South Carolina Football: 2010 Season Awards and Highlights

Well, I figured at some point I have to put this season of Gamecock football in the rearview mirror.  I have not quite gotten used to the idea that there will be no more South Carolina football until the 2011 kickoff against East Carolina. 

I think it is time for my final thoughts, and some closure on a frustrating and enthralling Carolina season. So here are some "awards" I feel the players deserve.  Players, if you read this, drop me a line and I will send you your trophy (it's a picture of me giving you the thumbs up and a pack of Big Red.  Make sure it's not an NCAA violation first).

If it is, I will send it to your dad.

Best Moment:

There were some high moments this year, and many will argue over which one deserves this award.  Arguments can be made for at least four moments in four different games. 

For me, the best moment of the year was watching Steve Spurrier get carried off the field at Florida after winning the school's first SEC East title.  For many of you, you make fun of South Carolina for enjoying it so much. 

For this school, this program, these fans and this coach though, it was truly a moment to savor. 

Runner Up:  Beating No. 1 Alabama and the ensuing celebration. 

Worst Moment

It wouldn't really be Carolina football without a couple low moments this year.  However, there is one that will sting, basically forever. 

In the SEC Championship game, South Carolina had the opportunity to keep the game very close in a competitive half of play, and it looked as though South Carolina would go into the half against Auburn down 21-14.  Then, the impossible happened.  Or, more correctly, the amazing Cam Newton happened.  The 54-yard hail mary pass to Darvin Adams as time expired on the half destroyed Carolina, and when they came out in the second half, they weren't the same team. 

Runner Up: Watching South Carolina lose to Kentucky after being up by 21 points on a play where they left Kentucky's most dangerous offensive player run free. 

Most Valuable Position:

No question, the defensive line.  I will include both defensive tackles and defensive ends in this award.  Devin Taylor, Cliff Matthews, Ladi Ajiboye, Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson all had amazing years. 

The rushing defense was top notch, and South Carolina led the SEC in sacks. 

Runner Up:  The wide receivers.

Unheralded Player of the Year:

Pat DiMarco.  Period.  Carolina fans know his name and know he is one of the most beloved Gamecock seniors.  He has done everything asked of him, and done it well.  He has good hands, and is a tremendous blocker. He just makes plays. 

Some NFL team should give him a shot, really.  He is the prototypical fullback, even though he played tight end most of the year. 

Runner Up:  Brian Maddox, backup running back and fullback.

Disappointing Player of the Year:

Come on.  Is there any other?  Stephen Garcia has to be one of the most frustrating players to ever play for South Carolina.  At times he flashes absolute brilliance, then at other, he looks like he wouldn't even start at Vanderbilt.

It isn't that he had a horrible season, it is just disappointing to watch him continue to move laterally in his career.  If he doesn't make huge strides his senior season, he will be considered one of the biggest disappointment of the Spurrier era. 

Runner Up:  Take your pick of defensive backs, minus Stephon Gilmore. 

Most Improved Position:

Running back is easily the most improved position, and this is not only because of Marcus Lattimore's amazing year.  Brian Maddox became a viable No. 2 two back, and Kenny Miles flashed some of the brilliance he showed last year as a freshman. 

All in all, a tremendous year for these three guys.

Runner Up:  The offensive line.

Most Valuable Coach:

Shawn Elliot, all day.  He is one of the most energetic young coaches in America, and turned one of the worst offensive lines I have ever seen into a serviceable unit.  While they aren't there yet, they showed great strides under Elliot. 

Look for some of the incoming freshmen and redshirt guys from this season to really bolster the line. 

Runner Up:  Duh...Steve Spurrier.

Most Valuable Player on Defense:

Cliff Matthews.  True, he didn't have his finest season, and statistically, he was inferior to Devin Taylor.  However, he was the vocal leader of the defense, and constantly required a double team, freeing up Taylor. 

He will be missed greatly by South Carolina.  If JaDaveon Clowney does come to Columbia, he will have some big shoes to fill.

Runner Up:  Devin Taylor.

Most Valuable Player on Offense:

I think this one is pretty obvious:  Marcus Lattimore has to be the man here.  He set South Carolina freshman records all over the board and has set himself up to have the finest rushing career in South Carolina history. 

The team just wasn't the same when he wasn't on the field.

Runner Up:  Alshon Jeffery

Most Valuable Player Overall:

Marcus Lattimore, again, for the obvious reasons.  He meant everything to this team, and he is representative of a new world at South Carolina.  As one of the country's top recruits coming in, there was no way anyone would have been able to see him becoming one of the greatest so quickly. 

He will be one of the top five backs in college football and will get plenty of Heisman consideration.  Heck, he garnered a couple of votes this year alone!

With the perfect mix of power and quickness, "Latti" is the most talented running back the program has ever had (with all due respect to George Rogers, who won a Heisman of his own). 

I look forward to coming back to team analysis after signing day, when I will break down 2011 and make some predictions.  In the meantime, I will be cranking out the occasional recruiting/player story.

Go Gamecocks!