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Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Good morning.
The football team has its 14th spring practice this morning. Afterward, quarterbacks coach Dan Werner will speak with the media.
The baseball team's three-game series at Alabama begins tonight at 7. It will be broadcast on the SEC Network. (Gamecock Central will be in Tuscaloosa to cover the series, so stay tuned.)
If you were forwarded this newsletter or found it on social media, you can sign up here to get it each morning.
Marshawn Lloyd/Credit: Rivals.com
1. Three key uncommitted recruiting visitors for Saturday's spring game
The 2019 edition of the Garnet and Black Spring Game is just a couple of days away and that means the list of recruiting targets who are expected on campus is getting clearer. While we have a more complete list posted on Gamecock Central, here's a look at three key targets to keep an eye on Saturday (and one bonus).
• Four-star WR Michael Wyman
The four-star standout from Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C., would have made this list regardless, but he especially is worth keeping an eye on after the 6-foot-4, 197-pounder announced on Wednesday that he's going to reveal his commitment on April 16.
Wyman has been on South Carolina's campus multiple times and the Gamecocks have been considered a heavy favorite for some time, they just obviously need to get to the finish line and secure a commitment later this month from the wide receiver who has over 40 offers to his name. This weekend's visit will be the last time he's on campus prior to the big day.
• Five-star RB Marshawn Lloyd
Are the Gamecocks a long shot for Hyattville (Md.) Dematha five-star running back Marshawn Lloyd? Probably so. But Lloyd visited South Carolina, somewhat out of nowhere, earlier this year, and he must have liked what he saw to return to campus so quickly.
New running backs coach Thomas Brown has quite a resume both on the field himself and coaching top running backs. The Gamecocks also have quite a story to sell prospects at the position regarding available playing time in Lloyd's freshman year. Long shot? Maybe. But the quick return visit can't be discounted and another strong trip could move Carolina firmly into the mix.
• Three-star LB Desmond Tisdol
Don't let Tisdol's three-star ranking deceive, the Rochelle (Ga.) Wilcox County standout is a headhunter from the linebacker position and the type of player the Gamecocks need at that spot. His recruitment has been interesting in that South Carolina was his first Power 5 offer and quickly jumped to the top of his list, nearly landing an early commitment earlier this year.
But Tisdol's recruitment has taken off with a fierceness in the last few months with Auburn shooting to the top of his list and Carolina settling in right behind them. Saturday's visit offers an opportunity for the Gamecocks to move back to the top for one of their priority targets at a position of need.
• BONUS: Where will Jordan Burch be Saturday?
South Carolina and Clemson fans alike will be tuned in Saturday to see where Columbia (S.C.) Hammond five-star defensive end Jordan Burch shows up with both programs holding their spring games on the same day.
Burch, who is the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2020 class, is at the center of the lone in-state recruiting battle between the two teams this class and he's a priority for both staffs.
While Clemson was thought to be an early favorite, the talented pass-rusher has been in Columbia each of the last two weekends. Will be be back for a third straight time this weekend or return to Clemson? Stay tuned...
• Spring game visitors – Continuously updated list of prospects expected to be in Columbia on Saturday for the Spring Game. (subscription)
More recruiting:
• QB Drake Maye checks out USC – Charlotte, N.C., quarterback Drake Maye made the drive down I-77 on Tuesday to get a closer look at the South Carolina program. Following the visit, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder spoke with GamecockCentral.com to give his thoughts on the trip. (subscription)
– Wes Mitchell
Reid Morgan/Credit: Katie Dugan
2. ⚾ Baseball travels to Alabama
Who: South Carolina (18-11, 2-7 SEC) at Alabama (20-10, 2-7 SEC)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday/ 7 p.m. Friday/ 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sewell-Thomas Stadium (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
• Game 1: SEC Network - listen - stats
• Game 2: SEC Network - listen - stats
• Game 3: SEC Network+ - listen - stats
You can also find updates on The Insiders Forum and @GCgameday (Twitter).
Probable starting pitchers:
USC: Fr. RHP Danny Lloyd (2-2, 4.72), Jr. RHP Reid Morgan (3-0, 2.17), TBD
Alabama: Sr. RHP Sam Finnerty (4-3, 3.92), R-Jr. Brock Love (3-1, 4.10), Fr. RHP Tyler Ras (1-2, 3.22)
The Tide is off to the same slow start South Carolina is, losing two of three to both Ole Miss and Arkansas then most recently getting swept by Florida last weekend. They’re also coming off an 8-4 midweek loss to Troy.
Up next: South Carolina returns home for a game against UNC Charlotte at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
– Collyn Taylor
Ernest Jones/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals extended his hitting streak to 25 games, which ties him with George Brett and Mike Sweeney for third longest by a Royals player.
Football & Football Recruiting: Carolina Confidential with spring game recruiting and team scoop – The latest on South Carolina football recruiting and team information with the spring game upon us. (subscription)
Football: Why this was an important spring for Ernest Jones – One player’s misfortune is another player’s opportunity. The Gamecocks have been without starting middle linebacker T.J. Brunson all spring, but it has proven to be a positive for some of the younger players. (link)
Football: Video - Rick Sandidge talks life in the SEC, sophomore progress, more – Sophomore defensive tackle Rick Sandidge updates his progress this spring. (link)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: What USC is getting in Mike Green – On Monday, USC picked up a commitment from Mike Green, a sharp-shooting walk-on guard from Myrtle Beach. Green's coach thinks Green could step in and give the team a boost in plenty of different ways. (link)
Softball: USC to host student meet-and-greet – The softball team is set to host a student meet-and-greet on Green Street outside the Russell House today. Members of the team, as well as head coach Beverly Smith, will host the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (link)
Women's Basketball: Boston to participate in NCAA Next Generation for Women – USC signee Aliyah Boston is one of six USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team gold medalists to accept invitations to participate in the NCAA Next Generation for Women. (link)
Men's Golf: Hall honored by SEC – Freshman Ryan Hall was named SEC Men's Freshman Golfer of the Week. It's the first career weekly award for the highly-touted, first-year player. (link)
Women's Tennis: USC hosts senior weekend – The No. 3 Gamecocks host No. 49 Auburn on Thursday and No. 43 Alabama on Sunday.(link)
Equestrian: Lyman honored – Freshman Grady Lyman earned a spot on the 2019 Ariat All-America Honorable Mention Equitation on the Flat Team. (link)
Men's Basketball: Schedule set for 3X3U National Championship – USC's Hassani Gravett will join Mizzou's Jordan Geist, Georgia's Derek Ogbeide and Texas A&M's Christian Mekowulu on the SEC squad. Team SEC begins play on Friday at 5 p.m. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 4, 1980 – No. 3 South Carolina knocked off No. 1 Miami, 15-5, in Coral Gables, snapping a 13-game win streak for the Canes.
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Cody Wells – Wells picked the Gamecocks over South Florida and UCF. He redshirted as a freshman in 2003 and was the top backup to senior Rod Wilson at the “Apache” position in 2004 while recording several tackles in special teams coverage. Wells started seven games as a junior. As a senior, he backed up Cliff Matthews at weakside linebacker. He had six tackles in his final regular-season game versus Clemson. Wells was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member (2004-2006).
• Jerry Habersham (football/offensive guard, 1979-80)
• Josh Irby (football/long snapper, 2001)
• Jim Salanger (football/linebacker, 1973-74)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @Ben Kittrell (member since 2011)
• @tking4485 (member since 2014)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 6 – Football: Spring game (2 days)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (6)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (21)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (34)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (47)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (102)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (107)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (149)
More happenings
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game
• April 6 – Junior Gamecock Club Punt, Pass & Kick
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• April 16 – Football Recruiting: Michael Wyman announcement
• April 23 – Augusta, Spurs Up Tour
• April 24 – Midlands, Spurs Up Tour
• April 29 – Lancaster, Spurs Up Tour
• April 30 – Greenville, Spurs Up Tour
• May 2 – York, Spurs Up Tour
• May 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement
• May 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour
• May 18 – SC Legends Camp
Will Muschamp is scheduled to appear at all of the Spurs Up Tour events. More information, including specific locations and ticket prices, will be announced as it becomes available.
_____________________________
Thank you for reading Gamecock Nation Today.
Customize: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
Do you have something exciting you'd like to have mentioned in this newsletter? Click here or send an email to shoe@gamecockcentral.com.
– Brian Shoemaker
Celebrating 20 years! Established in 1998, Gamecock Central provides in-depth and insider coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting, and is home to The Insiders Forum. Not a member of Gamecock Central? Subscribe here. Read what our members think about Gamecock Central.
NEED HELP? If you have a Gamecock Central account (free or pay) and cannot remember your password, please go to this link and enter your email address. If you don't receive an email from Rivals within five minutes, please alert me at shoe@gamecockcentral.com. The password needs to be at least nine characters, including at least one number.
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecock Nation Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
------------------------
Gamecock Nation Today
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Good morning.
The football team has its 14th spring practice this morning. Afterward, quarterbacks coach Dan Werner will speak with the media.
The baseball team's three-game series at Alabama begins tonight at 7. It will be broadcast on the SEC Network. (Gamecock Central will be in Tuscaloosa to cover the series, so stay tuned.)
If you were forwarded this newsletter or found it on social media, you can sign up here to get it each morning.
Marshawn Lloyd/Credit: Rivals.com
1. Three key uncommitted recruiting visitors for Saturday's spring game
The 2019 edition of the Garnet and Black Spring Game is just a couple of days away and that means the list of recruiting targets who are expected on campus is getting clearer. While we have a more complete list posted on Gamecock Central, here's a look at three key targets to keep an eye on Saturday (and one bonus).
• Four-star WR Michael Wyman
The four-star standout from Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C., would have made this list regardless, but he especially is worth keeping an eye on after the 6-foot-4, 197-pounder announced on Wednesday that he's going to reveal his commitment on April 16.
Wyman has been on South Carolina's campus multiple times and the Gamecocks have been considered a heavy favorite for some time, they just obviously need to get to the finish line and secure a commitment later this month from the wide receiver who has over 40 offers to his name. This weekend's visit will be the last time he's on campus prior to the big day.
• Five-star RB Marshawn Lloyd
Are the Gamecocks a long shot for Hyattville (Md.) Dematha five-star running back Marshawn Lloyd? Probably so. But Lloyd visited South Carolina, somewhat out of nowhere, earlier this year, and he must have liked what he saw to return to campus so quickly.
New running backs coach Thomas Brown has quite a resume both on the field himself and coaching top running backs. The Gamecocks also have quite a story to sell prospects at the position regarding available playing time in Lloyd's freshman year. Long shot? Maybe. But the quick return visit can't be discounted and another strong trip could move Carolina firmly into the mix.
• Three-star LB Desmond Tisdol
Don't let Tisdol's three-star ranking deceive, the Rochelle (Ga.) Wilcox County standout is a headhunter from the linebacker position and the type of player the Gamecocks need at that spot. His recruitment has been interesting in that South Carolina was his first Power 5 offer and quickly jumped to the top of his list, nearly landing an early commitment earlier this year.
But Tisdol's recruitment has taken off with a fierceness in the last few months with Auburn shooting to the top of his list and Carolina settling in right behind them. Saturday's visit offers an opportunity for the Gamecocks to move back to the top for one of their priority targets at a position of need.
• BONUS: Where will Jordan Burch be Saturday?
South Carolina and Clemson fans alike will be tuned in Saturday to see where Columbia (S.C.) Hammond five-star defensive end Jordan Burch shows up with both programs holding their spring games on the same day.
Burch, who is the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2020 class, is at the center of the lone in-state recruiting battle between the two teams this class and he's a priority for both staffs.
While Clemson was thought to be an early favorite, the talented pass-rusher has been in Columbia each of the last two weekends. Will be be back for a third straight time this weekend or return to Clemson? Stay tuned...
• Spring game visitors – Continuously updated list of prospects expected to be in Columbia on Saturday for the Spring Game. (subscription)
More recruiting:
• QB Drake Maye checks out USC – Charlotte, N.C., quarterback Drake Maye made the drive down I-77 on Tuesday to get a closer look at the South Carolina program. Following the visit, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder spoke with GamecockCentral.com to give his thoughts on the trip. (subscription)
– Wes Mitchell
Reid Morgan/Credit: Katie Dugan
2. ⚾ Baseball travels to Alabama
Who: South Carolina (18-11, 2-7 SEC) at Alabama (20-10, 2-7 SEC)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday/ 7 p.m. Friday/ 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sewell-Thomas Stadium (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
• Game 1: SEC Network - listen - stats
• Game 2: SEC Network - listen - stats
• Game 3: SEC Network+ - listen - stats
You can also find updates on The Insiders Forum and @GCgameday (Twitter).
Probable starting pitchers:
USC: Fr. RHP Danny Lloyd (2-2, 4.72), Jr. RHP Reid Morgan (3-0, 2.17), TBD
Alabama: Sr. RHP Sam Finnerty (4-3, 3.92), R-Jr. Brock Love (3-1, 4.10), Fr. RHP Tyler Ras (1-2, 3.22)
The Tide is off to the same slow start South Carolina is, losing two of three to both Ole Miss and Arkansas then most recently getting swept by Florida last weekend. They’re also coming off an 8-4 midweek loss to Troy.
Up next: South Carolina returns home for a game against UNC Charlotte at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
– Collyn Taylor
Ernest Jones/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals extended his hitting streak to 25 games, which ties him with George Brett and Mike Sweeney for third longest by a Royals player.
Football & Football Recruiting: Carolina Confidential with spring game recruiting and team scoop – The latest on South Carolina football recruiting and team information with the spring game upon us. (subscription)
Football: Why this was an important spring for Ernest Jones – One player’s misfortune is another player’s opportunity. The Gamecocks have been without starting middle linebacker T.J. Brunson all spring, but it has proven to be a positive for some of the younger players. (link)
Football: Video - Rick Sandidge talks life in the SEC, sophomore progress, more – Sophomore defensive tackle Rick Sandidge updates his progress this spring. (link)
- Related: Defensive players talk spring practice – With quotes from Rick Sandidge, Jabari Ellis, and Sherrod Greene (subscription)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: What USC is getting in Mike Green – On Monday, USC picked up a commitment from Mike Green, a sharp-shooting walk-on guard from Myrtle Beach. Green's coach thinks Green could step in and give the team a boost in plenty of different ways. (link)
- Related: Inside the commitment of Mike Green (subscription)
Softball: USC to host student meet-and-greet – The softball team is set to host a student meet-and-greet on Green Street outside the Russell House today. Members of the team, as well as head coach Beverly Smith, will host the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (link)
Women's Basketball: Boston to participate in NCAA Next Generation for Women – USC signee Aliyah Boston is one of six USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team gold medalists to accept invitations to participate in the NCAA Next Generation for Women. (link)
Men's Golf: Hall honored by SEC – Freshman Ryan Hall was named SEC Men's Freshman Golfer of the Week. It's the first career weekly award for the highly-touted, first-year player. (link)
Women's Tennis: USC hosts senior weekend – The No. 3 Gamecocks host No. 49 Auburn on Thursday and No. 43 Alabama on Sunday.(link)
Equestrian: Lyman honored – Freshman Grady Lyman earned a spot on the 2019 Ariat All-America Honorable Mention Equitation on the Flat Team. (link)
Men's Basketball: Schedule set for 3X3U National Championship – USC's Hassani Gravett will join Mizzou's Jordan Geist, Georgia's Derek Ogbeide and Texas A&M's Christian Mekowulu on the SEC squad. Team SEC begins play on Friday at 5 p.m. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 4, 1980 – No. 3 South Carolina knocked off No. 1 Miami, 15-5, in Coral Gables, snapping a 13-game win streak for the Canes.
- The offense got the game started with a bang as Robby Vollmer led off the contest with a home run.
- Joe McCarthy led the USC offense, as he drove in four runs with a walk, a double and a solo home run.
- Elsewhere in the lineup, Etienne Farquharson drove in three and Jim Curl had a home run and two doubles.
- Gamecocks pitcher Martin Small picked up the win with five solid innings of relief for his first decision of the year as Carolina improved to 15-5.
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Cody Wells – Wells picked the Gamecocks over South Florida and UCF. He redshirted as a freshman in 2003 and was the top backup to senior Rod Wilson at the “Apache” position in 2004 while recording several tackles in special teams coverage. Wells started seven games as a junior. As a senior, he backed up Cliff Matthews at weakside linebacker. He had six tackles in his final regular-season game versus Clemson. Wells was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member (2004-2006).
• Jerry Habersham (football/offensive guard, 1979-80)
• Josh Irby (football/long snapper, 2001)
• Jim Salanger (football/linebacker, 1973-74)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @Ben Kittrell (member since 2011)
• @tking4485 (member since 2014)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 6 – Football: Spring game (2 days)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (6)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (21)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (34)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (47)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (102)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (107)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (149)
More happenings
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game
• April 6 – Junior Gamecock Club Punt, Pass & Kick
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• April 16 – Football Recruiting: Michael Wyman announcement
• April 23 – Augusta, Spurs Up Tour
• April 24 – Midlands, Spurs Up Tour
• April 29 – Lancaster, Spurs Up Tour
• April 30 – Greenville, Spurs Up Tour
• May 2 – York, Spurs Up Tour
• May 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement
• May 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour
• May 18 – SC Legends Camp
Will Muschamp is scheduled to appear at all of the Spurs Up Tour events. More information, including specific locations and ticket prices, will be announced as it becomes available.
_____________________________
Thank you for reading Gamecock Nation Today.
Customize: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
Do you have something exciting you'd like to have mentioned in this newsletter? Click here or send an email to shoe@gamecockcentral.com.
– Brian Shoemaker
Celebrating 20 years! Established in 1998, Gamecock Central provides in-depth and insider coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting, and is home to The Insiders Forum. Not a member of Gamecock Central? Subscribe here. Read what our members think about Gamecock Central.
NEED HELP? If you have a Gamecock Central account (free or pay) and cannot remember your password, please go to this link and enter your email address. If you don't receive an email from Rivals within five minutes, please alert me at shoe@gamecockcentral.com. The password needs to be at least nine characters, including at least one number.
