National Signing Day 2010: Gamecocks Inch Closer

With Wednesday, February 23, only hours away, the South Carolina Gamecocks have their eyes on two more big recruits— Marcus Lattimore and Justin Parker.

Marcus Lattimore will make his announcement on February 2nd much to the delight of many, and much to the chagrin of others. Parker's announcement will likely come Wednesday. Sharrod Golightly announced his decommitment from Vanderbilt and commitment to South Carolina on Monday, and Juco defensive tackle Byron Jerideau announced he will sign with South Carolina on Wednesday as well.

With that being said, let's look at South Carolina's top five commits, in no particular order.

Ace Sanders

The Manatee Hurricane Wide Receiver has had more than his fair share of praise. Sanders has been said to have "Percy Harvin talent," as well as "next level" talent. Only time will tell, but Ace Sanders will be sure to fit in among an already strong South Carolina receiving core featuring Alshon Jeffrey, DL Moore, Tory Gurley and Jason Barnes.

Victor Hampton

The 5'11 corner out of Darlington, South Carolina had several other offers, but chose to stay in state and become a Gamecock. Hampton has good size and speed for a corner and was ranked the sixth best corner in the nation according to rivals, and the third best player in the state of South Carolina. With Stephon Gilmore, Akeem Auguste, C.C. Whitlock and D.J. Swearinger Hampton will have stiff competition, but makes a strong cornerbacking group even stronger.

A.J. Cann

The 6'3, 260 pound center out of Bamberg, South Carolina will potentially get playing time as a true freshman. The much talked about departure of first, and only year offensive line coach Eric Wolford brought about speculation of losing many of the offensive line recruits, but none left, and A.J. Cann expressed that he remained commited due to meeting new OL coach Shawn Elliott. Cann was very impressed with Elliott and said, "As long as I can go after it, it doesn't matter to me." A.J. Cann is ready to play.

Kelcy Quarles

The 6'4, 265 pound defensive tackle is not only big, but he's fast. He runs a the 40 yard dash in 4.7 seconds and his speed off the ball may help him out tremendously with Nathan Pepper graduating and leaving one defensive tackle spot open for competition. Quarles will be competing with Kenny Davis, Melvin Ingram, the aforementioned Byron Jerideau, and incumbent starter and Senior Ladi Ajiboye. Barring injury or red-shirt it is highly likely that Quarles will see the field in 2010.

Connor Shaw

While it is likely that Stephen Garcia will remain the starter quarterbacks coach and future offensive playcaller (maybe) G.A. Mangus has stated that he wants an open competition at Quarterback. Maybe the biggest sleeper of the Gamecocks 2010 class is Connor Shaw is a dual threat quarterback out of Flowery Branch, Georgia and has a 6'2" 195 pound frame to go with his 4.53 40 yard dash time. Even if he doesn't play as a freshman and takes a red-shirt with the speed and ability Shaw has, the future looks bright for this Gamecock.