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Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Monday, Feb. 18, 2019
Good morning. Today is President's Day!
The men's basketball team beat Texas A&M, the women's basketball team beat Florida, the baseball took two of three from Liberty and there were several other games/events over the weekend. More about all of that is below.
Thank you for being a part of the Gamecock Central community. If you like our newsletter a little bit (or more), please tell your buddies to sign up here.
– Brian Shoemaker
Pictured: Jordan Burch. Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. The lead: Four defensive prospects to watch in the 2020 recruiting class
USC’s staff has turned the page in full to the 2020 class (and beyond) now that the 2019 cycle is officially over. Last week, we discussed how the staff was off to a strong start in the ’20 cycle. On Friday, we looked at four offensive prospects to watch in the current cycle. Today, we will dig a little deeper into some of the defensive names Carolina fans need to be following closely on GamecockCentral.com.
Columbia (South Carolina) Hammond DE/BUCK Jordan Burch – An obvious inclusion on this list because of his proximity to campus, the position he plays, and the recruiting battle that South Carolina has undertaken against in-state rival Clemson.
Columbia (South Carolina) Hammond DT Alex Huntley – It just so happens that another high-profile defensive lineman in the state attends the same program as Burch.
Huntley, who’s been on South Carolina’s radar since very early in Will Muschamp’s tenure at USC, has long been a target. Georgia’s also heavily involved and Huntley has been to Athens for visits five times. He’s been to South Carolina plenty and to say there is significant mutual interest would be quite an understatement. Huntley has size, can move, and is a good fit for the Gamecocks’ defense.
Burch is unlikely to render a decision until at least this summer, but this one will be a fight until the end. Both Clemson and South Carolina appear to have some things working in their favor, and despite various rumors that swirl, the real truth is that Burch’s recruitment is still far from settled. Muschamp has done an excellent job with Burch and his family. He’d be a huge get, particularly if USC can land another five-star caliber prospect from within the state that Clemson wanted for the second year in a row.
Charlotte (North Carolina) Mallard Creek LB Trenton Simpson – South Carolina’s staff jumped in fairly early on Simpson, who plays running back and linebacker in high school. The Gamecock staff likes him as a linebacker, and the Charlotte product’s offer list has blown up early this year to include Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and numerous others.
Simpson was on hand earlier this year for one of Carolina’s elite junior day events and gave that trip a strong review. As Muschamp and his staff continue efforts to stock the roster with talent, linebacker will an important position in the 2020 class. USC figures to take a few there, and Simpson is one in which there appears to be strong mutual interest.
Tyrone (Georgia) Sandy Creek DB Brian Branch – This Peach State product camped at USC last summer and although he profiled for some programs as a wide receiver, the Gamecocks offered as a defensive back. That appears to be the next level focus for him as of now.
Branch has been in Columbia previously for an unofficial visit and plans on returning on March 2 for a follow-up. While in town, he’ll get a look at the Gamecocks’ new football operations center. The defensive back class is not as strong regionally in the 2020 cycle as it has been in recent years, but Branch is one that the staff appears to like a good bit.
– Chris Clark
Pictured: Frank Martin. Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. MBB: Big win Saturday, key matchup on deck
Frank Martin's men's basketball team continues to find ways to win the games it's supposed to, and at least somewhat stay alive for a possible NCAA tournament bid, though there's still a lot of work to be done.
Saturday's 84-77 win over Texas A&M - another come-from-behind victory for the Gamecocks - puts them at 13-12 overall and 8-4 in the SEC with six games to play in the regular season.
Despite the strong conference record, the Gamecocks aren't being mentioned yet as a bubble team by the national bracketology analysts. A large reason for that is they entered the weekend still 95th in the country in the new NET ranking system, which replaces the RPI this year, and early season losses to Wyoming and Stony Brook continue to haunt the Gamecocks' resume.
But what do the Gamecocks need to do be seriously considered for the tournament? CBS's Jerry Palm weighed in on Twitter and agreed that a 13-5 SEC record - a 5-1 finish - would put the Gamecocks firmly in the conversation.
Will that be easy? Obviously not.
But it's not impossible either as a glance at the Gamecocks' remaining SEC schedule shows six winnable games and just one team above .500 in conference play: Ole Miss (8-4 SEC), @ Mississippi State (6-6), Alabama (6-6), @ Missouri (3-9), @ Texas A&M (3-9), Georgia (1-11).
South Carolina is currently tied for fourth in the SEC with Tuesday's opponent, Ole Miss. That's an important number since the top four teams receive a double bye in the SEC tournament. Which sets up a key battle Tuesday at Colonial Life Arena at 7 p.m.
A win over the Rebels, currently No. 32 in the NET, would be a big step towards the Gamecocks entering the NCAA tournament conversation.
– Wes Mitchell
Pictured: Chris Silva, A.J. Lawson. Credit: Katie Dugan
3. From The Weekend ⚾
Women's Basketball: Red-hot Gamecocks down Gators. The Gamecocks put together their best offensive game of the season in a 96-77 win over Florida. Dawn Staley made a pair of changes to the starting lineup, with Te’a Cooper not on the trip due to illness and Tyasha Harris coming off the bench. Destanni Henderson and Doniyah Cliney, the stars of the win over Georgia, took their place. (link)
Also see: MBB/WBB News | WBB Schedule | WBB SEC Standings
Men's Basketball: South Carolina defeats Texas A&M with second-half comeback. South Carolina came back from an early deficit to beat Texas A&M 84-77. The game followed a familiar script for the Gamecocks. In the first half, the Aggies couldn’t miss, shooting almost 55 percent from the floor and using a 14-3 run to take control of the game. The Aggies led by as much as 13, as the Gamecocks were disorganized on both ends of the court. (link)
Also see: MBB/WBB News | MBB Schedule | MBB SEC Standings
Baseball. Gamecocks take two of three from Liberty.
Last week's recruiting rewind. Did you miss anything in the world of South Carolina recruiting last week? Friday's recruiting rewind has you covered. (link)
Football Recruiting. It was another busy recruiting weekend for the Gamecock football program.
Women's Golf. South Carolina is in fourth place after the first round of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Golf Championship. Freshman Emily Price in a tie for seventh, and three shots off the leader. (link)
Men's Tennis. South Carolina (8-1) beat Georgia Tech (5-3), 4-3, Saturday at the Carolina Tennis Center. USC has won six-consecutive matches overall and is 7-0 at home on the season. (link)
Equestrian. No. 3 South Carolina lost to No. 1 Auburn, 14-6. The Gamecocks are now 5-4 on the season and 1-3 against SEC opponents. The Tigers moved to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC. (link)
Track & Field. The 2019 indoor regular season came to a close Saturday as the Gamecocks hosted the 2019 USC Indoor Open. Four Gamecocks won their event: Malik Paul (Men's Weight Throw), KD Young (Women's Shot Put), Yann Randrianasolo (Men's Long Jump) and Armand Woodley (Men's Pole Vault). (link)
Staley, Wilson tip off NBA All-Star Weekend. The first night of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend had a heavy Gamecock presence, with Dawn Staley and A’ja Wilson teaming up on the court once more. (link)
Bruce Ellington. Ellington was waived by Detroit. He played in four games with the Lions last season, catching 23 passes for 132 yards.
Deebo Samuel. Samuel announced that he has joined the Nike Football family.
Pictured: Reid Morgan. Credit: Katie Dugan
4. Plan your schedule accordingly
Monday, Feb. 18
5. Signee of the Day - Cam Smith
With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central is spotlighting one prospect each business day for 23 days.
Today's signee of the day is local standout and Columbia (S.C.) Westwood four-star cornerback Cam Smith, who competed in the All-American Bowl this season.
Other offers: Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Maryland, among others.
Coach's corner: "They're getting one that's very confident. They're getting a very athletic player, that can help you in a lot of ways. He likes to hit too, so with his body type, down the line if he needs to play safety, he can probably play safety. But he definitely can play corner. We put him on one side of the field and we expect him to hold that side down. And that's the kind of kid that he is. And he's a great returner." - Westwood head coach Dustin Curtis
– Wes Mitchell
6. This Date in Gamecock History
February 18, 1978 - No. 7 Notre Dame came to Columbia, featuring future NBA players Kelly Tripucka, Bill Lambeer and Bill Hanzlik, owning a five-game winning streak against the Gamecocks, but left with a stunning upset. The Irish were tied with USC at 29 at halftime and were leading 47-46 with 9:37 to go when Carolina's Mike Doyle scored on a layup. USC never trailed again, and Kevin Dunleavy's two free throws with 13 seconds left made it 63-60. The Gamecocks' Golie Augustus then drew a charge on Notre Dame's Bruce Flowers, clinching the game for Carolina. Guard Jackie Gilloon led USC scoring with 15 points and Augustus (13) and Kenny Reynolds (10) also reached double figures in the 65-60 win.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
7. Key Dates (Countdown)
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins (9 days)
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (16)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (23)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (32)
April 6: Spring football game (47)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (66)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (147)
Sept. 1: Football: Gamecocks vs. UNC (195)
8. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Gamecock Central members (Saturday-Sunday):
Mike Davis (RB, 2012-14). Davis rushed for 1,923 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final year at Stephenson High in Georgia. He originally committed to Florida but ended up signing with USC over the Gators, Tennessee, Florida State and Clemson. As a true freshman, Davis played in every game but one (LSU), leading the team in yards per carry. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,183 yards, earning second-team all-SEC honors. He had seven 100-yard games, including 149 against Georgia and 167 against UCF. As a junior, he rushed for 982 yards, including 183 yards and three TDs against Missouri. Davis has gone on to play four years in the NFL, rushing for a career high 514 yards for Seattle in 2018.
Elijah Bowers (catcher, 2018)
Kyle Franklin (men's soccer, 2005)
Jonathan Hannah (tight end, 2005)
Donovan Norman (wide receiver, 1996-99)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
Credit: USC athletics department
9. Rest In Peace
Harold White, the first African-American coach in the USC Athletics Department, passed away on Friday at the age of 78. He arrived at USC in 1971 as a graduate assistant football coach, and served as the head of academic support for Gamecock student-athletes from 1973-89 and then returned to that position in 1993. At the time of his retirement in 2007, he was the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academic Support and Student Services.
10. Around Gamecock Nation
We have breaking news alerts and more newsletters: customize preferences
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
Monday, Feb. 18, 2019
Good morning. Today is President's Day!
The men's basketball team beat Texas A&M, the women's basketball team beat Florida, the baseball took two of three from Liberty and there were several other games/events over the weekend. More about all of that is below.
Thank you for being a part of the Gamecock Central community. If you like our newsletter a little bit (or more), please tell your buddies to sign up here.
– Brian Shoemaker
Pictured: Jordan Burch. Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. The lead: Four defensive prospects to watch in the 2020 recruiting class
USC’s staff has turned the page in full to the 2020 class (and beyond) now that the 2019 cycle is officially over. Last week, we discussed how the staff was off to a strong start in the ’20 cycle. On Friday, we looked at four offensive prospects to watch in the current cycle. Today, we will dig a little deeper into some of the defensive names Carolina fans need to be following closely on GamecockCentral.com.
Columbia (South Carolina) Hammond DE/BUCK Jordan Burch – An obvious inclusion on this list because of his proximity to campus, the position he plays, and the recruiting battle that South Carolina has undertaken against in-state rival Clemson.
Columbia (South Carolina) Hammond DT Alex Huntley – It just so happens that another high-profile defensive lineman in the state attends the same program as Burch.
Huntley, who’s been on South Carolina’s radar since very early in Will Muschamp’s tenure at USC, has long been a target. Georgia’s also heavily involved and Huntley has been to Athens for visits five times. He’s been to South Carolina plenty and to say there is significant mutual interest would be quite an understatement. Huntley has size, can move, and is a good fit for the Gamecocks’ defense.
Burch is unlikely to render a decision until at least this summer, but this one will be a fight until the end. Both Clemson and South Carolina appear to have some things working in their favor, and despite various rumors that swirl, the real truth is that Burch’s recruitment is still far from settled. Muschamp has done an excellent job with Burch and his family. He’d be a huge get, particularly if USC can land another five-star caliber prospect from within the state that Clemson wanted for the second year in a row.
Charlotte (North Carolina) Mallard Creek LB Trenton Simpson – South Carolina’s staff jumped in fairly early on Simpson, who plays running back and linebacker in high school. The Gamecock staff likes him as a linebacker, and the Charlotte product’s offer list has blown up early this year to include Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and numerous others.
Simpson was on hand earlier this year for one of Carolina’s elite junior day events and gave that trip a strong review. As Muschamp and his staff continue efforts to stock the roster with talent, linebacker will an important position in the 2020 class. USC figures to take a few there, and Simpson is one in which there appears to be strong mutual interest.
Tyrone (Georgia) Sandy Creek DB Brian Branch – This Peach State product camped at USC last summer and although he profiled for some programs as a wide receiver, the Gamecocks offered as a defensive back. That appears to be the next level focus for him as of now.
Branch has been in Columbia previously for an unofficial visit and plans on returning on March 2 for a follow-up. While in town, he’ll get a look at the Gamecocks’ new football operations center. The defensive back class is not as strong regionally in the 2020 cycle as it has been in recent years, but Branch is one that the staff appears to like a good bit.
– Chris Clark
Pictured: Frank Martin. Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. MBB: Big win Saturday, key matchup on deck
Frank Martin's men's basketball team continues to find ways to win the games it's supposed to, and at least somewhat stay alive for a possible NCAA tournament bid, though there's still a lot of work to be done.
Saturday's 84-77 win over Texas A&M - another come-from-behind victory for the Gamecocks - puts them at 13-12 overall and 8-4 in the SEC with six games to play in the regular season.
Despite the strong conference record, the Gamecocks aren't being mentioned yet as a bubble team by the national bracketology analysts. A large reason for that is they entered the weekend still 95th in the country in the new NET ranking system, which replaces the RPI this year, and early season losses to Wyoming and Stony Brook continue to haunt the Gamecocks' resume.
But what do the Gamecocks need to do be seriously considered for the tournament? CBS's Jerry Palm weighed in on Twitter and agreed that a 13-5 SEC record - a 5-1 finish - would put the Gamecocks firmly in the conversation.
Will that be easy? Obviously not.
But it's not impossible either as a glance at the Gamecocks' remaining SEC schedule shows six winnable games and just one team above .500 in conference play: Ole Miss (8-4 SEC), @ Mississippi State (6-6), Alabama (6-6), @ Missouri (3-9), @ Texas A&M (3-9), Georgia (1-11).
South Carolina is currently tied for fourth in the SEC with Tuesday's opponent, Ole Miss. That's an important number since the top four teams receive a double bye in the SEC tournament. Which sets up a key battle Tuesday at Colonial Life Arena at 7 p.m.
A win over the Rebels, currently No. 32 in the NET, would be a big step towards the Gamecocks entering the NCAA tournament conversation.
– Wes Mitchell
Pictured: Chris Silva, A.J. Lawson. Credit: Katie Dugan
3. From The Weekend ⚾
Women's Basketball: Red-hot Gamecocks down Gators. The Gamecocks put together their best offensive game of the season in a 96-77 win over Florida. Dawn Staley made a pair of changes to the starting lineup, with Te’a Cooper not on the trip due to illness and Tyasha Harris coming off the bench. Destanni Henderson and Doniyah Cliney, the stars of the win over Georgia, took their place. (link)
Also see: MBB/WBB News | WBB Schedule | WBB SEC Standings
Men's Basketball: South Carolina defeats Texas A&M with second-half comeback. South Carolina came back from an early deficit to beat Texas A&M 84-77. The game followed a familiar script for the Gamecocks. In the first half, the Aggies couldn’t miss, shooting almost 55 percent from the floor and using a 14-3 run to take control of the game. The Aggies led by as much as 13, as the Gamecocks were disorganized on both ends of the court. (link)
Also see: MBB/WBB News | MBB Schedule | MBB SEC Standings
Baseball. Gamecocks take two of three from Liberty.
- Game 1. Gamecocks drop opener in extras (link)
- Game 2. Gamecocks power past Liberty, even series (link)
- Game 3. Walk-off win secures series for Gamecocks (link)
Last week's recruiting rewind. Did you miss anything in the world of South Carolina recruiting last week? Friday's recruiting rewind has you covered. (link)
Football Recruiting. It was another busy recruiting weekend for the Gamecock football program.
- Gamecocks make impression on DB (subscription)
- Jaheim Bell likes Gamecocks' plan for him (subscription)
- Jack Hollifield loves trip to USC (subscription)
- Alabama athlete checks out USC for first time (subscription)
- The latest on Michael Wyman (subscription)
Women's Golf. South Carolina is in fourth place after the first round of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Golf Championship. Freshman Emily Price in a tie for seventh, and three shots off the leader. (link)
Men's Tennis. South Carolina (8-1) beat Georgia Tech (5-3), 4-3, Saturday at the Carolina Tennis Center. USC has won six-consecutive matches overall and is 7-0 at home on the season. (link)
Equestrian. No. 3 South Carolina lost to No. 1 Auburn, 14-6. The Gamecocks are now 5-4 on the season and 1-3 against SEC opponents. The Tigers moved to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC. (link)
Track & Field. The 2019 indoor regular season came to a close Saturday as the Gamecocks hosted the 2019 USC Indoor Open. Four Gamecocks won their event: Malik Paul (Men's Weight Throw), KD Young (Women's Shot Put), Yann Randrianasolo (Men's Long Jump) and Armand Woodley (Men's Pole Vault). (link)
Staley, Wilson tip off NBA All-Star Weekend. The first night of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend had a heavy Gamecock presence, with Dawn Staley and A’ja Wilson teaming up on the court once more. (link)
Bruce Ellington. Ellington was waived by Detroit. He played in four games with the Lions last season, catching 23 passes for 132 yards.
Deebo Samuel. Samuel announced that he has joined the Nike Football family.
Pictured: Reid Morgan. Credit: Katie Dugan
4. Plan your schedule accordingly
Monday, Feb. 18
- All day, Men's Golf, All-American Intercollegiate
- All day, Women's Golf, Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate
- All day, Swimming & Diving, SEC Championships
- All day, Men's Golf, All-American Intercollegiate
- All day, Women's Golf, Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate
- 4 p.m., Baseball, hosts Presbyterian, no video
- 7 p.m., Men's Basketball, hosts Ole Miss, SECN
- All day, Swimming & Diving, SEC Championships
- 4 p.m., Baseball, hosts Presbyterian, SECN+
- 6 p.m., Softball, hosts Charleston Southern
5. Signee of the Day - Cam Smith
With South Carolina's 2019 recruiting class completely signed and locked up, Gamecock Central is spotlighting one prospect each business day for 23 days.
Today's signee of the day is local standout and Columbia (S.C.) Westwood four-star cornerback Cam Smith, who competed in the All-American Bowl this season.
Other offers: Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Maryland, among others.
Coach's corner: "They're getting one that's very confident. They're getting a very athletic player, that can help you in a lot of ways. He likes to hit too, so with his body type, down the line if he needs to play safety, he can probably play safety. But he definitely can play corner. We put him on one side of the field and we expect him to hold that side down. And that's the kind of kid that he is. And he's a great returner." - Westwood head coach Dustin Curtis
– Wes Mitchell
6. This Date in Gamecock History
February 18, 1978 - No. 7 Notre Dame came to Columbia, featuring future NBA players Kelly Tripucka, Bill Lambeer and Bill Hanzlik, owning a five-game winning streak against the Gamecocks, but left with a stunning upset. The Irish were tied with USC at 29 at halftime and were leading 47-46 with 9:37 to go when Carolina's Mike Doyle scored on a layup. USC never trailed again, and Kevin Dunleavy's two free throws with 13 seconds left made it 63-60. The Gamecocks' Golie Augustus then drew a charge on Notre Dame's Bruce Flowers, clinching the game for Carolina. Guard Jackie Gilloon led USC scoring with 15 points and Augustus (13) and Kenny Reynolds (10) also reached double figures in the 65-60 win.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
7. Key Dates (Countdown)
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins (9 days)
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (16)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (23)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (32)
April 6: Spring football game (47)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (66)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (147)
Sept. 1: Football: Gamecocks vs. UNC (195)
8. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Gamecock Central members (Saturday-Sunday):
- @homedog# (member since 1999)
- @OldFlaCock (2002)
- @2001cock (2000)
- @bryanmc (2007)
- @cockfight27 (2006)
- @uscinmi (2004)
Mike Davis (RB, 2012-14). Davis rushed for 1,923 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final year at Stephenson High in Georgia. He originally committed to Florida but ended up signing with USC over the Gators, Tennessee, Florida State and Clemson. As a true freshman, Davis played in every game but one (LSU), leading the team in yards per carry. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,183 yards, earning second-team all-SEC honors. He had seven 100-yard games, including 149 against Georgia and 167 against UCF. As a junior, he rushed for 982 yards, including 183 yards and three TDs against Missouri. Davis has gone on to play four years in the NFL, rushing for a career high 514 yards for Seattle in 2018.
Elijah Bowers (catcher, 2018)
Kyle Franklin (men's soccer, 2005)
Jonathan Hannah (tight end, 2005)
Donovan Norman (wide receiver, 1996-99)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
Credit: USC athletics department
9. Rest In Peace
Harold White, the first African-American coach in the USC Athletics Department, passed away on Friday at the age of 78. He arrived at USC in 1971 as a graduate assistant football coach, and served as the head of academic support for Gamecock student-athletes from 1973-89 and then returned to that position in 1993. At the time of his retirement in 2007, he was the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academic Support and Student Services.
10. Around Gamecock Nation
- 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)
We have breaking news alerts and more newsletters: customize preferences
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.
