2010 Gamecock Football Lookahead: Can Garcia, Offense Handle Rough SEC?

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?"

The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present.

According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville.

But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.

Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season.

When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for.

If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the backup job. The young player is committed and ready to learn.

The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years.

Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC.

If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles.

On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010.

But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart.

Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk.

At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.

Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season.

Quarterbacks

Overview

After one full season as the starter, fans hope junior Stephen Garcia can step up his game,  and perform like a top-notch quarterback.

In Garcia's career, he has thrown for 3,694 yards and 23 Touchdowns, which aren't bad numbers.

"Stephen is our starter, ...but we will have two ready to play," Coach Steve Spurrier said at the SEC media days.

The second Quarterback ready to play will be Connor Shaw, a true freshman of Flowery Branch, Georgia. "Connor will be ready to play this year. Spurrier remarked. "He is a good player"

For the Gamecocks to contend in the SEC East, Garcia's numbers must improve. After a disappointing spring, Garcia was strongly encouraged to work in the film room, the weight room, and the practice field.

Later in the summer, the good reports of Garcia are pouring in from teammates. "He's matured a lot," roommate Pat DiMarco insists.

Now the Quarterback must prove himself to the Head Ball Coach, and the Gamecock Nation.

 Projected Depth Chart

Quarterbacks	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #5 Garcia, Stephen	6-2/227	Jr	Lutz, FL
2. Shaw, Connor	6-1/192	Fr	Flowery Branch, GA
3. #8 Strickland, Seth	6-2/192	So	Laurens, SC
3. #12 Clifford, Andrew	6-2/225	RS Fr	Tampa, FL
4. Thomas, Dylan	6-2/206	Fr	Boiling Springs, SC

 Coach: G.A Mangus, Second Season at South Carolina

Running Backs

Overview

Coach Jay Graham's running backs have the potential to produce a top five SEC running game depending on the commitment of the offensive line.

Each and every player will be competing for carries at this position. Kenny Miles, who ran for 626 total yards last season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, leads the running backs group.

Also returning includes Junior Brian Maddox of Anderson, SC; who gained 307 yards on the ground, and scored 6 Touchdowns in 2009. Maddox is a reliable option for quarterback Stephen Garcia in the short passing game.

Another option is lightning-fast sophomore tailback Jarvis Giles, who ran for 277 yards and one score in the 09' season.

Giles' best individual rushing performances came against Florida Atlantic (113), and South Carolina State (74). He did not play in the final two season games. Giles promises to bust his tail after his disappointing freshman season.

The lone recruit at the running back position in the 2010 class is 5’10" 215 pound Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes High School.

The freshman was not only the top running back in the nation, but also was considered a class act in the community. According to reports, Lattimore is already fitting in at summer workouts and is a powerful runner and blocker.

Bryce Sherman, otherwise known as "Sherm the Worm" is small in size (5'6", 155,) but is speedy and tough at heart. Sherman is mainly used on the kickoffs.

 Projected Depth Chart

Running Backs	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #31 Miles, Kenny	5-9/ 187	So	Lawrenceville, GA
2. #21 Lattimore, Marcus	5-11/215	Fr	Duncan, SC
2. #10 Maddox, Brian	5-10/230	Sr	Anderson, SC
3. #3 Giles, Jarvis	5-11/ 185	So	Tampa, FL
4. #28 Baker, Eric	5-11/181	Jr	Jacksonville, FL
4. #22 Sherman, Bryce	5-4/ 152	So	Winston-Salem, NC
5. # 43 Baker, Jacob	5-9/189	So	Ridgeland, SC

Coach: Jay Graham, Second Season at South Carolina

Offensive Line

Overview

Steve Spurrier did not take long to find a replacement for Eric Wolford after the Papajohns.com Bowl. He did some fantastic work in finding former Appalachian State Offensive Line coach Shawn Elliot.

The fiery and enthusiastic Elliot must re-energize a unit that gave up 37 sacks in 2010, which tied for last in the SEC with LSU.

Elliot, however; will inherit a unit that returns four seniors with starting experience. These four seniors include LT Jarriel King, LG Garrett Chisholm, RG Terrence Campbell, and RT Hutch Eckerson.

Sophmore T.J Johnson will move to center after playing his 2010 season at Right Guard. Johnson, who is only a sophomore; will replace Garrett Anderson at the position.

Starting Left Tacke Jarriel King (6'5", 310) has the size to play at the next level, but must improve his pass protection skills to get there. The senior started six games in the 2009 season.

Former walk-on Garrett Chisholm (6'6", 299) isn't the best blocker on the team, but is projected to start at Left Guard. Chisholm's smaller frame made him a popular candidate  for Right Guard, but the JUCO transfer was not quick enough.

After a neck injury in 2009, Terrence Campbell was granted a sixth year of eligibility  by the NCAA to play in 2010. Campbell is expected to start as Right Guard after T.J Johnson's move to center.

Campbell is expected to bring a boost to the line due to his experience, and blocking skills despite his smaller frame (6'3", 283)

The starter at Right Tackle will be decided at the end of Fall Camp by position coach Shawn Elliott. Either experienced senior Hutch Eckerson or challenging junior Kyle Nunn will start in Carolina's season opener vs. Southern Miss on September 2nd.

Although Shawn Elliott should start mostly seniors in 2010, two blockers could get a fair share of snaps in 2010.

This includes Rokevius Watkins, a big (6-4, 319) lineman who transferred from Junior College in 2009, and Ryan Broadhead, who will back up for T.J Johnson at center.

The Gamecocks not only have some talented backups, but recruited six lineman in the 2010 class.

The top lineman may as well be A.J Cann, a Bamberg, SC product who was an Under Aurmor All-American, and ranked at 17th in the nation by Athlon. South Carolina brought in three players from the Sunshine State.

 Projected Depth Chart

Left Tackle	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #76 King, Jarriel	6-5/310	Senior	North Charleston
2. #74 Singleton, Steve	6-2/303	Senior	Buford, GA

Left Gaurd	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #77 Chisholm, Garrett	6-6/299	Senior	Charleston
2.#73 Watkins, Rokevius	6-4/319	Junior	Fairburn, GA

Center	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #55 Johnson, T.J	6-5/305	Sophomore	Anyor, SC
2. #65 Broadhead, Ryan	6-5/264	Junior	Leesburg, GA

Right Tackle	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #66 Eckerson, Hutch	6-4, 281	Senior	Lumberton, NC
2. #68 Nunn, Kyle	6-5/304	Junior	Sumter, SC

Right Gaurd	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #60 Campbell, Terrence	6-3/305	Senior	Austell, GA
2. Cann, A.J	6-2/285	Freshman	Bamberg, SC

 Reserves

• Cody Gibson, Freshman

Injured

•  Quintin Richardson, Junior 

         Coach: Shawn Elliot, First Season at South Carolina

Wide Receivers

Overview

Talented and tall—these words describe the Gamecocks' Wide Receivers.

Talented describes Alshon Jeffery; the 6'4" wonder that caught 46 passes for 746 yards as a freshman.

Tall describes the Gamecocks' strength at the position. Four players are over 6'4", including Jeffery, Tori Gurley, D.L Moore, and Jason Barnes.

With all of the tall wideouts, the Gamecocks can take advantage of shorter opponents and could possibly dominate the passing game.

Even with all of the talent, the Gamecocks will be provided huge boost if Senior Dion LeCorn makes a successful comeback from a broken leg that crushed his 09' season.

Carolina will also benefit from three incoming freshman in 2010, two hailing from the Sunshine State, 6'1" Jacksonville, FL native Javon Bell, and speedy 5'9" 165 Ace Sanders of Bradenton, FL.

The other incoming recruit is 5'8 Nick Jones of Byrnes High School. These incoming recruits should give Gamecock fans a taste of the future in 2010.

 Projected Depth Chart

Wide Receivers	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #1 Jefffery, Alshon	6-4/206	Sophomore	Charlotte, NC
2. Sanders, Ace	5-7/170	Freshman	Bradenton, FL

Wide Receivers	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #81 Gurley, Tori	6-5/230	Sophomore	Rock Hill, SC
2. #18 Dion LeCorn	6-0/211	Senior	Ocala, FL

Wide Receivers	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #4 Barnes, Jason	6-4/206	Junior	Charlotte, NC
2. #82 Moore, D.L	6-4/ 198	Sophomore	Bowling Green, KY

Reserves

• Nick Jones, Freshman
• DeMario Bennett, Redshirt Freshman
• Lamar Scruggs, Redshirt Freshman
• DeAngelo Smith, Redshirt Freshman
• Cedrick Snead, Junior
• Kevin White, Junior

 Coach: Steve Spurrier Jr., Sixth season at South Carolina

Tight Ends

Overview

South Carolina's Tight Ends are the smallest contributors to Gamecock Football wealth in depth, but could turn out to be one of the biggest contributors in size, blocking, and catching.

The Tight Ends are led by Sunday-sized Wesulye Saunders, who caught 35 passes for 353 yards in 09.' The controversial "son-of-a sportswriter” is one of the many players involved in the NCAA's investigation into an agent's South Beach party.

Also returning is sophomore Justice Cunningham out of the tiny town of Pageland, SC. Cunningham is a fine blocker and showed over 20,000 Gamecock fans his pass catching skills in the 2010 Garnet & Black Spring Game.

Senior Pat DiMarco moves to Tight End after three seasons at Fullback. DiMarco not only is a good blocker and pass catcher on the field, but also is a team leader throughout the season.

 Projected Depth Chart

Tight End	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #88 Saunders, Weuslye	6-6/273	Senior	Durham, NC
2. #47 DiMarco, Patrick	6-1/234	Senior	Altomonte Springs, FL
3. #87 Cunningham, Justice	6-3/261	Sophomore	Pageland, SC
4. #84 Madden, Kyle	6-3/242	Sophomore	Powder Springs, GA
4. #89 Trigila, Mike	6-3/242	Sophomore	Jacksonville, FL

 Coach: Jeep Hunter, second season at South Carolina

Defensive Lineman

Overview

Pictured here is All-SEC caliber DE Cliff Matthews, wearing the #83 jersey. The senior recorded 47 tackles and seven sacks, along with 10 tackles for a loss in 2009. The senior is the star of the defense and could turn out to be one of the top defenders in the country.

Devin Taylor will also begin the season as a starting defensive end for the Gamecocks. Taylor's big 6'8" frame will become essential in Carolina's defensive pass rush.

In the middle of the line, you will most likely see USC's other star on the Line, who goes by the name of Ladi Ajiboye. The lineman is quick and holds well against the run game, proving it with his 45 tackles in 09'.

His wingman, Travian Robertson; is a strong lineman at 6'5"/ 298 but is limited in experience. Once considered as an end, Robertson only played in four games in 2009 due to his ACL tear.

Junior Melvin Ingram could see a bigger role in South Carolina's Defensive Line rotation. Ingram recorded 18 tackles as a sophomore, along with his 1.5 sacks.

Also, don't forget Kenny Davis and Byron McKnight. Davis, the speedy Sophomore; recorded only one tackle in his limited playing time last season but hopes to find his place on the line. Only time will tell.  On the other hand, McKnight, the junior, was named the most improved D-lineman during the spring.

As for recruiting, the Gamecocks hit the jackpot in the Defensive Lineman category. 6'3" 267 Recruit Kelcy Quarles finished high school ranked as the No.6 DT in the nation by AC100, and will follow in his father's footsteps by going to USC. His Dad? Buddy Quarles, who played for Carolina from 1984-87.

Coach Brad Lawing will have yet another Top 100 High School position player to add to his defense with J.T Surratt (#79) out of Winston Salem, NC. Surratt recorded 22 sacks as a senior.

Before you go, two more recruits will be described. Fort Scott, Kansas CC product Bryan Jerideau recorded 70 tackles, including 16 for a loss in his last football season in Kansas.

Lastly, 6'5" 225 Corey Simmons of Atlanta suburb Norcross, Georgia comes from father Clyde Simmons, who was a two-time Pro Bowler for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Projected Depth Chart

Defensive Ends	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #83 Matthews, Cliff	6-4/260	Senior	Cheraw, SC
2. #90 Sutton, Chaz	6-3/249	RS Freshman	Savannah, GA

Defensive Tackles	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #91 Ajiboye, Ladi	6-2/278	Senior	Riverdale, GA
2. #6 Ingram, Melvin	6-2/278	Junior	Hamlet, NC

Defensive Tackles	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #42 Robertson, Travian	6-5/298	Junior	Laiurenburg, NC
2.# 94 Davis, Kenny	6-3/285	Sophomore	Newberry, SC

Defensive Ends	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #98 Taylor, Devin	6-8/244	Sophomore	Beaufort, SC
2. #92 McKnight, Byron	6-5/239	Junior	Laurinburg, NC

Reserves

• Bryon Jerideau, Freshman
• Corey Simmons, Freshman
• J.T Surrat, Freshman
• Ronald Byrd, Redshirt Freshman
• Chaun Gresham, Redshirt Freshman
• Aldrick Fordham, Sophomore

Coach: Brad Lawing, 15th year at South Carolina (Second Stint)

Linebackers

Outlook

This is Eric Norwood (Look up.) He graduated Carolina in the spring of 2009, but did much more besides make the grades in the classroom. Eric made excellent backfield tackles and managed to bring his fumble recoveries and interceptions to the end zone, quite often.

 Most importantly, Norwood leaves USC as the university's all-time sack leader with blank. After the 2010 Papa John's Bowl failure, Norwood has handed his empire over to the next generation, with senior linebacker Rodney Paulk as the new "leader."

 The Gamecocks may not be able to count on Paulk, who has been injured numerous times in the past two years. Paulk is not very big, but is a veteran and knows the game of football. His numbers are highlighted by his awesome freshman year, in which he recorded 64 tackles.

And speaking of breakout seasons, talk about Shaq Wilson. If Shaq sees himself in the newspaper, chances are that he will be "made fun of" for his size (5-10, 226), but also complimented for his athletic ability. The battle- tested Wilson recorded 85 stops while stepping in for Paulk.

Antonio Allen will start as South Carolina's unique Spur position, a composite between a linebacker and a safety. The 6-1, 201 Junior will have to make something happen when the ball is thrown, because the Gamecocks dropped 18 interceptions. Is that a stat? Regardless, Allen has the tools for the Spur position; using his speed and deadly hitting skills to record 35 tackles last fall.

As for the other key players, Josh Dickerson, Josh Straughter, and Spur Damario Jeffery come to mind for Gamecock fans.

Josh Dickerson and Tony Straughter are both JUCO transfers, and made the expected instant contributions expected from them in the fall months of 2009.  With Paulk's bad luck in recent seasons, Dickerson's 36 tackles come to mind.

Tony Straughter is the lesser-known JUCO transfer that was imported to Columbia in summer 2009. He recorded 16 tackles and is dangerous on the special teams.

Damario Jeffery is a bigger player than Antonio Allen if needed at the Spur. Just like Straugter, Jeffery is a dangerous player on the special teams. Jeffery set 15 tackles in stone during his freshman campaign in the fall. Of course, Jeffery is still learning; like all of Spurrier's young players.

As for the empire, the Gamecocks are recruiting and training new warriors for battle in the SEC. Brandon Goldson is an example of a warrior, who finished the 09' season with 30 sacks. Ranked No.17 by Athlon, the 6-2, 204 St Matthews, SC rookie was named the "Player of the Year" by the Orangeburg Times- Democrat.

Toqavius Gilchrist, the No. 24 ranked JUCO transfer of Abbeville, SC adds a little extra Palmetto flavor and a lot of punch to Carolina's incoming recruiting class.

 Projected Depth Chart

Outside Linebacker	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #16 Wilson, Shaq	5-10/226	Junior	Jacksonville, FL
2. #44 Straughter, Tony	6-0/210	Senior	Madison, FL

Middle Linebacker	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #45 Paulk, Rodney	6-0/226	Senior	Columbia, SC
2. 341 Dickerson, Josh	6-1/220	Senior	Kingsland, GA

SPUR	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #26 Allen, Antonio	6-1/201	Junior	Ocala, FL
2. #33 Jeffery, DaMario	6-3/225	Sophomore	Columbia, SC

Reserves

• Toquavious Gilchrist, Freshman

• Billy Byrne, Redshirt Freshman
• Reginald Bowens, Sophomore
• Quin Smith, Sophomore

Coach: Ellis Johnson, second season at South Carolina (Also Assistant Coach)

Defensive Backs

Overview

Two changes will affect the South Carolina Defensive Back in 2010. First, Darian Stewart has moved on to the NFL. DeVonte Holloman will take Stewart's spot as the Strong Safety. Second, Chris Culliver will move from safety to corner in the upcoming fall.

Still, everything else stays the same. The Gamecocks' secondary is projected to finish in the top tier of the SEC, which is not a surprise.

The two starting cornerbacks starting for Carolina in the fall will be Stephon Gilmore and Chris Culliver.

Gilmore performed right away as a true freshman, winning the starting job last spring in mere days. Considered as a Freshman- All-American in 2009, Stephon's athletic ability allowed him to log 56 tackles. Stephon also documented three sacks and one interception in the fall.

Chris Culliver, entering his last season at Carolina; will make his move from Free Safety to Cornerback during Carolina's September, 2nd opener versus Southern Miss.

In his move to cornerback, Culliver will bring his resume with him. This includes 62 tackles and two sacks. Also, his size of 6'1", 197 will help him become a lockdown cornerback in the SEC.

The Second Team All-SEC will use his speed, strength, and football smarts to thrive as a cornerback and kick returner.

Safeties DeVonte Holloman and Akeem Auguste finish it off for the Gamecocks' starting Defensive Backs.

Holloman must replace Darian Stewart, who inspired the imagination of Carolina fans. Stewart was not the fastest or the strongest, but was a great hitter and could play everywhere in the secondary.

The good news is that Darian Stewart is the only starter that "graduated" from Gamecock Football. Holloman, his replacement; will provide strong, physical hitting as a sophomore Strong Safety. Not only that, but the ex-South Pointe Stallion has great size on the football field (6'3", 226lbs).

Returning starting Junior Akeem Auguste will take the Free Safety position after mostly playing at the cornerback position in past seasons. As a junior, Auguste already has two seasons of playing time under his belt, in which he has broken up seven passes.

If you do not see these players on the field, you will probably be watching D.J Swearinger or Alonzo Whitfield. Swearinger, who is a dangerous hitter; recorded 19 tackles in the fall. Winfield's size is  6'0", 222 pounds, and the safety will be a essential special teamer in 2010.

C.C Whitlock will also find a way to filter into the safety rotation, as he intercepted a pass versus Alabama in October.

Overall, the Gamecocks recruited four Defensive Backs in the 2010 class, with three cornerbacks.

Palmetto product Victor Hampton should bring something to the secondary, finishing high school as the #15 Cornerback in the nation by Athlon.

Hampton will be joined by Rivals' #36 Cornerback, Brinson Williams. The Warner Robins, GA product is small at (5'10", 199 pounds) but has a great potential.

Along with Williams, Cadarious Sanders is a Peach State product. Cadarious is the #89 cornerback out of LaGrange, GA. 

The lone recruit at Safety during the 2010 signing day was 5'10", 178 pounds Sharrod Golightly. He is the #56 ranked safety of Decatur, GA.

Projected Depth Chart

Cornerbacks	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #5 Gilmore, Stephon	6-1/188	Sophomore	Rock Hill, SC
2. #39 Markett, Marty	5-10/168	Junior	Rock Hill, SC

Strong Safeties	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #21 Holloman, DeVonte	6-3/226	Sophomore	Rock Hill, SC
2. #25 Winfield, Alonzo	6-0/222	Junior	Winston-Salem, NC

Free Safeties	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #3 Auguste, Akeem	5-10/186	Junior	Hollywood, SC
2. #36 Swearinger, D.J	5-11/201	Sophomore	Greenwood, SC

Cornerbacks	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #17 Culliver, Chris	6-1/197	Senior	Garner, NC
2. #12 Whitlock, C.C	5-10/176	Junior	Chester, SC

Reserves

• Sharrod Golightly, Freshman
• Victor Hampton, Freshman
• Cadarious Sanders, Freshman

• Corey Addison, Redshirt Freshman
• Jimmy Legree, Redshirt Freshman
• Matt O'Brien, Redshirt Freshman

• Jared Shaw, Sophomore
• Jay Spearman, Sophomore
• Brandan Davis, Junior (Third String SS)
• Blake Baxley, Senior
• Addison Williams, Senior

Coach: Lorenzo Ward, Second season at South Carolina (Also Defensive Coordinater)

Special Teams

 Overview

The task was to replace Carolina kicking great Ryan Succop. Succop was named 'Mr. Irrelevant' as the NFL's last draft pick in 2009. He went on to do great things for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009.

During his first kick, he missed a 27 yarder. This kick was a short, easy, welcoming kick. What happened in the next game? Spencer Lanning nails five field goals. That's 15 points, all right.

Lanning's two game total of 5/6, totaling out at 83.3%. These numbers are telling for Lanning's 2009 season, which kicked the Gamecocks back to a bowl game. Lanning would handle punting and field goal duties in 2009, finishing out at 17/20 at Field Goals and punting 15 footballs inside the 20- yard line.

But this year, Spencer Lanning is not the only kicker. He will have to watch Joey- Scribner Howard kick the occasional 50-yard bomb, because Scribner-Howard has a big leg that can kick the long ones. Joey will also handle kickoffs, replacing back-up Adam Yates.

Jay Wooten will back up Spencer Lanning as the Place Kicker. Thr Punting job will be earned by either Eric Davis or C.J Hienz.

Cornerback Chris Culliver handles kickoff duties for Carolina. Culliver is USC's all-time leader in kick return yards, with 2,215. Fellow Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is the punt returner, and averaged 10.1 yards last season.

Projected Depth Chart

Place Kicker	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #34 Lanning, Spencer	6-0/199	Senior	Rock Hill, SC
2. #18 Wooten, Jay	6-3/198	Junior	Laurinburg, NC

Kicker	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #46 Scrinber-Howard, Joey	6-1/209	Junior	Irmo, SC
2. #81 Yates, Adam	6-0/210	Sophomore	Sparks, MD
3. Fish, Patrick	5-11/165	Freshman	Lawndale, NC

Punter	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #42 Davis, Eric	6-2/177	Sophomore	Newberry, SC
2. #87  Heinz , CJ	6-2/199	Sophomore	Irmo, SC

Long Snapper	HT/WT	Class	Hometown
1. #59 Turner, Charles	6-5/242	Senior	Roebuck, SC
2. #51 Inabinet, Walker	5-10/191	Sophomore	Columbia, SC
3. #69 Grooms, Matt	6-0/240	Senior	McColl, SC
3. #67 Vaughn, Chris	6-0/268	Junior	Columbia, SC

Coach: Shane Beamer, fourth season at South Carolina

Writer's Note

2010's amazing NCAA Baseball Championship will inspire Gamecock Football and it's fans. 

The words you just saw are just a sneak preview on my next article.

South Carolina Gamecock Football has formed high character football over the offseason. Spurrier calls it his most deep and talented roster yet.

In the 2010 season, I predict that the Gamecocks will fight the SEC competition and earn a 9-3 record along with an invite from the Capital One Bowl. If not, the Outback Bowl.

Perhaps 8-4 is a more reasonable prediction. Only time will tell.

I don't want to get to high on this team after the Papa John's Bowl disaster, but if the character and talent come through, it can be accomplished. Go Cocks!

And,

Congratulations, South Carolina Baseball 

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