South Carolina Footbal 2011: Six Players Who Will Be Better Than Advertised

South Carolina has hype, obviously.  I have written about it, heard about it and frankly, I am tired of it. 

With that comes the usual assortment of star players written about over and over again.  You know... Marcus Lattimore, Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, Devin Taylor, Jadeveon Clowney and, sometimes, Stephen Garcia (when it is a back handed compliment, usually).

However, there are some players who could have huge seasons, but are under the radar at the moment.  By the end of the season, it would not surprise me to see the following names listed in conjunction with the superstars above. 

With football season approaching, now is a great time to start keeping up with me on Facebook.  I will have the first "Five Keys to a Carolina Victory" soon... possibly even tomorrow.

It is GREAT to be a Gamecock!

Wide Receiver Ace Sanders

Ace Sanders is sort of the forgotten man in Columbia, because of speedster Damier Byrd, who will also become a superstar receiver down the road. 

How quickly people forget about the powerfully built little guy with blazing speed (not Byrd blazing, but blazing none the less). 

He spent a great deal of time over the summer working on his hands and adding strength.  This year should be his breakout year, as he is poised to either be the No. 2 or No. 3 starter behind Alshon Jeffery.

2010 Stats: 25 Catches, 316 yards, 2 touchdowns

Predicted 2011 Stats:  35 catches, 500 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns

Running Back Shon Carson

Yes, I know he is a freshman. 

Yes, I know that you can never predict how well a freshman can do. 

Yes, I realize Marcus Lattimore is on the team. 

However, this kid can ball.  In every sense of the word.  He has blazed his way up to the No. 3 (probably No. 2) running back spot on the team, using a rare combination of speed, agility, balance and awareness. 

He is a pro-ready athlete already (well, in baseball), who will get his share of carries spelling Lattimore.  Look for him to make an impact in the receiving game as well. 

2011 predicted stats:  50 carries, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, 15 catches, 200 yards, 2 touchdowns.  

Yeah, I know... that's a shot in the dark.

Defensive End Melvin Ingram

Poor Melvin.  He is the victim of the Clowninator (I don't expect that to catch on). 

People are calling for Jadeveon Clowney to start instead of Melvin Ingram, who only led the team in sacks in 2010 with 9.5.

I think he enters this season with a chip on his shoulder, and establishes himself as a legitimate NFL defensive end.  I do think that his stats will decrease because of J.C., but his effort and ability will shine. 

2010 Stats: 9 sacks, 28 tackles, 11 for loss

Projected 2011 Stats: 5 Sacks, 35 tackles, 16 for loss

Defensive Tackle Travian Robertson

With all this talk about the defensive ends, someone forgot that South Carolina has an All-SEC caliber tackle in Travian Robertson. 

He has some competition for his starting spot in All-Strong Man Team member Byron Jeridou, but Robertson should be praised for his athleticism and run stopping ability.  He should work his way into a second day draft pick.

2010 Stats: 42 Tackles, 10 for a loss, 4 sacks

Projected 2011 Stats:  50 tackles, 15 for loss, 6 sacks

Cornerback C.C. Whitlock

C.C. Whitlock has always been talented.  That being said, he has always had trouble with his mind. 

This year, he realizes it is his last chance to capitalize on that talent.  While his interests may be selfish (NFL), his selfishness couldn't come at a better time for the Gamecocks.  With a decimated secondary that was already terrible, Whitlock has a chance to be a great performer.

Look for him to become closer to the corner we always thought he could become. 

2010 Stats: 21 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass break ups

2011 Projected stats: 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 8 pass break ups

Quarterback Stephen Garcia

Write this down:

Stephen Garcia, All-SEC Quarterback. 

It's going to happen.  He will be one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and it won't be close.  This is going to be the year he puts it all together and breaks every South Carolina passing record.

You just watch. 

2010 Stats:  65% Completion percentage, 3,059 yards, 20 touchdowns, 14 Interceptions

Projected 2011 Stats (Wait for it...): 68% Completion percentage, 4,000 yards,  32 touchdowns, 8 interceptions.