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Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Good morning! Welcome to Gamecock Nation Today, our new daily newsletter. Please spread the word by forwarding it to your family and friends.
The women's basketball team kept it close against UConn for two quarters, but the Huskies pulled away in the third and won 97-79. We're three days away from baseball's season opener -- unless Mother Nature gets in the way.
Happy Tuesday! - The Gamecock Central Crew
Photo credit: Chris Gillespie
1. The lead: How the Gamecock staff was able to build the 2019 class
Yesterday, we laid out how Will Muschamp’s most recent crop of prospects appears to be his best yet in Columbia. Today, we take a closer look at the reasons why USC was able to land the class, which includes the highest-ranked QB signee in the Rivals.com era and Muschamp’s first five-star signee.
– Chris Clark
Dylan Wonnum. Photo credit: Chris Gillespie
2. Three objectives for spring practice
Find a left tackle. With the return of starters Donell Stanley, Sadarius Hutcherson and Dylan Wonnum on the offensive line - plus a nucleus of young talents recruited by Eric Wolford - South Carolina's offensive line should be in good shape for the foreseeable future. The biggest question: Who takes over at left tackle? Here's guessing that Wonnum and his excellent athleticism gets a long look on the left side after taking over at right tackle midway through last season
Continue to tweak the scheme on offense. South Carolina's new offensive scheme under the direction of first-year playcaller Bryan McClendon showed signs of absolute brilliance last season. But there were also long periods of stagnant play with six straight shutout quarters to end the season. McClendon loses Swiss Army Knife playmaker Deebo Samuel but has veterans to work with. The Gamecocks will need to continue to tweak their approach towards a more consistent output with a daunting schedule on deck.
Bring along the newbies on defense. South Carolina's defensive front will receive an influx of talent this spring with Zacch Pickens, Joe Anderson, Rodricus Fitten and Devontae Davis already on campus to go through spring practice. The question on everyone's mind: How quickly can the five-star Pickens push for a starting position at defensive end? But it's not just Pickens who will have a chance to play early as all four newbies will have the chance to show what they can do.
The defensive back position is clearly a bigger question, but answering that will have to wait until the summer when Cam Smith, Jammie Robinson, Johnny Dixon and Shilo Sanders arrive to boost the position.
– Wes Mitchell
3. Signee of the Day - Jammie Robinson
With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central will spotlight one prospect each of the next 23 business days.
Today's signee of the day is Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County four-star safety Jammie Robinson, who spurned a host of other SEC programs to commit to and sign with the Gamecocks on National Signing Day.
Other Finalists: Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky
Former Gamecock comparison: D.J. Swearinger
Coach's corner: "Jammie's, first off, a very intelligent football player and great leader. Those things are really great qualities and when you combine that with the athleticism he has and the the physicality he plays with, you're really getting the total package in him." - Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio
Click here for more on Robinson
– Wes Mitchell
4. From Monday
Women's Basketball. UConn cruises again. The third quarter was all Huskies, as they started on a 14-5 run and outscored the Gamecocks 29-12. (link)
Trip Couch thriving in his unique role with the Gamecocks. Trip Couch has spent his life working in baseball and has done a little bit of everything in the business, but always thought he could help build a program in a new and different way. So when Mark Kingston offered him the chance to do that, the 30-year baseball veteran jumped at the opportunity to branch out and try something new. (link)
Ten in-state recruits to watch for. Everyone knows the big-time in-state names. Yet there are other prospects within the Palmetto State's borders that South Carolina's staff continues to monitor. In this feature, we take a look at ten of them. (link requires subscription)
Martin updates progress of injured trio. South Carolina is no stranger to injuries this season. Three players are out for the year with serious injuries. Frank Martin updated those situations before the Gamecocks' big matchup Wednesday with No.1 Tennessee, including confirming one player is officially redshirting. (link)
The Insider Report: Recruiting notes. More on an intriguing Georgia athlete set to visit this weekend, a massive JUCO offensive lineman with an offer, and other notes. (link requires subscription)
Gamecocks taking advice from MLB teams on pitching management.Mark Kingston has been up front in his time at South Carolina about looking at the major leagues to see how clubs are doing things and adapting that to the college game. So, when trying to figure out the Gamecocks’ pitching staff after the fall, Kingston and the coaching staff talked to a handful of MLB teams, looking for any unique ways to approach managing the staff. (link)
Presser recap: Frank Martin previews Tennessee, updates injuries.South Carolina men's basketball coach Frank Martin spoke with the media on Monday. Here's a full recap. (link requires subscription)
South Carolina signee of the day: QB Ryan Hilinski. With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central will spotlight one prospect for the next 23 days. (link)
RIP Lou Sossamon. Former South Carolina football player Lou Sossamon passed away on Monday at the age of 97. You can read his obituary here.
Luke Doty honored. South Carolina 2020 quarterback commit Luke Doty was honored as the High School Sports Report 4A football Player of the Year during the organization's yearly banquet Sunday. The Myrtle Beach standout finished his junior campaign with 3,037 yards and 36 TDs (six INTs) on 260-of-363 (72%) passing. He also accounted for 701 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as he led the Seahawks to a state title.
Baseball. Junior pitcher Sawyer Bridges has been named to the 2019 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List. He is one of 75 relievers on the initial list, which is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
Women's Basketball. Tyasha Harris is one of 10 players named to the 2019 Nancy Lieberman Award watch list. The award recognizes the top point guard in women's NCAA Division I college basketball.
Football. The spring game will be televised on the SEC Network. The game will be played on Saturday, April 6 at noon.
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
February 12, 1985 - The Gamecocks captured national attention as they beat out Stanford, LSU, North Carolina and Georgia for the services of Todd Ellis. The 6-foot-3 quarterback was the North Carolina Player of the Year and set 11 passing records while leading his team to three state championship games. Rated the nation's No. 1 quarterback, Ellis was won over by the pitches from USC coaches Joe Morrison and Jim Washburn and a simulated game played over the speakers at Williams-Brice where he quarterbacked the Gamecocks to a come-from-behind win over Nebraska. – John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
Each day, Gamecock Central member LegionofBoom posts an "on this date" message on The Insiders Forum. Today's is about the men's basketball team's first-ever win in Chapel Hill. The year was 1925. (link requires subscription)
7. Around Gamecock Nation
8. Gamecock Nation Celebrations
Gamecock Central member birthdays:
Birthday. DeVonte Holloman: Holloman transferred from Charlotte's Independence to Rock Hill’s South Pointe for his senior season. He committed to USC over Clemson, UNC, LSU and Tennessee. In 2009, he began the season as the top backup at strong safety and ended up starting against Tennessee and Arkansas. In 2010, Holloman started 10 of 14 games at strong safety and ranked third on the team in tackles. In 2011, he again started 10 games, missing two games due to a concussion suffered against Arkansas. In 2012, Holloman started 10 games at the spur position and one at strong safety, while he picked off a Clemson QB for the third straight year. He was selected for the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season. In the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, he started three games as a rookie and recorded 26 tackles and a fumble recovery. Unfortunately a neck injury that season ended his playing career. Holloman worked as a video assistant at USC for a year and then got into high school coaching. After being the head coach at Beaufort, he was recently named the new coach at South Pointe in Rock Hill.
Birthday. Dennis Lubert: One of the standout pitchers in Gamecock history, the Johnson City, Tennessee, native was a four-year fixture in the rotation. As a freshman he was 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 10 starts with two complete games. In 1980 as a sophomore Lubert was all but dominant, putting up a 1.89 ERA while winning six of his nine starts, including tossing seven shutout innings in a win over Clemson. Though his ERA his junior season would be his highest (3.52), Lubert would win 10 of 12 decisions, including two complete-game wins over Clemson and two other complete-game wins over Florida State and Ohio State. He would finish his career with a solid senior season in 1982, going 9-4 with a 3.26 ERA. Lubert ranks seventh all-time in wins at Carolina. He was drafted in the 11th round of the '82 draft by the Braves and pitched two seasons in the organization.
More Feb. 12 Birthdays:
Clark Gaston, fullback, 2006-08
Spencer Lewis, soccer, 2005-08
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
9. Key Dates
Feb. 15: Baseball season begins
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins
March 6-10: SEC Women's Basketball Tournament
March 13-17: SEC Men's Basketball Tournament
March 22-23: Will Muschamp Coaches Clinic
April 6: Spring football game
April 25-27: NFL Draft
Sept. 1: Football season begins
Did we miss something? Email shoe@gamecockcentral.com
Spread the word about the Gamecocks and this newsletter! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or two. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up here to start receiving your own copy.
Gamecock Central emails a new Gamecock Nation Today newsletter each weekday morning. To get your free copy, sign up for our email list.
========
Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Good morning! Welcome to Gamecock Nation Today, our new daily newsletter. Please spread the word by forwarding it to your family and friends.
The women's basketball team kept it close against UConn for two quarters, but the Huskies pulled away in the third and won 97-79. We're three days away from baseball's season opener -- unless Mother Nature gets in the way.
Happy Tuesday! - The Gamecock Central Crew
Photo credit: Chris Gillespie
1. The lead: How the Gamecock staff was able to build the 2019 class
Yesterday, we laid out how Will Muschamp’s most recent crop of prospects appears to be his best yet in Columbia. Today, we take a closer look at the reasons why USC was able to land the class, which includes the highest-ranked QB signee in the Rivals.com era and Muschamp’s first five-star signee.
- Signs of progress – Will Muschamp took a program that won three games the year prior to his arrival, then proceeded to win six and then nine in the next two. The 2018 season was a disappointment in terms of record despite the offensive overhaul, but it would be hard to argue against the fact that USC’s roster and program as a whole have improved since December 2015.
- Staff stability – Muschamp has been able to, with the support of the South Carolina administration, largely keep valued members of his staff in place. That matters in a relationships-driven recruiting landscape. And many of Muschamp’s staff members, himself included, are guys who have been there and done that in recruiting. Make no mistake, recruiting at South Carolina is different than Alabama and Georgia and many other places. But that experience helps this staff as they recruit to Columbia.
- Facilities upgrades and support track record – These will show through in the future more, but USC’s been able to sell recent and ongoing upgrades in terms of facilities to prospects for a while now. Many of the prospects in this class were told about the plans for upgrades early in the process and saw them come to fruition, or otherwise begin to, prior to making their choices. USC is no longer handicapped in that regard; the staff is on an even playing field plus some from that standpoint. As well, USC’s academic support is, by the numbers, on an elite level and that has helped with prospects and their families. Some within USC’s athletic department have said that Senior Associate AD/Academics & Student Development Maria Hickman is the best coach at the school. Another point that’s hard to argue, that one.
- Opportunity – Whether it’s playing time or the chance to do something that has not been done before at South Carolina, multiple prospects have mentioned that it’s intriguing to them to go to Columbia and lay the groundwork. It’s a notion that Muschamp and his staff have sold to guys like Ryan Hilinski, Zacch Pickens, and Jammie Robinson. Those guys, who have unique and strong personalities, bought into it and it’s helped the Gamecocks land some prospects who will likely be big-time players in the future.
- Time – When GamecockCentral.com sat down with Will Muschamp in his office in December 2015, shortly after his hire, he laid out that the 2016 class would be basically put together in two months. That made things, as he put it, more “frantic.” On the flip side, this class has been a long time coming.
– Chris Clark
Dylan Wonnum. Photo credit: Chris Gillespie
2. Three objectives for spring practice
Find a left tackle. With the return of starters Donell Stanley, Sadarius Hutcherson and Dylan Wonnum on the offensive line - plus a nucleus of young talents recruited by Eric Wolford - South Carolina's offensive line should be in good shape for the foreseeable future. The biggest question: Who takes over at left tackle? Here's guessing that Wonnum and his excellent athleticism gets a long look on the left side after taking over at right tackle midway through last season
Continue to tweak the scheme on offense. South Carolina's new offensive scheme under the direction of first-year playcaller Bryan McClendon showed signs of absolute brilliance last season. But there were also long periods of stagnant play with six straight shutout quarters to end the season. McClendon loses Swiss Army Knife playmaker Deebo Samuel but has veterans to work with. The Gamecocks will need to continue to tweak their approach towards a more consistent output with a daunting schedule on deck.
Bring along the newbies on defense. South Carolina's defensive front will receive an influx of talent this spring with Zacch Pickens, Joe Anderson, Rodricus Fitten and Devontae Davis already on campus to go through spring practice. The question on everyone's mind: How quickly can the five-star Pickens push for a starting position at defensive end? But it's not just Pickens who will have a chance to play early as all four newbies will have the chance to show what they can do.
The defensive back position is clearly a bigger question, but answering that will have to wait until the summer when Cam Smith, Jammie Robinson, Johnny Dixon and Shilo Sanders arrive to boost the position.
– Wes Mitchell
3. Signee of the Day - Jammie Robinson
With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central will spotlight one prospect each of the next 23 business days.
Today's signee of the day is Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County four-star safety Jammie Robinson, who spurned a host of other SEC programs to commit to and sign with the Gamecocks on National Signing Day.
Other Finalists: Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky
Former Gamecock comparison: D.J. Swearinger
Coach's corner: "Jammie's, first off, a very intelligent football player and great leader. Those things are really great qualities and when you combine that with the athleticism he has and the the physicality he plays with, you're really getting the total package in him." - Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio
Click here for more on Robinson
– Wes Mitchell
4. From Monday
Women's Basketball. UConn cruises again. The third quarter was all Huskies, as they started on a 14-5 run and outscored the Gamecocks 29-12. (link)
Trip Couch thriving in his unique role with the Gamecocks. Trip Couch has spent his life working in baseball and has done a little bit of everything in the business, but always thought he could help build a program in a new and different way. So when Mark Kingston offered him the chance to do that, the 30-year baseball veteran jumped at the opportunity to branch out and try something new. (link)
Ten in-state recruits to watch for. Everyone knows the big-time in-state names. Yet there are other prospects within the Palmetto State's borders that South Carolina's staff continues to monitor. In this feature, we take a look at ten of them. (link requires subscription)
Martin updates progress of injured trio. South Carolina is no stranger to injuries this season. Three players are out for the year with serious injuries. Frank Martin updated those situations before the Gamecocks' big matchup Wednesday with No.1 Tennessee, including confirming one player is officially redshirting. (link)
The Insider Report: Recruiting notes. More on an intriguing Georgia athlete set to visit this weekend, a massive JUCO offensive lineman with an offer, and other notes. (link requires subscription)
Gamecocks taking advice from MLB teams on pitching management.Mark Kingston has been up front in his time at South Carolina about looking at the major leagues to see how clubs are doing things and adapting that to the college game. So, when trying to figure out the Gamecocks’ pitching staff after the fall, Kingston and the coaching staff talked to a handful of MLB teams, looking for any unique ways to approach managing the staff. (link)
Presser recap: Frank Martin previews Tennessee, updates injuries.South Carolina men's basketball coach Frank Martin spoke with the media on Monday. Here's a full recap. (link requires subscription)
South Carolina signee of the day: QB Ryan Hilinski. With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central will spotlight one prospect for the next 23 days. (link)
RIP Lou Sossamon. Former South Carolina football player Lou Sossamon passed away on Monday at the age of 97. You can read his obituary here.
Luke Doty honored. South Carolina 2020 quarterback commit Luke Doty was honored as the High School Sports Report 4A football Player of the Year during the organization's yearly banquet Sunday. The Myrtle Beach standout finished his junior campaign with 3,037 yards and 36 TDs (six INTs) on 260-of-363 (72%) passing. He also accounted for 701 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as he led the Seahawks to a state title.
Baseball. Junior pitcher Sawyer Bridges has been named to the 2019 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List. He is one of 75 relievers on the initial list, which is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
Women's Basketball. Tyasha Harris is one of 10 players named to the 2019 Nancy Lieberman Award watch list. The award recognizes the top point guard in women's NCAA Division I college basketball.
Football. The spring game will be televised on the SEC Network. The game will be played on Saturday, April 6 at noon.
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
- Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Men's Basketball. Plays at Tennessee on the SEC Network.
- Thursday, 7 p.m. Women's Basketball. Hosts Georgia on the SEC Network.
- Thursday, 7 p.m. Carolina Calls featuring Frank Martin.
February 12, 1985 - The Gamecocks captured national attention as they beat out Stanford, LSU, North Carolina and Georgia for the services of Todd Ellis. The 6-foot-3 quarterback was the North Carolina Player of the Year and set 11 passing records while leading his team to three state championship games. Rated the nation's No. 1 quarterback, Ellis was won over by the pitches from USC coaches Joe Morrison and Jim Washburn and a simulated game played over the speakers at Williams-Brice where he quarterbacked the Gamecocks to a come-from-behind win over Nebraska. – John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
Each day, Gamecock Central member LegionofBoom posts an "on this date" message on The Insiders Forum. Today's is about the men's basketball team's first-ever win in Chapel Hill. The year was 1925. (link requires subscription)
7. Around Gamecock Nation
- Feb. 14 - "Date Night" at the women's basketball game (link)
- Feb. 23 - Gamecocks at Mardi Gras Party, New Orleans (link)
- Feb. 24 - Charleston Gamecock Club Oyster Roast (link)
- Feb. 25 - Atlanta, Alumni Association President's Reception (link)
- Feb. 27 - Greenville, Alumni Association President's Reception
- March 9 - Charlotte Gamecock Club, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas (link)
8. Gamecock Nation Celebrations
Gamecock Central member birthdays:
- CantSnuffTheRooster (member since 2008)
- CockySince1990 (2017)
- GoCarolina2009 (2009)
- Lakecock1 (2015)
- spurcock1 (2006)
Birthday. DeVonte Holloman: Holloman transferred from Charlotte's Independence to Rock Hill’s South Pointe for his senior season. He committed to USC over Clemson, UNC, LSU and Tennessee. In 2009, he began the season as the top backup at strong safety and ended up starting against Tennessee and Arkansas. In 2010, Holloman started 10 of 14 games at strong safety and ranked third on the team in tackles. In 2011, he again started 10 games, missing two games due to a concussion suffered against Arkansas. In 2012, Holloman started 10 games at the spur position and one at strong safety, while he picked off a Clemson QB for the third straight year. He was selected for the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season. In the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, he started three games as a rookie and recorded 26 tackles and a fumble recovery. Unfortunately a neck injury that season ended his playing career. Holloman worked as a video assistant at USC for a year and then got into high school coaching. After being the head coach at Beaufort, he was recently named the new coach at South Pointe in Rock Hill.
Birthday. Dennis Lubert: One of the standout pitchers in Gamecock history, the Johnson City, Tennessee, native was a four-year fixture in the rotation. As a freshman he was 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 10 starts with two complete games. In 1980 as a sophomore Lubert was all but dominant, putting up a 1.89 ERA while winning six of his nine starts, including tossing seven shutout innings in a win over Clemson. Though his ERA his junior season would be his highest (3.52), Lubert would win 10 of 12 decisions, including two complete-game wins over Clemson and two other complete-game wins over Florida State and Ohio State. He would finish his career with a solid senior season in 1982, going 9-4 with a 3.26 ERA. Lubert ranks seventh all-time in wins at Carolina. He was drafted in the 11th round of the '82 draft by the Braves and pitched two seasons in the organization.
More Feb. 12 Birthdays:
Clark Gaston, fullback, 2006-08
Spencer Lewis, soccer, 2005-08
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
9. Key Dates
Feb. 15: Baseball season begins
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins
March 6-10: SEC Women's Basketball Tournament
March 13-17: SEC Men's Basketball Tournament
March 22-23: Will Muschamp Coaches Clinic
April 6: Spring football game
April 25-27: NFL Draft
Sept. 1: Football season begins
Did we miss something? Email shoe@gamecockcentral.com
Spread the word about the Gamecocks and this newsletter! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or two. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up here to start receiving your own copy.
