The Latest in the Darrell Givens Saga

Okay there is still more....HERE...seems Givens wants to be a gamecock and the academic review will be completed tomorrow by USC. Decision will come around 1:30pm on Tuesday per Phil Kornbult and I feel Phil has eluded to want will shake out when he writes ...

"Even if the committee turns down Givens, sources said he likely would receive a presidential admission to the school. Sources said Givens desire is to attend USC even though Rutgers has told him he would be admitted there immediately."

So Givens may not pass the "mustard" for the review committee but the USC President is ready to sign the admission slip. Sounds like Mr. Givens will be at practice on Wednesday...let's hope!

Darrell Givens Soap Opera Update

Seems Rutgers is ready to admit Mr. Givens as their future cornerback as UNC pulls out and the University of South Carolina is still reviewing the academics...more HERE.

So now it seems to be between USC and Rutgers.....I pray this works out for Spurrier and Ellis Johnson as this 4-star prospect from Maryland would be a huge addition for the secondary in 2009.

Doom and Gloom from Ron Aiken on USC chances in 2009

This article is from the sport section of the Free Times, where Ron Aiken writes a weekly article that can only be matched by the likely hood of our favorite gamecock writer Ron (the hater) Morris.
Ron Aiken has made is pre-season prediction on the eve of practice starting tomorrow, saying that he believes the Gamecocks will only win 3 games this season!!! Please read for yourself and give some honest options as whether or not you believe he is correct or totally lost his mind.

Another Update on Givens

This Givens situation is becoming a soap opera. Seems now UNC has backed off Darrell Givens also today just like PSU did per G&B Attack today.

So that leaves USC the likely home right? Pending a academic review of course...I have a feeling this is not over but do hope he lands at Carolina.

Here is how this drama played out over the last week -

• Givens update 3
• Givens update 2
• Givens back in touch with USC
• Givens update 1
• USC could add cornerback to class

I am going to go ahead and predict that he becomes a gamecock and the media will eat this up. The mainstream media will focus on the fact that UNC, PSU and others backed off this kid due to academics and here Carolina is allowing him in. I am sure stories are already in draft form today just waiting for the news to hit the wire. Which to gamecock fans is ridiculous but we can whether the storm just like we did for Eric Norwood. Remember he was on the fence academically and a chance was taken on this kid and see how he turned out.

So stay tuned as you will hopefully see news that he is okay to join USC this week for opening practice and then watch for media bashing to start.

USC Target Darrell Givens update

South Carolina's "Mr. Know-it-all" when it comes to recruiting - Phil Kornblut is reporting this morning that USC's admissions committee is to take up the issue of Darrell Givens today.
Seems it is down to USC or UNC and he could go either way. Givens is suppose to tour UNC today. Both schools have sped up the review process to make this happen this week....stay tuned.

Gamecock Football 2009 Teaser Video

With fall practice starting this week, here is a good video that the university did to get get you pumped towards the start of the 2009 season....

Gamecock News Clippings from the weekend

Here is a review of the news you may have missed the last couple of days related to the gamecocks....

USC Football

• South Carolina hoping youth is a blessing, not a curse
• Three Wins for USC in 2009 ... yes '09 will be tough but we will win more than 3 games and I guarantee it.
• Gaining ground is sound idea
• Spurrier encouraged by Garcia
• Eric Norwood: The role model
• Beecher looks for fresh start
• This is a must read for any gamecock fan or a fan of football. Linebacker Norwood finishing what he started at USC....Mr. Norwood is a great kid with tremendous potential on the field and off.
• Gamecocks strive to improve rushing game
• Spurrier says he took the Tebow omission too seriously

General SEC

• SEC Preview: Vandy ready to deal with sudden success
• SEC Preview: Brooks remains confident in UK

Garnet & Black Posts

• Post-Spring Previews: Tennessee Volunteers

LOHD Posts

• Carolina makes the short list for 2 big time recruits
• Help choose a nickname for USC PG Devan Downey

Carolina makes the short list for 2 big time recruits

RB Marcus Lattimore (6-0 210) of Byrnes yesterday reduced his list to a final five. Lattimore is down to South Carolina, UNC, Auburn, Penn State and Oregon. No love for Clemson...we can relate.

Also DL Ego Ferguson Jr. (6-3 260) of Hargrave Prep, VA reduced his list to 14 schools and South Carolina is still in the hunt with this guy. This kid would be great to get and this past week he was voted the best defensive lineman in the national prospect camp in Orlando.

Lastly, the ongoing situation in trying to lure DB Darrell Givens to USC is still going on and word should come this week. Rumor is he is '50-50.'

Grabbing these 3 kids to play at Carolina would be tremendous, cross your fingers and toes.

Gamecock Football Practice Schedule

With practice starting this week, below is the schedule just in case you wanted to know and go...

The first practice is scheduled for Tuesday. The first practice will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Bluff Road "Proving Grounds" and is open to the public.

Wednesday, August 5: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 6: 7:30 p.m. (Helmets and shoulder pads)
Friday, August 7: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 8: 7:30 p.m. (First day of full pads)
Sunday, August 9: Media Day, 3- 5 p.m. No practice scheduled.
Monday, August 10: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11: 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12: 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 13: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 14: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 15: 4:15 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sunday, August 16: Fan Appreciation Day, 1-2:30 p.m., Colonial Life Arena. No practice scheduled.
Monday, August 17: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18: 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 20: First day of classes; Practice TBA