NFL Draft 2012: South Carolina Writer Josh Kendall Talks Gamecocks' Prospects

During the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine I gathered the contact information of Josh Kendall, South Carolina football's beat writer for TheState.com. I e-mailed him a few questions about the Gamecocks' top 2012 NFL draft prospects.

He gladly responded with thorough answers on Alshon Jeffery, Melvin Ingram and Stephon Gilmore, the three South Carolina players that could be selected in this year's first round.

Here's the interview:

On Melvin Ingram

Trapasso: We've all heard about the ridiculous athleticism of Melvin Ingram. In what areas does he really excel? Where could he struggle at the next level? Anything you'd like to add about him that people may not know?

Kendall: Melvin certainly is an athletic freak. He can do a standing backflip which is pretty impressive for a 268-pounder. After he ran a fake punt 68 yards for a touchdown at Georgia, the local South Carolina media had to convince the Georgia play-by-play man that it was in fact Ingram and not WR Deangelo Smith, who also wore No. 6. Ingram often covered Marcus Lattimore in post-practice passing drills. I don't think he'll be a liability against the run as an end or OLB. He's not big enough to play tackle in the NFL as he did in college but he's a stout kid who played the run well at Carolina. 

On Alshon Jeffery

Trapasso: Alshon Jeffery was the story on Friday at the Combine, weighing in at 216 pounds. What is an ideal weight for him? Did added weight ever hinder his production at SC?  Is he a top-15 pick to you? Any unknown stories about his athleticism you can provide?

Kendall: It looks like the 216 Alshon is now is about ideal for him but it's hard to know because he's never been this light since high school he says. He said losing the weight would not have helped him in college last year but that seems a foolish notion. It should make him faster and a better leaper, which could really help his game. I'm not sure he's a top-15 pick, but I think late in the first round is very
justified. It's hard to cover the guy because he's got such good high point ball skills.

On Stephon Gilmore 

Trapasso: 

Stephon Gilmore is another interest prospect. 

What were his strengths during college?

Is a he a better fit for zone or man coverage? 

What teams would he fit well with? 

Any stories about him?

Kendall: Stephon has good size and strength for a CB, and he's a very smart kid. He fashions himself a man to man guy and that's probably his strength if he cleans up his technique. The beef on him is his technique gets a little lazy and gets him in trouble. There aren't many interesting stories about him. He's a pretty quiet guy. I think he'll be a good pro. Not sure he'll ever be an All Pro type.

You can catch more of Josh Kendall's work at TheState.com HERE.

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