B
Brian Shoemaker
Guest
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Good afternoon from Gamecock Central.
Happy Fourth of July!
We're 58 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
1.5️⃣8️⃣ Countdown to Kickoff: 58 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 58 days. No current Gamecocks don the number, so we go back to Corey Atkins, an impact linebacker from the late 1990s.
Atkins was a highly-recruited running back but switched sides of the ball when arriving in Columbia. In his time as a Gamecock, he racked up 146 tackles, including 16 for loss across four years.
Injuries slowed down his career, but he still managed a brief stint in the NFL and played in Europe as well.
– Will Helms
Eric Wolford (Credit: Chris Gillespie)
2. Four on the fourth storylines
Happy 4th of July from GamecockCentral.com! While you’re waiting on your ribs to smoke and enjoying the beverage of your choice, entertain yourself by checking out four Gamecocks recruiting related storylines on this holiday.
• Where will the Gamecocks go on the offensive line?
It’s a relevant question now that long-time verbal commitment Issiah Walker has backed off his pledge. The in-state programs, particularly Miami, figure to have a lot of traction at this point. South Carolina will likely remain involved, but time will tell whether or not South Carolina can make another run.
At one point, it looked like the staff would take four offensive linemen, and when Walker was still in the fold the total was five. Will Eric Wolford and Co. look to add another immediately or just stand pat with the current total? The answer to that is not known right now but could become more clear in the coming weeks.
• Can USC close out the race for Myles Murphy?
It’s the NCAA recruiting dead period, and that means no in-person contact between coaches and prospects. There is, however, still plenty of action in terms of communication and even some prospect announcements scheduled. One of those is on July 8, and it’s slated to come from North Carolina four-star Myles Murphy.
The Gamecock staff has held an edge during the process for Murphy, who’s also taken official visits to Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina in addition to his trip to Columbia. North Carolina is trying to revitalize its roster under Mack Brown and is making a big push at the end for the talented in-state player. As USC builds out its defensive line depth and talent through recruiting, will the Gamecocks be able to cross the finish line here?
• Landing another big-time back
USC already has highly-touted running back Marshawn Lloyd in the class, but assistant coach Thomas Brown would also love to add Tank Bigsby to that room.
Auburn and South Carolina are the major players with Bigsby, and Georgia is also trying to hang in the race. Once the dead period ends towards the end of July, there’s a chance that Bigsby could hit the road for some final visits. Either way, he’s appeared to be eyeing a shutdown of the process prior to his senior year.
• Flip season
USC has a couple of talents on the board who are committed to SEC rivals in Florida pledge Jaheim Bell and Alabama commitment Jaquez Robinson.
Bell, a tight end out of Georgia, participated at The Opening in Texas this week and South Carolina’s had major traction with him and his family.
Robinson has family ties to the area and is thought of as a player less likely to end up heading to Tuscaloosa. He was on the USC campus last month.
Could Will Muschamp make a splash by attracting one or both to Columbia?
• Related: 2020 commitment list
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
Football: Summer Workouts Scoop (Carolina Confidential) - Several newcomers are standing out during the South Carolina summer workouts. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Luke Doty named to 2019 Elite 11 - South Carolina commit Luke Doty has earned one of the top honors in the country for high school quarterbacks. (link)
Men's Basketball: Projecting South Carolina's starting lineup - A look at how the Gamecocks could structure next year's lineup. (subscription)
Women's Basketball: Getting to know Gamecocks' wing Brea Beal - Wing Brea Beal talks about versatility, A’ja Wilson as a role model, and Famously Hot Columbia in this Q&A. (link)
Baseball: Gamecocks add another JUCO bat - South Carolina adds a big piece for the 2019 class. (link)
Baseball: Gamecocks land late commitment in 2019 class - The Gamecocks landed a late 2019 commitment from high school catcher Colin Burgess today, a few days after hosting him on a visit. (link)
The Latest: Marshawn Lloyd - Questions have come lately regarding the status of USC's prized RB commitment Marshawn Lloyd as UGA and others continue pursuit. (link)
Women's Tennis: Schaub hired as associate head coach - South Carolina women's tennis head coach Kevin Epley has announced the hiring of Ty Schaub as Associate Head Coach for the Gamecocks. (link)
Swimming & Diving: 20 Gamecocks named to CSCAA Scholar All-American Team - South Carolina was well represented on the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American team with 20 Gamecocks honored. (link)
Women's Beach Volleyball: Mental wellness among topics of discussion at summer meetings - Mental wellness and making the student-athlete experience better were a big part of the annual SEC/Student Athlete Advisory Committee summer meetings that were held last weekend. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. Birthdays!
• James Sumpter – Sumpter was one of the crown jewels of Jim Carlen's final recruiting class. He worked as a backup to J.D. Fuller at linebacker his first two seasons, then moved to defensive end in 1983. He tied for third on the team in tackles for loss that season with 11. Sumter would miss the first two games of the 1984 season with a stress fracture in his foot, but rebounded to have a big season. He had a free agent tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1985.
Bobby Cremins (basketball/guard, 1966-70)
Sheldon Everett (basketball/guard, 2002-04)
Mike Haggard (football/wide receiver, 1970-72)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• July 11 – Baseball: Prospect camp (7 days)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (11)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (12)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (13)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (14)
• July 18 – Baseball: Prospect camp (14)
• July 20 – Football: Ladies Clinic (16)
• Aug. 1 – Football: Media Day (28)
• Aug. 17 – Baseball: Elite prospect camp (44)
• Aug. 22 – My Carolina Sports Preview (49)
• Aug. 22 – Carolina Calls feat. Muschamp (49)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (58)
• Nov. 13 – Basketball: Early signing period (132)
• Dec. 18 – Football: Early signing period (167)
• Feb. 5 – Football: Regular signing period (216)
6. Newest Podcast: Hunter commits and more
Gamecock Central football and recruiting insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell join host Pearson Fowler on Another Carolina Podcast. Topics on this episode include:
Listen to Gamecock Central Podcasts on these platforms: Apple iTunes Podcasts | Spotify | PlayerFM | SoundCloud | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | Spreaker | YouTube
ALSO: more episodes | GC Radio app: App Store - Google Play
– Wes Mitchell
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecocks Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
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GAMECOCKS TODAY!
Thursday, July 4
Thursday, July 4
Good afternoon from Gamecock Central.
Happy Fourth of July!
We're 58 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
1.5️⃣8️⃣ Countdown to Kickoff: 58 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 58 days. No current Gamecocks don the number, so we go back to Corey Atkins, an impact linebacker from the late 1990s.
Atkins was a highly-recruited running back but switched sides of the ball when arriving in Columbia. In his time as a Gamecock, he racked up 146 tackles, including 16 for loss across four years.
Injuries slowed down his career, but he still managed a brief stint in the NFL and played in Europe as well.
– Will Helms
Eric Wolford (Credit: Chris Gillespie)
2. Four on the fourth storylines
Happy 4th of July from GamecockCentral.com! While you’re waiting on your ribs to smoke and enjoying the beverage of your choice, entertain yourself by checking out four Gamecocks recruiting related storylines on this holiday.
• Where will the Gamecocks go on the offensive line?
It’s a relevant question now that long-time verbal commitment Issiah Walker has backed off his pledge. The in-state programs, particularly Miami, figure to have a lot of traction at this point. South Carolina will likely remain involved, but time will tell whether or not South Carolina can make another run.
At one point, it looked like the staff would take four offensive linemen, and when Walker was still in the fold the total was five. Will Eric Wolford and Co. look to add another immediately or just stand pat with the current total? The answer to that is not known right now but could become more clear in the coming weeks.
• Can USC close out the race for Myles Murphy?
It’s the NCAA recruiting dead period, and that means no in-person contact between coaches and prospects. There is, however, still plenty of action in terms of communication and even some prospect announcements scheduled. One of those is on July 8, and it’s slated to come from North Carolina four-star Myles Murphy.
The Gamecock staff has held an edge during the process for Murphy, who’s also taken official visits to Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina in addition to his trip to Columbia. North Carolina is trying to revitalize its roster under Mack Brown and is making a big push at the end for the talented in-state player. As USC builds out its defensive line depth and talent through recruiting, will the Gamecocks be able to cross the finish line here?
• Landing another big-time back
USC already has highly-touted running back Marshawn Lloyd in the class, but assistant coach Thomas Brown would also love to add Tank Bigsby to that room.
Auburn and South Carolina are the major players with Bigsby, and Georgia is also trying to hang in the race. Once the dead period ends towards the end of July, there’s a chance that Bigsby could hit the road for some final visits. Either way, he’s appeared to be eyeing a shutdown of the process prior to his senior year.
• Flip season
USC has a couple of talents on the board who are committed to SEC rivals in Florida pledge Jaheim Bell and Alabama commitment Jaquez Robinson.
Bell, a tight end out of Georgia, participated at The Opening in Texas this week and South Carolina’s had major traction with him and his family.
Robinson has family ties to the area and is thought of as a player less likely to end up heading to Tuscaloosa. He was on the USC campus last month.
Could Will Muschamp make a splash by attracting one or both to Columbia?
• Related: 2020 commitment list
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
Football: Summer Workouts Scoop (Carolina Confidential) - Several newcomers are standing out during the South Carolina summer workouts. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Luke Doty named to 2019 Elite 11 - South Carolina commit Luke Doty has earned one of the top honors in the country for high school quarterbacks. (link)
Men's Basketball: Projecting South Carolina's starting lineup - A look at how the Gamecocks could structure next year's lineup. (subscription)
Women's Basketball: Getting to know Gamecocks' wing Brea Beal - Wing Brea Beal talks about versatility, A’ja Wilson as a role model, and Famously Hot Columbia in this Q&A. (link)
Baseball: Gamecocks add another JUCO bat - South Carolina adds a big piece for the 2019 class. (link)
Baseball: Gamecocks land late commitment in 2019 class - The Gamecocks landed a late 2019 commitment from high school catcher Colin Burgess today, a few days after hosting him on a visit. (link)
The Latest: Marshawn Lloyd - Questions have come lately regarding the status of USC's prized RB commitment Marshawn Lloyd as UGA and others continue pursuit. (link)
Women's Tennis: Schaub hired as associate head coach - South Carolina women's tennis head coach Kevin Epley has announced the hiring of Ty Schaub as Associate Head Coach for the Gamecocks. (link)
Swimming & Diving: 20 Gamecocks named to CSCAA Scholar All-American Team - South Carolina was well represented on the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American team with 20 Gamecocks honored. (link)
Women's Beach Volleyball: Mental wellness among topics of discussion at summer meetings - Mental wellness and making the student-athlete experience better were a big part of the annual SEC/Student Athlete Advisory Committee summer meetings that were held last weekend. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. Birthdays!
• James Sumpter – Sumpter was one of the crown jewels of Jim Carlen's final recruiting class. He worked as a backup to J.D. Fuller at linebacker his first two seasons, then moved to defensive end in 1983. He tied for third on the team in tackles for loss that season with 11. Sumter would miss the first two games of the 1984 season with a stress fracture in his foot, but rebounded to have a big season. He had a free agent tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1985.
Bobby Cremins (basketball/guard, 1966-70)
Sheldon Everett (basketball/guard, 2002-04)
Mike Haggard (football/wide receiver, 1970-72)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• July 11 – Baseball: Prospect camp (7 days)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (11)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (12)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (13)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (14)
• July 18 – Baseball: Prospect camp (14)
• July 20 – Football: Ladies Clinic (16)
• Aug. 1 – Football: Media Day (28)
• Aug. 17 – Baseball: Elite prospect camp (44)
• Aug. 22 – My Carolina Sports Preview (49)
• Aug. 22 – Carolina Calls feat. Muschamp (49)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (58)
• Nov. 13 – Basketball: Early signing period (132)
• Dec. 18 – Football: Early signing period (167)
• Feb. 5 – Football: Regular signing period (216)
6. Newest Podcast: Hunter commits and more
Gamecock Central football and recruiting insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell join host Pearson Fowler on Another Carolina Podcast. Topics on this episode include:
- Georgia DB Joey Hunter commits to South Carolina. How did the Gamecocks land him and what type of player did they get?
- What does it mean for Gamecocks DB recruiting moving forward?
- Returns on South Carolina quarterback commit Luke Doty from the Elite 11 and The Opening.
- Could running backs Marshawn Lloyd and Tank Bigsby hit it off at The Opening? What it would mean for the Gamecocks.
Listen to Gamecock Central Podcasts on these platforms: Apple iTunes Podcasts | Spotify | PlayerFM | SoundCloud | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | Spreaker | YouTube
ALSO: more episodes | GC Radio app: App Store - Google Play
– Wes Mitchell
