B
Brian Shoemaker
Guest
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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.
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Gamecock Nation Today
Monday, March 4, 2019
Good morning and happy Monday!
• Tune in to 107.5 The Game at noon today as Gamecock Central's Wes Mitchell will be in studio with host Pearson Fowler.
• Reminder: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Luke Berryhill/Credit:Katie Dugan
1. No More Monkey
South Carolina got a big monkey off its back Sunday, dominating Clemson 14-3 to take the series over the Tigers for the first time since 2014. It’s a big step early in the season for a team still figuring out what it is before SEC plays starts.
Mark Kingston said entering the weekend the Gamecocks hadn’t played their best game yet but that changed Sunday with the offense putting up a season-high 17 hits and the pitching, led by another dominant performance from Reid Morgan, gave up three runs to a potent Clemson lineup.
They rebounded well after Saturday’s loss and did it in a dominant way, which can only be good for the team’s confidence with one series left before SEC play starts.
There are still question marks with Carmen Mlodzinski out at least a month with a broken foot so they’ll need to find a new Friday night starter, but a win of this magnitude this early in the season can only help confidence moving forward.
Bryan Edwards/Credit:Chris Gillespie
2. Flip this roster – Part 2
When Will Muschamp arrived in Columbia in 2016, he took over a football program rife with issues, and one that had watched as its rivals steadily improved and the talent on its own roster slipped to among the bottom of the conference.
The first installment of this series examined the players that Muschamp inherited upon arrival, heading into his first set of spring practices in 2016.
In this installment, we will dive into the players that comprised Muschamp’s inaugural class, along with notes on each player’s impact.
Current Roster Members
• Jake Bentley – Skipped his senior year of high school and enrolled in the summer of 2016; ultimately took over as starting quarterback midway through his true freshman season. Has an opportunity to break numerous school records during his senior season.
• TJ Brunson – Famously the first prospect that Muschamp made a recruiting visit to upon taking the job, the Gamecocks essentially flipped the Columbia product from Louisville. After seeing time as a backup his first season, Brunson stepped in as a full-time starter in 2017 and 2018.
• Rico Dowdle – Has battled injuries during his career, but also made some big plays and had quality performances as a running back. Figures to be in strong consideration to be the starting running back as a senior this season.
• Bryan Edwards – A future NFL Draft pick, Edwards decommitted from USC after Steve Spurrier resigned, but Muschamp was able to get him back on board and hold off Clemson. Will be a four-year starter and has a chance to break numerous school receiving records.
• Dreak Davis – Former four-star prospect who’s been injured for a large portion of his USC career, but has been on the field as a reserve receiver.
• Chavis Dawkins – In-state wide receiver who was a late addition to the class after Muschamp’s arrival; has played a reserve role for the most part during his career.
• Griffin Gentry – Backup defensive lineman who was a holdover from initial Spurrier commitments in the 2016 class.
• Evan Hinson – Two-sport athlete who recently gave up playing for Frank Martin’s basketball squad to focus full-time on football. Has picked up backup snaps as a tight end, but could show his potential further this season.
• Sadarius Hutcherson – Former tight end/defensive end prospect out of Tennessee who Muschamp wanted to take as an offensive line prospect. Gained over 60 pounds upon arriving on campus and has become one of the top performers on the Gamecocks’ offensive line, with pro potential.
• Javon Kinlaw – Muschamp’s staff placed Kinlaw in junior college; he later joined the program in 2017 out of junior college.
• Kiel Pollard – Stepped into a larger role last season, and as a senior should be a starter in 2018. Talented receiving threat.
• Kobe Smith – Has been a key contributor and occasional starter on the interior of the defensive line and made progress each season he’s been in Columbia. Began playing as a true freshman.
• Keir Thomas – Has been a starter/key contributor on the defensive line since his first season in Columbia at defensive tackle and defensive end.
• DJ Wonnum – Former two-star prospect who was evaluated by Muschamp and taken as a flip from Indiana. Was named a team captain as a sophomore in 2017 and has earned SEC DL of the Week honors more than once.
Completed Eligibility
• Jamarcus King – Formerly the top junior college cornerback prospect in the country, King spent his allotted two seasons with the Gamecocks as a starting corner. He spent some time in the NFL last season on a couple rosters as an undrafted free agent.
Left Program
• Korey Banks – Originally a UNC commitment, Banks played wide receiver his first season in Columbia before transitioning to DB. He played a bit in 2018, then elected to transfer.
• CJ Freeman – Transferred to Iowa Western Community College in 2018 after spending a couple seasons with the Gamecocks.
• Pete Leota – In June 2017, Leota transferred to Georgia State, then after spending a short time there moved again to James Madison.
• Brandon McIlwain – A two-sport athlete at USC, McIlwain transferred to Cal in May 2017 after spending the 2016 season with the Gamecocks.
• Will Putnam – North Carolina product spent three years with the program before opting to leave the program recently.
• Chris Smith – Medical hardship
• Stephon Taylor – Due to some personal reasons, Taylor transferred in May 2017.
• Aaron Thompson – Transferred in the spring of 2018 after spending two years with the program.
Robert Tucker – Atlanta tight end was forced to take a medical hardship, ending his football career, due to a neck injury.
• Darius Whitfield – Alabama product spent part of a year with USC, but decided to leave the program in November of 2016. He transferred to a junior college, then to South Alabama.
Never Made It To Campus
• Akeem Cooperwood – This huge junior college lineman did not make the cut academically and despite signing with the Gamecocks, did not qualify for admission.
– Chris Clark (email)
Travaris Robinson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. Spring Football
The Gamecocks did not practice Saturday or Sunday, and will not practice today. They will practice Tuesday and Thursday this week before taking off for spring break.
After Tuesday's practice, the media will speak with offensive line coach Eric Wolford. After Thursday's practice, the media will speak with new defensive line coach John Scott Jr. Stay tuned for those reports.
Following last Friday's practice, Will Muschamp met with the media to discuss the first three practices. Here's a recap of what he had to say. (subscription)
Robinson excited about newest crop of DB signees – When South Carolina took the field for the start of spring practice Wednesday, defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson knew a thin defensive back group would be a little bit thinner. That is, at least, until this summer. (link)
Carolina Confidential: Weekend scoop – South Carolina has practiced three times this spring and we've started to receive some feedback about how things are going. Behind closed doors, I'm told ... (subscription)
ICYMI. Spring practice podcast with Chris Clark, Wes Mitchell and Pearson Fowler recorded after Wednesday's practice. (link)
ICYMI. Spring practice photos: Two galleries from the first spring practice (link)
Women's basketball seniors/Credit: Chris Gillespie
4. More news & headlines
Men's Basketball: Shorthanded Gamecocks fall at Mizzou – Freshman guard Torrence Watson scored 20 points and Missouri beat South Carolina, 78-63, on Saturday. (story/video)
Women's Basketball: Mississippi State escapes – South Carolina lost a share of the SEC Regular Season Championship, losing to Mississippi State, 68-64, on Sunday. (story/photos/videos)
Recruiting: Dontavius Nash checks out USC practice – Gastonia (N.C.) defensive back Dontavius Nash has made numerous recruiting visits, but to date those have been limited to junior day events and home games for host schools. That changed on Friday when South Carolina's coaching staff hosted him for a different type of experience. (subscription)
Softball wins five games over three days:
Men’s Tennis splits pair of matches
Women’s Tennis wins two weekend matches:
Equestrian: Carolina falls to Georgia – After the final SEC meet of the regular season, the Gamecocks are now 5-6 overall and 1-5 in the SEC. The Gamecocks are back in action at home one last time this season when they host Delaware State on Friday. The meet will also serve as senior day. (link)
Football: Perry Orth on his QB1 camp and Steve Spurrier – Former South Carolina quarterback Perry Orth hosted around 90 campers at Northside Christian School Friday night as players and coaches alike braved the rain for a near-three-hour workout. (link)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Frank Martin/Credit: Chris Gillespie
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
Monday, March 4
• Morning – Football: Select offensive players speak with the media to discuss spring practice
• Morning – NFL Combine: Cornerback Rashad Fenton works out
• 11:30 am – Men's Basketball: Frank Martin and players speak with the media
Tuesday, March 5
• Morning – Football: Spring practice No. 4 (closed)
• 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
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts Gardner-Webb (SECN+) ***
• 6 pm – Softball hosts Winthrop
Note: The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday, but South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
*** Game was originally scheduled to begin at 7 pm but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
– Jackson Fields (email)
Derek Boykins/Credit: Chris Gillespie
6. Signee of the Day - Derek Boykins
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 Concord (N.C.) Central Cabarrus three-star linebacker Derek Boykins, who is already enrolled at South Carolina and is participating in spring practice.
Other offers: Clemson, Duke, East Carolina, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Coach's corner: "He played wildcat quarterback, played running back, played linebacker, played safety, and is a very explosive guy. Having him in camp and seeing his movement skills, I’m really excited about him. Originally from Beaufort, S.C., and grew up a Gamecock, so we’re excited to have him coming home." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
"He’s very passionate when he plays. It’s obvious that he loves playing the game of football. He loves his teammates and his teammates love him. He’s just a kid that does things the right way. He’s our hardest worker and really gets after it." - Central Cabarrus head coach Kenneth McClamrock
– Wes Mitchell (email)
7. This Date in Gamecock History
March 4, 1972 – The Gamecocks picked up their first win of the '72 season as George Beam allowed just three singles and no runs on his way to setting a school record with 17 strikeouts while blanking the N.C. State Wolfpack, 3-0. At one point over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings Beam struck out seven in a row. John Gambrell drove in the first USC run with an RBI single in the second and catcher Drew Choate blasted a two-run homer in the third. Beam's performance evened the Gamecocks' record at 1-1 on the year.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
• March 6 – SEC WBB Tourney begins (2 days) ***
• March 13 – SEC MBB Tourney begins (9)
• March 21 – Football: Pro Timing Day (17)
• March 22 – Muschamp Coaches Clinic (18)
• April 6 – Spring football game (33)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (52)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (133)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (180)
*** South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
9. Happy Birthday to you!
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @Chris Gillespie (Gamecock Central photographer)
• @DeanDeanx5 (Member since 2010)
• @scgamecockfan (Member since 2002)
• @Wes Mitchell (Gamecock Central insider)
• @Cocky mule (Member since 2017)
• @gamecocksheriff (Member since 2012)
• @SummitGamecock (Member since 2014)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
Gamecock Nation birthdays
Kyle Markway. A rare Gamecock from Missouri, and the first since James Adkisson in 2000-02, USC beat out Midwestern schools such as Iowa, Illinois and Indiana for Markway's services. Injuries have slowed his career, as a foot injury caused him to redshirt in 2016 after catching three passes for 57 yards as a true freshman in 2015. Injuries hit again in 2017, as a rib injury in the second game limited his action to just those two games. Markway used the time away from the field to establish a streak of making the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Finally healthy in 2018, he played in 13 games with one start and caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against Florida.
• Keith Franklin (football/linebacker, 1991-92)
• Antwan Jackson (football/offensive tackle, 1990-93)
• Jamie Price (football/wide receiver, track & field, 1999-00)
• Brice Wilson (football/running back, 1973-77)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
10. Another Carolina Podcast (recorded Wed.)
Gamecock Central insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell and host Pearson Fowler discuss the first day of spring practice (link). Topics include:
• Observations from the open portion of the first spring practice with thoughts on some newcomers.
• Top spring storylines from Wes and Chris.
• Most interesting position battles and what we've learned so far this spring.
Listen to our podcasts on these platforms: Apple iTunes Podcasts | Spotify | PlayerFM | SoundCloud | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | Spreaker | YouTube
11. Around Gamecock Nation
• March 9 - Charlotte, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas (link)
• 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 ***
*** Will Muschamp is scheduled to appear. More information, including specific locations and ticket prices, will be announced as it comes available.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Did you know that the Bradford pear tree is an invasive species?
"I recommend cutting them all down, grinding the stumps and be rid of them." - Leif Bennett, owner of Leif's Tree Service in North Myrtle Beach (link)
See you tomorrow.
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
Monday, March 4, 2019
Good morning and happy Monday!
• Tune in to 107.5 The Game at noon today as Gamecock Central's Wes Mitchell will be in studio with host Pearson Fowler.
• Reminder: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Luke Berryhill/Credit:Katie Dugan
1. No More Monkey
South Carolina got a big monkey off its back Sunday, dominating Clemson 14-3 to take the series over the Tigers for the first time since 2014. It’s a big step early in the season for a team still figuring out what it is before SEC plays starts.
Mark Kingston said entering the weekend the Gamecocks hadn’t played their best game yet but that changed Sunday with the offense putting up a season-high 17 hits and the pitching, led by another dominant performance from Reid Morgan, gave up three runs to a potent Clemson lineup.
They rebounded well after Saturday’s loss and did it in a dominant way, which can only be good for the team’s confidence with one series left before SEC play starts.
There are still question marks with Carmen Mlodzinski out at least a month with a broken foot so they’ll need to find a new Friday night starter, but a win of this magnitude this early in the season can only help confidence moving forward.
- Gamecocks dominate Clemson, take series
- Kingston's pregame message pays off
- Carmen Mlodzinski injury update
- Photos: Gamecocks crush Tigers, take series
- Video: Gamecocks recap huge series win
- Pitching falters in second Clemson game
- Kerry's brilliance, homers power Game 1 win
Bryan Edwards/Credit:Chris Gillespie
2. Flip this roster – Part 2
When Will Muschamp arrived in Columbia in 2016, he took over a football program rife with issues, and one that had watched as its rivals steadily improved and the talent on its own roster slipped to among the bottom of the conference.
The first installment of this series examined the players that Muschamp inherited upon arrival, heading into his first set of spring practices in 2016.
In this installment, we will dive into the players that comprised Muschamp’s inaugural class, along with notes on each player’s impact.
Current Roster Members
• Jake Bentley – Skipped his senior year of high school and enrolled in the summer of 2016; ultimately took over as starting quarterback midway through his true freshman season. Has an opportunity to break numerous school records during his senior season.
• TJ Brunson – Famously the first prospect that Muschamp made a recruiting visit to upon taking the job, the Gamecocks essentially flipped the Columbia product from Louisville. After seeing time as a backup his first season, Brunson stepped in as a full-time starter in 2017 and 2018.
• Rico Dowdle – Has battled injuries during his career, but also made some big plays and had quality performances as a running back. Figures to be in strong consideration to be the starting running back as a senior this season.
• Bryan Edwards – A future NFL Draft pick, Edwards decommitted from USC after Steve Spurrier resigned, but Muschamp was able to get him back on board and hold off Clemson. Will be a four-year starter and has a chance to break numerous school receiving records.
• Dreak Davis – Former four-star prospect who’s been injured for a large portion of his USC career, but has been on the field as a reserve receiver.
• Chavis Dawkins – In-state wide receiver who was a late addition to the class after Muschamp’s arrival; has played a reserve role for the most part during his career.
• Griffin Gentry – Backup defensive lineman who was a holdover from initial Spurrier commitments in the 2016 class.
• Evan Hinson – Two-sport athlete who recently gave up playing for Frank Martin’s basketball squad to focus full-time on football. Has picked up backup snaps as a tight end, but could show his potential further this season.
• Sadarius Hutcherson – Former tight end/defensive end prospect out of Tennessee who Muschamp wanted to take as an offensive line prospect. Gained over 60 pounds upon arriving on campus and has become one of the top performers on the Gamecocks’ offensive line, with pro potential.
• Javon Kinlaw – Muschamp’s staff placed Kinlaw in junior college; he later joined the program in 2017 out of junior college.
• Kiel Pollard – Stepped into a larger role last season, and as a senior should be a starter in 2018. Talented receiving threat.
• Kobe Smith – Has been a key contributor and occasional starter on the interior of the defensive line and made progress each season he’s been in Columbia. Began playing as a true freshman.
• Keir Thomas – Has been a starter/key contributor on the defensive line since his first season in Columbia at defensive tackle and defensive end.
• DJ Wonnum – Former two-star prospect who was evaluated by Muschamp and taken as a flip from Indiana. Was named a team captain as a sophomore in 2017 and has earned SEC DL of the Week honors more than once.
Completed Eligibility
• Jamarcus King – Formerly the top junior college cornerback prospect in the country, King spent his allotted two seasons with the Gamecocks as a starting corner. He spent some time in the NFL last season on a couple rosters as an undrafted free agent.
Left Program
• Korey Banks – Originally a UNC commitment, Banks played wide receiver his first season in Columbia before transitioning to DB. He played a bit in 2018, then elected to transfer.
• CJ Freeman – Transferred to Iowa Western Community College in 2018 after spending a couple seasons with the Gamecocks.
• Pete Leota – In June 2017, Leota transferred to Georgia State, then after spending a short time there moved again to James Madison.
• Brandon McIlwain – A two-sport athlete at USC, McIlwain transferred to Cal in May 2017 after spending the 2016 season with the Gamecocks.
• Will Putnam – North Carolina product spent three years with the program before opting to leave the program recently.
• Chris Smith – Medical hardship
• Stephon Taylor – Due to some personal reasons, Taylor transferred in May 2017.
• Aaron Thompson – Transferred in the spring of 2018 after spending two years with the program.
Robert Tucker – Atlanta tight end was forced to take a medical hardship, ending his football career, due to a neck injury.
• Darius Whitfield – Alabama product spent part of a year with USC, but decided to leave the program in November of 2016. He transferred to a junior college, then to South Alabama.
Never Made It To Campus
• Akeem Cooperwood – This huge junior college lineman did not make the cut academically and despite signing with the Gamecocks, did not qualify for admission.
– Chris Clark (email)
Travaris Robinson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
3. Spring Football
The Gamecocks did not practice Saturday or Sunday, and will not practice today. They will practice Tuesday and Thursday this week before taking off for spring break.
After Tuesday's practice, the media will speak with offensive line coach Eric Wolford. After Thursday's practice, the media will speak with new defensive line coach John Scott Jr. Stay tuned for those reports.
Following last Friday's practice, Will Muschamp met with the media to discuss the first three practices. Here's a recap of what he had to say. (subscription)
Robinson excited about newest crop of DB signees – When South Carolina took the field for the start of spring practice Wednesday, defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson knew a thin defensive back group would be a little bit thinner. That is, at least, until this summer. (link)
Carolina Confidential: Weekend scoop – South Carolina has practiced three times this spring and we've started to receive some feedback about how things are going. Behind closed doors, I'm told ... (subscription)
ICYMI. Spring practice podcast with Chris Clark, Wes Mitchell and Pearson Fowler recorded after Wednesday's practice. (link)
ICYMI. Spring practice photos: Two galleries from the first spring practice (link)
Women's basketball seniors/Credit: Chris Gillespie
4. More news & headlines
Men's Basketball: Shorthanded Gamecocks fall at Mizzou – Freshman guard Torrence Watson scored 20 points and Missouri beat South Carolina, 78-63, on Saturday. (story/video)
Women's Basketball: Mississippi State escapes – South Carolina lost a share of the SEC Regular Season Championship, losing to Mississippi State, 68-64, on Sunday. (story/photos/videos)
Recruiting: Dontavius Nash checks out USC practice – Gastonia (N.C.) defensive back Dontavius Nash has made numerous recruiting visits, but to date those have been limited to junior day events and home games for host schools. That changed on Friday when South Carolina's coaching staff hosted him for a different type of experience. (subscription)
Softball wins five games over three days:
- Friday: USC earns two victories Friday
- Saturday: USC sweeps Saturday games
- Sunday: Gamecocks close week with win
Men’s Tennis splits pair of matches
Women’s Tennis wins two weekend matches:
Equestrian: Carolina falls to Georgia – After the final SEC meet of the regular season, the Gamecocks are now 5-6 overall and 1-5 in the SEC. The Gamecocks are back in action at home one last time this season when they host Delaware State on Friday. The meet will also serve as senior day. (link)
Football: Perry Orth on his QB1 camp and Steve Spurrier – Former South Carolina quarterback Perry Orth hosted around 90 campers at Northside Christian School Friday night as players and coaches alike braved the rain for a near-three-hour workout. (link)
– Jackson Fields (email)
Frank Martin/Credit: Chris Gillespie
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
Monday, March 4
• Morning – Football: Select offensive players speak with the media to discuss spring practice
• Morning – NFL Combine: Cornerback Rashad Fenton works out
• 11:30 am – Men's Basketball: Frank Martin and players speak with the media
Tuesday, March 5
• Morning – Football: Spring practice No. 4 (closed)
• 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
• 4 pm – Baseball hosts Gardner-Webb (SECN+) ***
• 6 pm – Softball hosts Winthrop
Note: The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday, but South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
*** Game was originally scheduled to begin at 7 pm but was changed due to expected below-freezing temperatures
– Jackson Fields (email)
Derek Boykins/Credit: Chris Gillespie
6. Signee of the Day - Derek Boykins
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 Concord (N.C.) Central Cabarrus three-star linebacker Derek Boykins, who is already enrolled at South Carolina and is participating in spring practice.
Other offers: Clemson, Duke, East Carolina, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Coach's corner: "He played wildcat quarterback, played running back, played linebacker, played safety, and is a very explosive guy. Having him in camp and seeing his movement skills, I’m really excited about him. Originally from Beaufort, S.C., and grew up a Gamecock, so we’re excited to have him coming home." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
"He’s very passionate when he plays. It’s obvious that he loves playing the game of football. He loves his teammates and his teammates love him. He’s just a kid that does things the right way. He’s our hardest worker and really gets after it." - Central Cabarrus head coach Kenneth McClamrock
– Wes Mitchell (email)
7. This Date in Gamecock History
March 4, 1972 – The Gamecocks picked up their first win of the '72 season as George Beam allowed just three singles and no runs on his way to setting a school record with 17 strikeouts while blanking the N.C. State Wolfpack, 3-0. At one point over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings Beam struck out seven in a row. John Gambrell drove in the first USC run with an RBI single in the second and catcher Drew Choate blasted a two-run homer in the third. Beam's performance evened the Gamecocks' record at 1-1 on the year.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
• March 6 – SEC WBB Tourney begins (2 days) ***
• March 13 – SEC MBB Tourney begins (9)
• March 21 – Football: Pro Timing Day (17)
• March 22 – Muschamp Coaches Clinic (18)
• April 6 – Spring football game (33)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (52)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (133)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (180)
*** South Carolina doesn't play until Friday
9. Happy Birthday to you!
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @Chris Gillespie (Gamecock Central photographer)
• @DeanDeanx5 (Member since 2010)
• @scgamecockfan (Member since 2002)
• @Wes Mitchell (Gamecock Central insider)
• @Cocky mule (Member since 2017)
• @gamecocksheriff (Member since 2012)
• @SummitGamecock (Member since 2014)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
Gamecock Nation birthdays
Kyle Markway. A rare Gamecock from Missouri, and the first since James Adkisson in 2000-02, USC beat out Midwestern schools such as Iowa, Illinois and Indiana for Markway's services. Injuries have slowed his career, as a foot injury caused him to redshirt in 2016 after catching three passes for 57 yards as a true freshman in 2015. Injuries hit again in 2017, as a rib injury in the second game limited his action to just those two games. Markway used the time away from the field to establish a streak of making the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Finally healthy in 2018, he played in 13 games with one start and caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against Florida.
• Keith Franklin (football/linebacker, 1991-92)
• Antwan Jackson (football/offensive tackle, 1990-93)
• Jamie Price (football/wide receiver, track & field, 1999-00)
• Brice Wilson (football/running back, 1973-77)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
10. Another Carolina Podcast (recorded Wed.)
Gamecock Central insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell and host Pearson Fowler discuss the first day of spring practice (link). Topics include:
• Observations from the open portion of the first spring practice with thoughts on some newcomers.
• Top spring storylines from Wes and Chris.
• Most interesting position battles and what we've learned so far this spring.
Listen to our podcasts on these platforms: Apple iTunes Podcasts | Spotify | PlayerFM | SoundCloud | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | Spreaker | YouTube
11. Around Gamecock Nation
• March 9 - Charlotte, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas (link)
• 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 ***
*** Will Muschamp is scheduled to appear. More information, including specific locations and ticket prices, will be announced as it comes available.
– Brian Shoemaker (email)
Did you know that the Bradford pear tree is an invasive species?
"I recommend cutting them all down, grinding the stumps and be rid of them." - Leif Bennett, owner of Leif's Tree Service in North Myrtle Beach (link)
See you tomorrow.
