South Carolina Football: 10 Observations from the 2nd Gamecock Scrimmage

South Carolina had its second practice scrimmage on Wednesday, August 17th, and it was a great indicator of how well this team handles coaching. 

On this day, this team looked much deeper (ones and twos were going at it like it was a real SEC game), much faster and way more polished.  With three weeks to improve until kickoff against ECU, I have moved my excitement meter from cautiously optimistic to straight-up optimistic. 

Offensively, this could be the best team in the SEC, and one of the best in the country. 

Defensively, they could be the fastest, and the toughest to run against.  With what seems to be a hungrier defensive backfield, they could be a top-three SEC defense. 

We all know what that could mean. 

It is GREAT to be a Gamecock!

1. Hold on Now, Maybe There Is Some Life in the Defensive Backs After All

After a terrible initial scrimmage, the defensive backs looked much better.  They were smoother in coverage, and more aware of their assignments.  Carey Addison, Kadetrix Marcus and Marty Markett had interceptions, and the younger players stepped up. 

My biggest concern is still the fact that the team will be missing Victor Hampton and Devonte Holloman until later in the season.  They will certainly miss the ECU and Georgia games. 

When they come back, it could be a much stronger unit.

2. The Quarterback Competition Really Is Closer, but Garcia Playing Well

Connor Shaw really is looking spectacular.  However, he seems to have the added luxury of most of the starting players on his team. 

Garcia looked more poised in his second scrimmage.  They both had phenomenal plays.  Shaw threw an interception, while Garcia did not.  Garcia did lose a fumble to Jadeveon Clowney, who ran it back for a touchdown. 

A lot of fans are saying that Shaw has no chance. 

I agree with you.  However, he is pushing Garcia, and putting us in an excellent position for 2012... having an unquestioned starter in Shaw. 

3. Brandon Wilds Will Probably See Playing Time

Brandon Wilds may have played himself out of a redshirt.  He had four carries for 33 yards, and has been super impressive in both scrimmages.  He is a tough runner, who gains positive yards on almost every play. 

He and Shon Carson are going to form a formidable one-two punch in the SEC when Marcus Lattimore decides to leave for the NFL.

4. Kenny Miles' Last Stand?

Kenny Miles, a runner that I like a lot, has completely gone off the reservation it seems.  His one carry for minus-five yards does nothing for his standing.

It looks like he may go from starting running back (in 2009) to backup to a superstar (in 2010) to third or fourth on the depth chart.

With Wilds and Carson emerging, it is looking more like fourth.

5. B-B-B-B-Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, B-Byrd's the Word

Can anyone say enough about Damiere Byrd?

I don't think that they can.  He checks in, and promptly catches an 80-yard touchdown pass.  While I don't think he has the complete skill set to be a starter (like I originally thought), he can fly and he will play. 

He will improve his strength and route-running to become a great starter in the future.

6. Forget the Whole Defensive Line, Jadeveon Clowney Is a MonSTAR

Jadeveon Clowney is insane.  He is better than advertised.  He keeps constant pressure off of his side.  He ran down a reverse.  He ran down Ace Sanders, one of the fastest players on the team. 

He returned a fumble for a touchdown. 

Noticing a trend?  This playmaker could be equal in impact to that of Marcus Lattimore, which could be a frightening prospect for SEC teams.

7. Ace Sanders and Jason Barnes (the Forgotten Men) Shine

Ace Sanders has been a very productive camp player.  He has worked hard, improved his strength and still has the exciting speed that everyone saw last season.  He looks like an SEC starter. 

Barnes had a huge second scrimmage, with three catches for 83 yards.  He truly desires to be a factor in his senior season, and has the work ethic and skill to be an excellent possession receiver.

8. Rory Anderson, Freshman Tight End, Could Be a Factor in the Offense

While Rory Anderson didn't have the best second scrimmage, it is clear that coaches like his athletic ability and catching prowess.

He can open the field in a way that Justice Cunningham can't.  However, Justice is clearly the starter, as his blocking ability and hands are fantastic.

9. Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery Are Ready for the Season

Enough said.  They are in shape, look like leaders off the field and Coach Spurrier obviously knows they don't need reps.

10. Coach Spurrier Has a Bit of His "Gator Swag" Back

Watching how positive Spurrier has been recently, how confident he seems, it reminds me of a time when I actually loathed the man. 

However, now, it's in a good way.  Spurrier clearly knows that he has a great team on his hands, and is optimistic that they can do good things. 

This is one of the biggest indicators for me that South Carolina is poised for a special season. 

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