He is able to do a lot on both ends of the court and has shown very good leadership for his high school throughout this season. I think Jackson will eventually be an excellent player for USC and will provide some excitement. In his 1st season I see ~8 PPG 5 REB.
Spinella: It is hard to argue with his 35 PPG in high school. He looks to be significantly more athletic than Evka and could steal his minutes next year. Pure scorer who can shoot and take it to the rack. What I like about him is the fact he is a 6'5 SG. Zam was huge this year but Spinella's size matching up against the Tennessee's of the world will be huge.
Jefferson: Junior college forward Johndre Jefferson should give the team more frontcourt depth. I hear he is a player that knows his role. A Ben Wallace type in that he knows he is not skilled offensively and is a pure shot blocker/rebounder. That is huge for USC as rebounding has hurt us late. Can always use a sold role player to take some minutes off of the bigs as they have a tendency to get in foul trouble. Perhaps he is a Steed with more experience? Just needs to help get easy put backs and rebounds when in.
Galloway: Don't know much about him but we just need a backup who can handle the ball to give Downey a rest here and there. Will hopefully provide much needed depth for Devan. Who knows if he is the future answer at PG until he gets on campus, all I know is what I've read on the forums. Looks to be much less of a scorer than DD.
What this means:
PG: A+
SG: C+
SF: A-
PF: B
C: C+
Bench: solid B....will be much improved next year when thinking about 08-09, both from a production standpoint and from a depth standpoint. Which is good news as you can tell at times we needed a deeper bench and especially during times we got in foul trouble. Seems the new guys also will bring some new energy to go well with the high risk/high reward style of Horn.
I think we can really be successful next year if Holmes/Muldrow elevate their games. I also look to the new guys to add where it counts. This team last year and this upcoming year has potential...we just need it every night. We will certainly have plenty of experience with 3 senior and 2 junior starters. Much improved depth will make us a tournament team in my view for 09-10. I hope we can defend the SEC East Co-Championship but UF/UK/UT will be better next year also....should make for a great SEC season and no more "weak SEC" talk!
USC Basketball Player to test waters of the NBA Draft
I honestly did not expect this one but I can understand why....
Archie, a redshirt junior, stresses that he still plans to return to school for his final season of eligibility. He just wants to go through the process to get feedback on what he needs to improve on....hard to argue that.
The 6-foor-7 forward will become the second Gamecock to declare for the draft, joining Devan Downey, who also does not plan to sign with an agent at this point.
Archie averaged 10.9 pts and 6.4 rbs this season, when he was named honorable mention All-SEC by the AP.
---Archie to test professional prospects
---Archie to test pro waters
Archie, a redshirt junior, stresses that he still plans to return to school for his final season of eligibility. He just wants to go through the process to get feedback on what he needs to improve on....hard to argue that.
The 6-foor-7 forward will become the second Gamecock to declare for the draft, joining Devan Downey, who also does not plan to sign with an agent at this point.
Archie averaged 10.9 pts and 6.4 rbs this season, when he was named honorable mention All-SEC by the AP.
---Archie to test professional prospects
---Archie to test pro waters
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Gamecock Clippings
Here is a shot of news for ya ---
Football
Football
- Spring questions for USC football
- 5 offseason storylines for USC football
- Former pro pitcher looks at USC for football
- Video: Joe and Seth wrap up spring practice
- LeCorn, Dickerson out 6-8 weeks
- Broken leg shouldn't keep LeCorn out of season opener
- 5 things we learned
- Five players up, five down
- Blog: Spring game replay
- Photos: Game action
- Photos: Fan snapshots
- Video: Game highlights
- Video: Spurrier comments
- Video: Players' comments
- Hoops recruit Jefferson ready for shot at USC
- Downey a 'doubtful' draft pick
- Horn says he was in Cincy
Joke of the Day
A guy orders a beer. The bartender fills the mug and slides it down the bar. It hits the blonde woman's boobs at the end of the bar and splashes all over them.
The bartender goes over, retrieves the mug and licks the beer off her boobs. Each time the guy calls for another beer this happens.
So after his third beer, he decides to help the bartender out. The next time the bartender hit her boobs, the man jumps up and starts to lick her breasts and she decks him!
He is laying on the floor moaning, 'Jeez lady... Why do you let the bartender do it but not me?''
Duh,' says the blonde, 'He has a licker license!'
The bartender goes over, retrieves the mug and licks the beer off her boobs. Each time the guy calls for another beer this happens.
So after his third beer, he decides to help the bartender out. The next time the bartender hit her boobs, the man jumps up and starts to lick her breasts and she decks him!
He is laying on the floor moaning, 'Jeez lady... Why do you let the bartender do it but not me?''
Duh,' says the blonde, 'He has a licker license!'
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Garnet beats Black 30-14
30-14 was the final with the Garnet team claiming victory over the Black team in the University of South Carolina's annual Garnet & Black Spring Game in front of 25,157 fans Saturday at Willy B.
USC QB Stephen Garcia was 13-of-20 for 144 yards and 2 tds. Jarvis Giles of the Garnet team led the running game with 114 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, while his teammate Joe Hills was the game's top receiver with five catches for 75 yards and a TD.
What should have been the play of the day....McCollum's 70-yard bomb to Stephen Flint that was called back because Flint had run onto the field from the sideline instead of the line of scrimmage....tricky....very tricky....
Overall it was a good game...had a slow start moving the ball, numerous missed opportunites, some suspect FG kicking but still a great preview of the team. Did not end on a good note with the injury .
Offensive line still needs work. Garcia looked comfortable commanding the offense today after he got the bugs out in the 1st half. Saunders and some of the other WR looked sharp on their route running. RB corp will be a battle for PT as Baker, Miles stepped up to push Maddox and Giles. The Red Zone offense did real good which is both good and bad...defense needs to bunker down.
Again a great game for both sides of the ball and all that played. Still things to work on but you should never be satisfied.....
I am going on the record to say that I already miss Succop!!!!
I am sure that more thoughts will be provided in the coming weeks about the Spring Football game and practices but this was the first stab....
USC QB Stephen Garcia was 13-of-20 for 144 yards and 2 tds. Jarvis Giles of the Garnet team led the running game with 114 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, while his teammate Joe Hills was the game's top receiver with five catches for 75 yards and a TD.
What should have been the play of the day....McCollum's 70-yard bomb to Stephen Flint that was called back because Flint had run onto the field from the sideline instead of the line of scrimmage....tricky....very tricky....
Overall it was a good game...had a slow start moving the ball, numerous missed opportunites, some suspect FG kicking but still a great preview of the team. Did not end on a good note with the injury .
Offensive line still needs work. Garcia looked comfortable commanding the offense today after he got the bugs out in the 1st half. Saunders and some of the other WR looked sharp on their route running. RB corp will be a battle for PT as Baker, Miles stepped up to push Maddox and Giles. The Red Zone offense did real good which is both good and bad...defense needs to bunker down.
Again a great game for both sides of the ball and all that played. Still things to work on but you should never be satisfied.....
I am going on the record to say that I already miss Succop!!!!
I am sure that more thoughts will be provided in the coming weeks about the Spring Football game and practices but this was the first stab....
Final Stats of the 2009 Spring Game
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