South Carolina's Offense: Looking at the 2010 Season, Analyzing 2011 Needs

The South Carolina Gamecocks managed to pull together another solid Steve Spurrier class on signing day 2010.  Marcus Lattimore added flair and talent, and the No. 8 ranked O-line class (according to Rivals) addressed a major need. 

However, with the ink not yet dry on their letters of intent, it is already time to look towards 2011 recruiting. 

Here is a position by position analysis of the player depth and potential needs in 2011. 

Quarterbacks:

Six on the roster for 2010

Two in 2010 recruiting class

Two freshmen, five sophomores (redshirt and otherwise), and two juniors

With eight quarterbacks set to be on the team next year, having bodies will not be a problem.  The issue with this group lies in experience. 

With Reid McCollum leaving, SC has only one QB with any experience.  

While Stephen Garcia improved a great deal, Carolina fans must worry about his health.  Spurrier is very high on incoming freshman Connor Shaw, and many people believe he will compete for the number two spot with Andrew Clifford and Aramis Hillary. 

2011 Recruiting Outlook:

Steve Spurrier loves his QB's.  With Garcia only having one more year of eligibility after the next season—if he stays—look for Spurrier to try to recruit one big time quarterback to compete for the starting job. 

Wide Receivers:

15 on the roster for 2010

Three in 2010 recruiting class

Three freshmen, eight sophomores, five juniors, and two seniors

This is a strong and deep position for the Gamecocks. 

Sophomores Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley will undoubtedly be the starters, and should both be All-SEC or All-American type talent.  D.L. Moore showed some good signs last year.  Dion LeCorn and Jason Barnes will be expected to show some senior leadership. 

Sleeper Alert:  Ace Sanders, the four star recruit out of Bradenton, Fl could be a force in the slot.  Look for him to get a long look in the spring. 

2011 Recruiting Outlook: 

Once again, this cupboard is loaded.  I would expect for Steve Spurrier and crew to go for one or two more receivers, possible Alshon Jeffrey's brother, Shamir. 

Running Backs:

Six currently on the roster

One in the 2010 recruiting class

One freshman, four sophomores, one junior, and one senior

This is another loaded skill position.  People often talk about how poor SC's running game was but the fact remains that Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, and Bryce Sherman all rushed for over five yards per carry.  The backs were effective when given the chance.

With star running back Marcus Lattimore joining the fold, I expect that the running game will be utilized more.  Jarvis and Bryce will be used more in different positions, and I believe Marcus will end up getting the starting nod.

Kenny Miles will spot Marcus as the number one backup, and Brian Maddox will be used in short yardage and goal situations.

Eric Baker will be the odd man out.

2011 Recruiting Outlook: 

This position will not be high on the priority list, unless South Carolina loses one of their running backs to a transfer or injury. Rumors of Giles wanting a transfer have been surfacing, but no official word as of yet. 

Tight Ends:

Five currently on the roster

0 in the 2010 recruiting class

Two sophomores, one junior, and two seniors

This is a position that will need to improve in 2011.  Missing out on their main TE targets, South Carolina must move forward with the same crew from 2009. 

Wesleye Saunders has the ability to be great, but attitude issues have kept him from reaching his full potential. 

Justice Cunningham had some decent moments as a freshman, but nothing that showed he could develop into an SEC starter at TE. 

2011 Recruiting Outlook: 

This will be an offensive priority in 2011.  Look for Spurrier to try and find a highly touted and highly interested TE, and make him one of his priorities.  I look for Spurrier to sign at least two next season. 

Offensive Line:

Three centers, five guards, and five tackles currently on the roster

Six in the 2010 recruiting class

Six freshmen, one sophomore, two juniors,  and nine seniors

The weakest part of the team in 2009, the offensive line, hopes to awaken with an influx of good talent. Jarriel King has the potential to be very good, and at 6'4", 340 pounds, and Rokevious Watkins could become a fine tackle. 

Much of the success of this unit will hinge on some of the young freshmen coming in. 

A.J. Cann, a small offensive lineman from Bamberg, SC, will need to add some strength and size, but will be asked to contribute early on.  DuVon Milsap has the size, 6'6", 315 pounds, to contribute immediately. 

2011 Recruiting Outlook: 

Spurrier will continue to make the offensive line a priority.  Most successful programs build from the inside out, and it seems as though Carolina will continue to grow on the line. 

2010 could be a great year for the South Carolina offense, which has been dormant the past few years.  There were flashes of brilliance with Alshon Jeffery, Tori Gurley, and Stephen Garcia, who gave fans hope; however, the offense never fully came together. 

I believe 2010 is the year the offense improves and in dramatic fashion. 

With new recruits and a great core of skill players, the future looks bright for the South Carolina Gamecocks.