South Carolina Football In 2011: Look Out SEC...the Gamecocks Are Hungry

After signing day (in this case, Jadeveon Clowney Day), I generally like to preview the 2011 season.  It is a while away, but this is the perfect time for this, my third annual South Carolina Gamecocks season preview. 

Last year's title was "The Wait for an SEC Contender Is Over," which turned out to be accurate.  While South Carolina did not win the SEC, they became one of the teams that people could not overlook.  This year, not only will South Carolina be the favorite to win the East, but they will be among the SEC's elite. 

Bank on that. 

While it remains to be seen how good they can be, it is clear that this isn't your daddy's Gamecocks.  This is a new breed of bird.  With a great recruiting class, a bit of swagger and something the Gamecocks have not had in a while (true experience at every skill position), this Gamecocks team will look to improve on a 9-5 record (with two losses coming to the national champion Auburn Tigers, and one in their bowl game sans Marcus Lattimore against a Florida State team predicted to be in the preseason top 10). 

Contents

1. Overview of the SEC East

2. Projected Two-Deep Lineup

3. Top 10 Recruits

4. Position Analysis and Top 10 Players

5. Schedule Prediction

6. Closing

1. Overview of the SEC East

Georgia may be the most legitimate threat to South Carolina standing as the SEC East champion.  They have a solid group coming back, led by a potential All-American quarterback in Aaron Murray. 

Florida is going through a coaching change and losing good players on both sides of the ball.  They are the X-factor this year.

Tennessee is getting closer, and they have found a quarterback. 

Kentucky will not be nearly as good as they were last year (while they were good enough to beat a Lattimore-less Gamecocks, they weren't terribly good). 

Vandy may be even worse this year than they were last year. 

Look for South Carolina and Georgia to battle it out for the SEC East, with Florida and Tennessee being potential players. 

East Predictions

1. South Carolina

2. Georgia

3. Florida

4. Tennessee

5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt

2. Projected Two-Deep Lineup

(Starter first, backup(s) second)

(F)=Freshman

Offense

QB: Stephen Garcia, Connor Shaw

HB: Marcus Lattimore, Kenny Miles/Shon Carson (F)

FB: Matt Coffee, Dalton Wilson

WR 1: Alshon Jeffrey, D.L. Moore

WR 2: Ace Sanders, Jason Barnes

Slot Receiver: Damiere Byrd (F), Nick Jones

TE: Justice Cunningham, Jerell Adams (F)

Offensive Line: Will be updated after the Spring Game

LT: Brandon Shell (F),

LG: A.J. Cann

C: T.J. Johnson

RG: Rokevious Watkins

RT: Kyle Nunn

Defense

LDE: Jadeveon Clowney (F), Chaz Sutton

LDT: Kelsey Quarles, Kenny Davis/Phillip Dukes (F)

RDT: Travian Robertson, Melvin Ingram

RDE: Devin Taylor, Aldrick Fordham/Gerald Dixon (F)

MLB: Rodney Paulk, Toquavius Gilchrist

WLB: Shaq Wilson, Cedrick Cooper (F)

SPUR: Antonio Allen, Damario Jeffery

CB1: Stephon Gilmore, Victor Hampton

CB2: Akeem Aguste, C.C. Whitlock

FS: D.J. Swearinger, Sheldon Royster (F)

SS: DeVonte Holloman, Alonzo Winfield

Special Teams

PK: Jay Wooten

KO: Jay Wooten

P: Eric Davis

KR: Damiere Byrd (F)

PR: Damiere Byrd (F)

This is one of the stronger two-deep lineups in the SEC again.  (Keep in mind, these do not necessarily follow the depth chart positions listed in the media guide for the upcoming season...these reflect my personal opinions only). 

The biggest question marks fall on the offensive line (again) and special teams.  If these highly talented offensive linemen pan out, then they could be the best line South Carolina has had in years.  The special teams unit will remain in flux until South Carolina finds a special teams coach (Shane Beamer left to go coach with his father at Virginia Tech).

There are a lot of freshmen who need to contribute to the depth of the team. 

3. Top 10 Recruits (Freshman or Junior Transfers)

10. Shamier Jeffery (Calhoun County, SC) 6'2", 180-Pound Wide Receiver

Shamier is a 3-star prospect out of Calhoun, and in a loaded wide receiver group, he may not get as much time as he would in other schools.  However, he is the brother of Alshon Jeffery, and has been called a faster version of his brother. 

If his work ethic is anything like his brothers, there could be many Jefferys (Alshon, Damario and now Shamier) that see the field in 2011. 

9. Jerell Adams (Scotts Branch, SC) 6'5", 220-Pound Tight End

This is the pass-catching tight end that the team has been missing since Jared Cook declared early for the NFL draft.  Jerell runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.  That is extraordinary for a man who is 6'5".  He may be used in mostly passing situations, but if he improves his strength, look for him to become a big-time player. 

8. Tanner McEvoy (Oradell, NJ) 6'5", 210-Pound Quarterback

Listed as an athlete by most recruiting sites, this is a guy a great deal of fans are excited about.  He runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, at one point was a wide receiver and is a real dual-threat (hell, triple-threat) option at quarterback.  He has only spent one year as a quarterback in high school (and what a year it was), so look for him to possibly redshirt.  That way, Spurrier has his Connor Shaw replacement for two years once Connor takes over for Garcia as a junior. 

The quarterback train continues. 

7. Shon Carson, (Lake City, SC), 5'9", 195-Pound Running Back

Why would a highly recruited running back come to South Carolina, where obviously, Marcus Lattimore is king?  He wants the challenge, wants to compete and wants to be in Columbia.  This is the change of pace, home run threat South Carolina desperately needs to back up Mr. Lattimore.  With 4.4 speed, good hands and a great attitude, don't look for Carson to be lost in the crowd. 

6. Sheldon Royster, (Jersey City, NJ), 5'11", 190-Pound Safety

Royster is an extremely tough and violent safety, who was also a power back for his high school.  He is a down and dirty player who loves to hit, be hit and take care of the dirty work for his team.  He is a versatile player who will make an immediate impact on depth and special teams.

5. Damiere Byrd, (Erial, NJ), 5'10", 160-Pound Wide Receiver

Byrd's 40 time: 4.25.  He immediately becomes the faster player on the South Carolina roster, and that includes burners like Ace Sanders, C.C. Whitlock and Bryce Sherman.  He is a track star as well, and can go 100 yards in roughly 10.4 seconds. 

He will be the kick return specialists, and will see time as the slot receiver.  He may not have the receiver skill set of Ace Sanders at this point in his career, but he has speed.  Lots of speed. He has been compared to Percy Harvin...which is nothing to sneeze at. 

4. Phillip Dukes, (Manning, SC), 6'2", 275-Pound Defensive Tackle

Phillip Dukes is an elite level defensive tackle.  He has an extreme motor, and is low to the ground.  He plays with great leverage and has a solid size and frame.  He will be a player in 2011 and beyond on a deep defensive line. 

3. Kelcy Quarles (Fork Union, VA), 6'4", 265-Pound Defensive Tackle

Kelcy Quarles is the epitome of a Gamecock player.  He loves the university, loves the school, loves the coaches and loves to work.  He has been a player recruiter for two years now...getting in some good players' ears and trying to get them to follow him to South Carolina. 

2. Brandon Shell (Goose Creek, SC) 6'7", 310-Pound Offensive Tackle

Elite size, elite strength, elite athleticism...key word?  Elite.  A 5-star prospect and possibly as important a pickup as our "surprise" No. 1, Brandon Shell should start day one.  According to Scout.com, he has the tools to be the country's best tackle.  This is serious skill for one of the most important positions, left tackle.  Shell and Stephen Garcia/Connor Shaw will be best friends forever!

1. Jadeveon Clowney (Rock Hill, SC) 6'6", 235-Pound Defensive End

Could it be anyone else?  Really?  Much like Marcus Lattimore last year, Clowney is expected to come in and be an immediate star.  His road will be tougher then Latti's, however.  First of all, the defensive line is pretty deep, and he will need to put on a little weight.  

However, getting the consensus No. 1 high school prospect is a huge turning point for South Carolina.  No one thought they would ever be able to top the Marcus Lattimore signing...and they did it with the next recruiting class.   

For more information on South Carolina's recruits

4. Position Analysis and Top 10 Players

Quarterback

Once again, this season will depend on the quarterback play.  Incumbent Stephen Garcia will be pushed by Connor Shaw, but in reality, the job is his to lose.  He has been a workout warrior during the offseason this year, and it has been relatively quiet on the Garcia-bashing department.  The coaches believe he may have figured it out...

Garcia's statistics show he is highly underrated and not worthy of the terrible national reputation he has received.  Connor Shaw needs to learn to throw instead of run, but there is not much behind him.  Tanner McEvoy is a prospect. 

Position Grade: B

Running Back/Fullback

Lattimore is a full-time starting beast, and is worthy of an "A" rating on his own.  However, there are some injury concerns, as he has been taken out of two games and missed one already.  Hopefully, he can put together a full season. 

Behind him, Kenny Miles could be a starter at other schools and plays very well.  He doesn't do anything extremely well, but he does everything adequately.  Bryce Sherman was not used much last year, but he still has that speed. 

Shon Carson is an exciting prospect and could get early playing time.  A 4-star running back, he has intense speed and decent power. 

The fullback position is worrisome, and the loss of Patrick DiMarco will be felt.  Glenn Coffee's brother Matt Coffee should take over, and could be more of an offensive threat.  It remains to be seen what he can do as a blocker, which is something DiMarco excelled at.

Position Grade: B+

Wide Receiver

One of the most complete positions on the team, the wide receivers come into this season with huge expectations.  The largest expectations rest squarely on Alshon Jeffery's shoulders.  An All-American last year, he should have a huge junior season.  Here is hoping he sticks around for his senior year. 

Ace Sanders is a big-play threat, and should be the No. 2 guy.  However, D.L. Moore has some skills.  He is fast and tall.  He could be a better version of Tori Gurley.  He could get the starting nod, as Ace is build like a slot receiver. 

Nick Jones, Shamier Jeffery and Damiere Byrd all have speed, but I think that freshman Damiere Byrd could be the guy to take the slot receiver position. 

There are a lot of options for Steve Spurrier here.

Position Grade: A+

Tight End

This year's recruiting class saw South Carolina take three tight ends.  That basically shows what the coaches think about the group they have now. 

Justice Cunningham is the starter, and has his moments.  He is a good blocker, and has good size.  He just isn't much of a pass catcher.  Mike Triglia is a backup, and really no more.  The incoming freshmen may decide how much production the team gets from its tight end positions. 

Drew Owens is the highest rated tight end brought in according to Scout.com.  He is a power guy, and a good blocker.  He has soft hands, but isn't the offensive threat that Jarod Cook and Weslye Saunders were. 

Jerell Adams could be the most explosive tight end on the team.  His 4.5 speed could be utilized a great deal. 

Position Grade: C-

Offensive Line

This is the most optimistic I have ever been entering a season with the offensive line.  Shawn Elliot proved to be an amazing coach, and made a pretty threadbare line decent last year.  The pass protection has to be better, and they lose three seniors off the line. 

However, the talent is there.  A.J. Cann, DuVon Millsap and Brandon Shell will all be big-time players on the offensive line. 

Positional Grade: C

Defensive Ends

There is some really solid talent at end.  Devin Taylor is a man-beast, and at 6'7" is a huge man.  Chaz Sutton, Aldrick Fordham and Chaun Gresham all add some quality depth.  On top of that, Angelo Watley and Gerald Dixon are both incoming freshmen with size and ability. 

Then of course, there is Clowney, who has the potential to be one of the best to ever play at South Carolina (sorry, John Abraham). 

We will see if he lives up to his potential.  With or without him, the defensive ends are quick and aggressive. 

Positional Grade: A

Defensive Tackles

Another solid position for the gamecocks.  Losing Ladi Ajiboye is big.  He was a great player.  However, Travian Robertson, Melvin Ingram, Kenny Davis, J.T. Surratt and Byron Jerideau are all good players. 

Add to these guys a solid defensive tackle class led by two 4-star prospects in Phillip Dukes and Kelcy Quarles, and you have a position you don't need to worry much about.

Positional Grade: A

Linebackers/Spurs

Health is a big concern here.  Coming into last season, I viewed the linebackers as a strength.  Then two high quality starters went down with big-time injuries, making role players and younger guys step up.  While the linebacker play suffered a little, these guys now have the playing experience to provide depth for the returning starters.

Shaq Wilson is back, and he has always been known as a solid tackler.  Rodney Paulk will be back for his sixth year of eligibility.  He has had two years granted due to injury.  The spurs (linebacker/safety hybrid) are talented, with Antonio Allen and Damario Jeffery returning for another year as spurs. 

Positional Grade: B

Cornerbacks

By far the most disappointing group of 2010.  This year should be much, much better.  Stephon Gilmore is still one of the best corners in the country, and is a defensive leader.  C.C. Whitlock is a speedster who has found his role. 

Victor Hampton (a parade All-American from the 2010 class) will be ready to be a player. 

Possibly the best news for the corners is that Akeem Auguste is coming back from his lost year as a safety.  He is a great corner and should reclaim his starting spot. 

Positional Grade: B

Safety

Another group that disappointed in 2010, the safeties need to bounce back in order for the defense to enjoy any success. 

D.J. Swearinger will be starting at free safety, and DeVonte Holloman will start at strong safety.  Behind them are relative unknowns, but there is talent.  Alonzo Winfield has skills.  Sharrod Golightly has speed and good coverage ability.  Sheldon Royster a 4-star prospect could see playing time immediately as a backup. 

Positional Grade: C+

Special Teams

Yuck.  That describes the special teams unit for the past few years.  While the kicking game has been solid thanks to Spencer Lanning and Ryan Succop (both of whom are gone), the coverage and return games have been terrible. 

This year is an even bigger question mark, if you can believe it or not.  With Shane Beamer gone, a new coach will need to be found.  Then, the question on everyone's mind will be, "Who in the world is our kicker, and who will be our return men?"

Until those questions are answered, I view the special teams as a liability.

Positional Grade: F

Top 10 Returning Players

10. DeVonte Holloman, SS

9. Akeem Aguste, CB

8. Rodney Paulk, LB

7. Shaq Wilson, LB

6. Stephen Garcia, QB

5. Travian Robertson, DT

4. Devin Taylor, DE

3. Stephon Gilmore, CB

2. Alshon Jeffery, WR

1. Marcus Lattimore, RB

5. Schedule Prediction

3/11	vs. East Carolina	Charlotte, N.C.	East Carolina is not a team that South Carolina should take lightly.  However, this game could turn out like the Southern Mississippi game from 2010.  South Carolina wins this one easily.  USC 31, ECU 17 USC 1-0, (0-0)
09/10/11	at Georgia	Athens, Ga.	Georgia is way better than it was last year.  You could see the growth and improvement as the year progressed.  On paper, South Carolina is still the better team, with more returning skill players.  The gap is way closer.  South Carolina squeaks out a win in Athens, but Georgia announces that it is back in a well-fought game.  USC 17, Georgia 14 USC 2-0, (1-0)
09/17/11	vs. Navy	Columbia, S.C.	A 9-3 Navy team from last year looks to improve upon an impressive season (record-wise).  South Carolina can't overlook Navy—a disciplined and athletic team.  In Columbia, South Carolina wins in a closer matchup than it would like. USC 28, Navy 14 USC 3-0, (1-0)
09/24/11	vs. Vanderbilt	Columbia, S.C.	Once again, the Commodores always seem to give the Gamecocks a scare.  At one point, Vanderbilt looked like it could steal the game away last year. However, this year will be different, and Vandy will be in Columbia early in the season.  They will get clobbered.  USC 38, Vanderbilt 10 USC 4-0, (2-0)
10/01/11	vs. Auburn	Columbia, S.C.	Call this the revenge game.  I don't think that Auburn will suffer as much as some critics think, but it will not be the same powerhouse team that won the national championship.  In Columbia, South Carolina has to take this win.  It will be close.  South Carolina 21, Auburn 17 USC 5-0, (3-0)
10/08/11	vs. Kentucky	Columbia, S.C.	The long dominance of Kentucky ended last season with a stunning come-from-behind victory for the Wildcats.  However, the talent levels just don't come close to one another, and it is in Columbia.  USC 28, Kentucky 21 USC 6-0, (4-0)
10/15/11	at Mississippi State	Starkville, Miss.	The start of the key four-week run on the season.  Mississippi State looked amazing last year, and its coach is truly building something special.  It is also in Starksville, which is a scary prospect.  South Carolina will get a scare, but win in the end.  USC 21, Mississippi State 20 USC 7-0, (5-0)
10/29/11	at Tennessee	Knoxville, Tenn.	Tennessee is still a year away.  However, it gave South Carolina a pretty solid game in Columbia.  An improved passing defense for the Gamecocks will be the difference in a high-scoring game.  USC 35, Tennessee 21 USC 8-0, (6-0)
11/05/11	at Arkansas	Fayetteville, Ark.	This will potentially be the first loss of the season.  Arkansas has a great deal of talent beyond Ryan Mallet.  In Fayetteville, I think the Razorbacks win.  USC 17, Arkansas 28 USC 8-1, (6-1)
11/12/11	vs. Florida	Columbia, S.C.	Florida is the mystery team.  The Gators could be great, and then again, they could be lousy.  As of right now, I would say they will be slightly improved over last year, which won't get them closer to Carolina. USC 27, Florida 21 USC 9-1, (7-1)
11/19/11	vs. The Citadel	Columbia, S.C.	The highly respected university out of South Carolina is a great place with good people.  God bless our military.  However, this game won't be close. USC 49, Citadel 10 USC 10-1, (7-1)
11/26/11	vs. Clemson	Columbia, S.C.	In Columbia, South Carolina will make it three years in a row against its in-state rivals.  The Tigers have a great deal of growing to do, and unless their great recruiting class (of linebackers) will be able to play both sides of the ball at a high level, this may not even be close.  Probably the final game of Dabo's career. USC 31, Clemson 14 USC 11-1, (7-1)

For more on the schedule, please read Leftover Hot Dog's slide show...

6. Closing

I correctly predicted that South Carolina would win the East last year.  I was correct.  I believe the Gamecocks will defend it with an 11-1 record.  For one, look at the schedule.  It sets up so favorably.  The toughest matchups are at Georgia and Mississippi State, with Auburn coming to Columbia. 

10-2 would be worst-case scenario.  Even though people still don't want to admit it, this team, on paper is one of the most talented in the conference.  As long as the quarterback play is solid, they could be in the hunt for the SEC title...and we all know what potentially comes with that...a possible chance at a national title.

It is all there...with the coaching and talent, it is more than a pipe dream.  South Carolina has improved in every area, didn't lose a great deal of major talent and had another solid recruiting class.  It is time. 

South Carolina will move forward from 2010, and make 2011 one for the ages in South Carolina.