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Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Good morning and happy Tuesday!
The football team practices this morning, the baseball team hosts The Citadel this afternoon at 4 (SECN+) and the men's basketball team plays at Texas A&M tonight at 7 (SECN).
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Will Muschamp
1. Gamecock football’s best recruiter
One of the chief reasons athletics director Ray Tanner tabbed Will Muschamp as South Carolina’s head football coach in December 2015 was to bring someone to the program’s helm who would be able to upgrade the talent in Columbia. In Muschamp, Tanner elected to hire someone who was a veteran of recruiting in the uber-competitive Southeast and knew better than most how to restore the Gamecocks’ roster to a place where it could compete with those on the schedule.
With Muschamp heading into his fourth season and several recruiting classes under his belt, GamecockCentral.com’s staff answers the following question: who’s the best recruiter on South Carolina’s staff?
Chris Clark: I’m of the belief that it’s actually Muschamp himself. One would be hard-pressed to find even a few coaches in the country more personally involved in his program’s recruiting efforts than the Gamecocks’ head man. While he has a large personnel department under him that work hard to make USC’s recruiting efforts go, Muschamp has often noted that he serves as his own recruiting coordinator. If it’s a top target of the Gamecocks, Muschamp often is the lead recruiter. That can be said for many significant USC acquisitions in the past like OrTre Smith and Zacch Pickens, to name just a couple.
As noted previously, Muschamp’s been involved in big recruiting battles at multiple programs in the past, so he knows the lay of the land from that standpoint. Muschamp can, particularly with defensive recruits, point to his own track record of development as a selling point. He’s also adept at building relationships early with prospects and their families. In recruiting, there’s also no substitute for hard work. Muschamp, according to many of those who’ve seen him at work in recruiting, sets the tone for the rest of his staff in that regard.
Wes Mitchell: Since Chris took the cop-out answer of naming the head coach as the top recruiter, I'll take a different route and try to narrow it down to one assistant.
Several assistant coaches would be in this conversation for me. Defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson has regularly put the Gamecocks in the mix with top DBs and has done a good job of landing several blue-chippers.
Likewise, offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon has flipped the receiver position since arriving in Columbia and is heavily involved with all of the offensive prospects on the board.
Credit Bobby Bentley, too, for recruiting his territories extremely well and landing targets like Rick Sandidge, Kiel Pollard, Jovaughn Gwyn and Joseph Anderson - to name a few - from his territory.
But I'm going to give the edge to offensive line coach Eric Wolford. Ultimately a position coach has to take care of his position group and Wolford is a specialist at that, often getting early commitments from a couple of his top targets and then filling out the class as the process progresses - he always seems to hit his number from a quality and quantity standpoint.
Wolford landed one of the best o-line classes in school history in 2018 and followed it up with one that's in the same conversation for 2019. The future on the offensive line looks bright and the main reason for that is the recruiting efforts of Wolford.
– Chris Clark (email), Wes Mitchell (email)
Jadeveon Clowney/Credit:USA TODAY
2. Texans use franchise tag on Clowney
News broke Monday that the Houston Texans have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on former South Carolina All-American Jadeveon Clowney.
What is the franchise tag? Each year, NFL teams are able to place the franchise tag on one player, which allows the team to avoid losing a top player to free agency while continuing to work towards a long-term deal. Once the player is tagged, the player and the team have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal, or else the player will play one season under the tag. It's also within the player's right to hold out.
What does "non-exclusive" mean? Technically, other teams are also allowed to make Clowney offers. If the tag was an "exclusive" then no other teams would be able to. But the Texans would receive two first-round picks if Clowney signs an offer sheet from another team and the Texans don’t match it, which they would have the option of doing. For practical purposes, it means Clowney will be in Houston at least one more season.
How much will Clowney make this season? If Clowney and the Texans don't agree to a new deal, then he'll play the season under the tag, assuming he doesn't hold out. The salary amount is set by averaging the top five salaries by position for the previous league year, or if it’s higher, 120 percent of a player’s salary the previous season. In Clowney's case, he's set to make $15.967 million this season, according to the Houston Chronicle, if he doesn't sign a long-term deal.
What does this mean for Clowney's future? Houston wants to keep Clowney for the long haul and still hopes the two sides can ultimately agree on a long-term deal. The tag is more of a precautionary measure to give the Texans time to do so.
"Today, we have placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney, but our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract," said Texans general manager Brian Gaine. "This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so."
– Wes Mitchell (email)
Mark Kingston/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. Gamecock Baseball ⚾
Rising in the polls – The Gamecocks are in five of the six college baseball polls we're tracking: No. 20 in Baseball America, No. 19 in Collegiate Baseball, No. 24 in USA Today, No. 24 in D1Baseball and No. 27 in NCBWA. Perfect Game doesn't have USC in its poll. (link to all polls)
Today's starter – Mark Kingston announced that TJ Shook (1-0, 8.31 ERA) will be the starting pitcher today versus The Citadel.
Gamecocks earn SEC honors – TJ Hopkins and Brett Kerry each picked up conference player of the week honors, including Hopkins getting SEC Player of the Week. (link)
Rivalry weekend observations – Gamecock Central baseball writer Collyn Taylor's weekend observations - shortstop, standouts, weekend rotation. (subscription)
Five Takeaways: Kingston ball pays dividends – South Carolina took care of business Sunday with a resounding 14-3 win over Clemson and now head into a five-game week with plenty of momentum. Here are five takeaways from the weekend series. (subscription)
What Monte Lee said about the Gamecocks – Monte Lee's 10th taste of the Reedy River Rivalry and fourth as Clemson's head coach. He left impressed with South Carolina's team after playing 27 innings against the Gamecocks. (subscription)
Ray Tanner Interview – He discusses his playing days, coaching, and his transition into an administrative role. (link)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Jake Bentley
4. More news & headlines
NFL Combine – Five Gamecocks were invited to and worked out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Football: Offensive players talk spring ball – Spring practice continues with quotes from Jake Bentley and other players from the Gamecocks offense. (subscription)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Eric Wolford/Credit: Chris Gillespie
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
Tuesday, March 5
• Morning – Football: Spring practice No. 4 (closed to public); Offensive line coach Eric Wolford will speak with the media afterward.
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts The Citadel (SECN+) *
• 7 pm – Men's Basketball at Texas A&M (SECN)
Wednesday, March 6
• Morning – Football: Select defensive players speak with the media to discuss spring practice
• 3 pm – Softball hosts Winthrop **
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts Gardner-Webb (SECN+) *
* Game was originally scheduled to begin at 7 pm, but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
** Game was originally scheduled to begin at 6 pm, but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday, but South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
– Jackson Fields (email)
Traevon Kenion/Credit: Rivals
6. Signee of the Day - Traevon Kenion
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 Wake Forest (N.C.) three-star tight end Traevon Kenion.
Other offers: Boston College, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest
Coach's corner: "His mom got a job up there in the Wake Forest, Raleigh area and he moved up there and won a state championship this past year. A tight end we think is really gifted in the throwing game. Really added some things to their high school football team. When he came to camp, the thing I was most impressed with is his competitive edge. He really competes when he gets on the field. You see what he did this past senior year, and I’m really excited about him." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell (email)
7. This Date in Gamecock History
March 5, 1994 – The Gamecocks stunned No. 7 Kentucky as Emmett Hall made a layup with two seconds left and teamed with Jamie Watson and Carey Rich to make a key defensive stop on the Wildcats' final possession. Kentucky led by one with 33 seconds left following a Tony Delk basket, but then Rich penetrated the lane and dished to Hall for the game-winning basket. Hall led the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Rich contributed 19 points, Watson 10 and Donnie Mathews 14.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
• March 6 – SEC WBB Tourney (1 day) ***
• March 13 – SEC MBB Tourney (8)
• March 21 – Football: Pro Day (16)
• March 22 – Muschamp Coaches Clinic (17)
• April 6 – Spring football game (32)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (51)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days (132)
• Aug. 31 – Football: USC vs UNC (179)
*** South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
9. Happy Birthday to you!
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @NewtonSC (Member since 2012)
• @USCBatgirl21 (Member since 2006)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
Gamecock Nation birthdays
Blake Taylor – A native of Columbus, Ga., Taylor pitched two seasons for Carolina. In 2001 he made 27 appearances with three starts, picking up five wins and a save with a 3.30 ERA. Taylor earned a long list of post-season honors in 2002 when he was 6-1 with 21 saves and a 2.63 ERA. He was named All-SEC, then made All-America teams from Baseball America, Baseball Weekly, Collegiate Baseball and the Baseball Writers of America. hough he pitched largely in relief, Taylor also turned in an amazing performance in the 2002 NCAA Regionals, when he took the mound and pitched a complete-game victory over North Carolina, striking out 11 while allowing just one run. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2002 and pitched one season in their organization, picking up two saves with a 2.78 ERA in 19 games for Burlington of the Appalachian League.
• Lou Biondi (football/safety, 1977-79)
• Derek Gregory (football/long snapper, 1992-95)
• Jahmal Pettiford (football/nose guard, 1989-93)
• Rich Sweet (football/offensive tackle, 1987-91)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
10. Around Gamecock Nation
• March 9 - Charlotte, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas
• March 27 – Greenville, President's Reception
• 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 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour
Note: 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 comes available.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Reminder: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
See you tomorrow.
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.
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecock Nation Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Just go to this link to enter your email address.
---------------------------------------
Gamecock Nation Today
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Good morning and happy Tuesday!
The football team practices this morning, the baseball team hosts The Citadel this afternoon at 4 (SECN+) and the men's basketball team plays at Texas A&M tonight at 7 (SECN).
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Will Muschamp
1. Gamecock football’s best recruiter
One of the chief reasons athletics director Ray Tanner tabbed Will Muschamp as South Carolina’s head football coach in December 2015 was to bring someone to the program’s helm who would be able to upgrade the talent in Columbia. In Muschamp, Tanner elected to hire someone who was a veteran of recruiting in the uber-competitive Southeast and knew better than most how to restore the Gamecocks’ roster to a place where it could compete with those on the schedule.
With Muschamp heading into his fourth season and several recruiting classes under his belt, GamecockCentral.com’s staff answers the following question: who’s the best recruiter on South Carolina’s staff?
Chris Clark: I’m of the belief that it’s actually Muschamp himself. One would be hard-pressed to find even a few coaches in the country more personally involved in his program’s recruiting efforts than the Gamecocks’ head man. While he has a large personnel department under him that work hard to make USC’s recruiting efforts go, Muschamp has often noted that he serves as his own recruiting coordinator. If it’s a top target of the Gamecocks, Muschamp often is the lead recruiter. That can be said for many significant USC acquisitions in the past like OrTre Smith and Zacch Pickens, to name just a couple.
As noted previously, Muschamp’s been involved in big recruiting battles at multiple programs in the past, so he knows the lay of the land from that standpoint. Muschamp can, particularly with defensive recruits, point to his own track record of development as a selling point. He’s also adept at building relationships early with prospects and their families. In recruiting, there’s also no substitute for hard work. Muschamp, according to many of those who’ve seen him at work in recruiting, sets the tone for the rest of his staff in that regard.
Wes Mitchell: Since Chris took the cop-out answer of naming the head coach as the top recruiter, I'll take a different route and try to narrow it down to one assistant.
Several assistant coaches would be in this conversation for me. Defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson has regularly put the Gamecocks in the mix with top DBs and has done a good job of landing several blue-chippers.
Likewise, offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon has flipped the receiver position since arriving in Columbia and is heavily involved with all of the offensive prospects on the board.
Credit Bobby Bentley, too, for recruiting his territories extremely well and landing targets like Rick Sandidge, Kiel Pollard, Jovaughn Gwyn and Joseph Anderson - to name a few - from his territory.
But I'm going to give the edge to offensive line coach Eric Wolford. Ultimately a position coach has to take care of his position group and Wolford is a specialist at that, often getting early commitments from a couple of his top targets and then filling out the class as the process progresses - he always seems to hit his number from a quality and quantity standpoint.
Wolford landed one of the best o-line classes in school history in 2018 and followed it up with one that's in the same conversation for 2019. The future on the offensive line looks bright and the main reason for that is the recruiting efforts of Wolford.
– Chris Clark (email), Wes Mitchell (email)
Jadeveon Clowney/Credit:USA TODAY
2. Texans use franchise tag on Clowney
News broke Monday that the Houston Texans have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on former South Carolina All-American Jadeveon Clowney.
What is the franchise tag? Each year, NFL teams are able to place the franchise tag on one player, which allows the team to avoid losing a top player to free agency while continuing to work towards a long-term deal. Once the player is tagged, the player and the team have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal, or else the player will play one season under the tag. It's also within the player's right to hold out.
What does "non-exclusive" mean? Technically, other teams are also allowed to make Clowney offers. If the tag was an "exclusive" then no other teams would be able to. But the Texans would receive two first-round picks if Clowney signs an offer sheet from another team and the Texans don’t match it, which they would have the option of doing. For practical purposes, it means Clowney will be in Houston at least one more season.
How much will Clowney make this season? If Clowney and the Texans don't agree to a new deal, then he'll play the season under the tag, assuming he doesn't hold out. The salary amount is set by averaging the top five salaries by position for the previous league year, or if it’s higher, 120 percent of a player’s salary the previous season. In Clowney's case, he's set to make $15.967 million this season, according to the Houston Chronicle, if he doesn't sign a long-term deal.
What does this mean for Clowney's future? Houston wants to keep Clowney for the long haul and still hopes the two sides can ultimately agree on a long-term deal. The tag is more of a precautionary measure to give the Texans time to do so.
"Today, we have placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney, but our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract," said Texans general manager Brian Gaine. "This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so."
– Wes Mitchell (email)
Mark Kingston/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. Gamecock Baseball ⚾
Rising in the polls – The Gamecocks are in five of the six college baseball polls we're tracking: No. 20 in Baseball America, No. 19 in Collegiate Baseball, No. 24 in USA Today, No. 24 in D1Baseball and No. 27 in NCBWA. Perfect Game doesn't have USC in its poll. (link to all polls)
Today's starter – Mark Kingston announced that TJ Shook (1-0, 8.31 ERA) will be the starting pitcher today versus The Citadel.
Gamecocks earn SEC honors – TJ Hopkins and Brett Kerry each picked up conference player of the week honors, including Hopkins getting SEC Player of the Week. (link)
Rivalry weekend observations – Gamecock Central baseball writer Collyn Taylor's weekend observations - shortstop, standouts, weekend rotation. (subscription)
Five Takeaways: Kingston ball pays dividends – South Carolina took care of business Sunday with a resounding 14-3 win over Clemson and now head into a five-game week with plenty of momentum. Here are five takeaways from the weekend series. (subscription)
What Monte Lee said about the Gamecocks – Monte Lee's 10th taste of the Reedy River Rivalry and fourth as Clemson's head coach. He left impressed with South Carolina's team after playing 27 innings against the Gamecocks. (subscription)
Ray Tanner Interview – He discusses his playing days, coaching, and his transition into an administrative role. (link)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Jake Bentley
4. More news & headlines
NFL Combine – Five Gamecocks were invited to and worked out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
- Video: Rashad Fenton
- Video: Bryson Allen-Williams
- Video: Deebo Samuel
- Video: Dennis Daley, Zack Bailey
- Related: A full recap of Frank Martin's press conference (subscription)
Football: Offensive players talk spring ball – Spring practice continues with quotes from Jake Bentley and other players from the Gamecocks offense. (subscription)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Eric Wolford/Credit: Chris Gillespie
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
Tuesday, March 5
• Morning – Football: Spring practice No. 4 (closed to public); Offensive line coach Eric Wolford will speak with the media afterward.
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts The Citadel (SECN+) *
• 7 pm – Men's Basketball at Texas A&M (SECN)
Wednesday, March 6
• Morning – Football: Select defensive players speak with the media to discuss spring practice
• 3 pm – Softball hosts Winthrop **
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts Gardner-Webb (SECN+) *
* Game was originally scheduled to begin at 7 pm, but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
** Game was originally scheduled to begin at 6 pm, but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday, but South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
– Jackson Fields (email)
Traevon Kenion/Credit: Rivals
6. Signee of the Day - Traevon Kenion
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 Wake Forest (N.C.) three-star tight end Traevon Kenion.
Other offers: Boston College, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest
Coach's corner: "His mom got a job up there in the Wake Forest, Raleigh area and he moved up there and won a state championship this past year. A tight end we think is really gifted in the throwing game. Really added some things to their high school football team. When he came to camp, the thing I was most impressed with is his competitive edge. He really competes when he gets on the field. You see what he did this past senior year, and I’m really excited about him." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell (email)
7. This Date in Gamecock History
March 5, 1994 – The Gamecocks stunned No. 7 Kentucky as Emmett Hall made a layup with two seconds left and teamed with Jamie Watson and Carey Rich to make a key defensive stop on the Wildcats' final possession. Kentucky led by one with 33 seconds left following a Tony Delk basket, but then Rich penetrated the lane and dished to Hall for the game-winning basket. Hall led the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Rich contributed 19 points, Watson 10 and Donnie Mathews 14.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
• March 6 – SEC WBB Tourney (1 day) ***
• March 13 – SEC MBB Tourney (8)
• March 21 – Football: Pro Day (16)
• March 22 – Muschamp Coaches Clinic (17)
• April 6 – Spring football game (32)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (51)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days (132)
• Aug. 31 – Football: USC vs UNC (179)
*** South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
9. Happy Birthday to you!
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @NewtonSC (Member since 2012)
• @USCBatgirl21 (Member since 2006)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
Gamecock Nation birthdays
Blake Taylor – A native of Columbus, Ga., Taylor pitched two seasons for Carolina. In 2001 he made 27 appearances with three starts, picking up five wins and a save with a 3.30 ERA. Taylor earned a long list of post-season honors in 2002 when he was 6-1 with 21 saves and a 2.63 ERA. He was named All-SEC, then made All-America teams from Baseball America, Baseball Weekly, Collegiate Baseball and the Baseball Writers of America. hough he pitched largely in relief, Taylor also turned in an amazing performance in the 2002 NCAA Regionals, when he took the mound and pitched a complete-game victory over North Carolina, striking out 11 while allowing just one run. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2002 and pitched one season in their organization, picking up two saves with a 2.78 ERA in 19 games for Burlington of the Appalachian League.
• Lou Biondi (football/safety, 1977-79)
• Derek Gregory (football/long snapper, 1992-95)
• Jahmal Pettiford (football/nose guard, 1989-93)
• Rich Sweet (football/offensive tackle, 1987-91)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
10. Around Gamecock Nation
• March 9 - Charlotte, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas
• March 27 – Greenville, President's Reception
• 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 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour
Note: 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 comes available.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Reminder: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
See you tomorrow.
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.
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