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Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Good morning from Gamecock Central.
• Football countdown: There are 142 days until the Gamecocks play North Carolina in Charlotte.
• The softball team beat Furman, 9-7, last night.
• It's another Thursday-Saturday baseball series for the Gamecocks. This time it's against Florida in Gainesville. Tonight's game begins at 7:30 and is on ESPNU, while the next two games are on SECN+.
• If you were forwarded this newsletter or found it on social media, you can sign up here to get it each morning.
1. Spring review: Tight ends rundown
South Carolina put a bow on spring football on Saturday with the Garnet & Black Game inside Williams-Brice Stadium. In this series, GamecockCentral.com takes a look at where things stand at each position now that spring ball is over. Today focuses on the tight ends.
• Two tight ends that factored in prominently on offense last season – K.C. Crosby and Jacob August – will not be around this season after exhausting their eligibility.
• The Gamecocks still returned several candidates with game experience for spring ball, and Will Muschamp said at the conclusion that senior Kiel Pollard and junior Kyle Markway had separated themselves amongst that group.
• Even though he entered last season as a backup, Pollard ended up playing the most snaps out of anyone at the tight end position due to injuries and other factors. He also started multiple games and played 400 snaps and led the tight ends in receptions (15) and touchdowns (2).
• Markway, who battled injuries during the early part of his career in Columbia, was fully healthy last season and broke through with significant playing time at tight end and on special teams. He’s not a huge-play threat, but reliable in the pass-catching department and a strong blocker.
• Evan Hinson has always been an intriguing talent with his size and skill set, and now that he’s totally focused on football (he gave up hoops in February) perhaps he can make a move. Redshirt sophomore Will Register is another player who can add depth to this room.
• USC also got an abbreviated look at freshman Traevon Kenion, a talented newcomer who joined the team in the midst of spring ball. He’ll continue competing in the summer and preseason.
• The other freshman on the roster, Palmetto State product Keshawn Toney, has impressed the coaches with his work ethic since his arrival. He’s more of a down-the-road prospect, but has potential.
• Featured item: Football scholarship breakdown
– Chris Clark
2. ⚾ Baseball travels to Florida
Who: South Carolina (20-13, 3-9 SEC) at Florida (22-13, 4-8 SEC)
Where: Alfred A. McKethan Stadium (Gainesville, Fla.)
• Thursday, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU, TuneIn
• Friday, 6:30 p.m., SECN+, TuneIn
• Saturday, 3:30 p.m., SECN+, TuneIn
Probable starting pitchers
SC: Jr. RHP Reid Morgan (3-1, 2.60), R-Fr. RHP Cam Tringali (1-0, 3.03), TBA
UF: So. RHP Tommy Mace (5-3, 4.26), Fr. RHP Christian Scott (3-1, 3.60), TBA
After three straight trips to the College World Series, the Gators are having an uncharacteristic year, starting at 4-8 in the SEC through four series. They’re coming off getting swept at home against Ole Miss and beating Florida State in a midweek game.
This is a huge series for both teams as they try to get back on the right track for the last half of SEC play.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Charlotte to play North Carolina on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Baseball Links: News | SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
– Collyn Taylor
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Merrifield breaks records - With a seventh-inning bunt single, Kansas City's Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 31 games, setting a franchise record. (watch)
Football: The plan for Turner this season - Senior A.J. Turner could have the unique opportunity this season to do what few players in recent school history have done - play both offense and defense. (link)
Football: Urich embracing new do-it-all role - When speaking to the media after the spring game, Will Muschamp noted that it’s difficult to give four different players reps at the quarterback position. That's part of the reason Jay Urich will get snaps at multiple positions. (link)
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report - More on USC's pursuit of a four-star linebacker, plus more inside scoop on other significant targets at defensive line and tight end. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: North Carolina standout raves about Gamecocks - Zaire Patterson has already established himself as one of the top prospects in the Southeast for the 2021 class. The 6-foot-6, 205-pounder was an early offer for the South Carolina staff, and he was back in town on Saturday to take in the spring game. (subscription)
ICYMI: The Big Five - The latest on South Carolina's "Big Five" in-state recruiting targets and more in this Carolina Confidential. (subscription)
Baseball: Bridges lived up to his promise Tuesday - Sawyer Bridges had a simple message after giving up the game-winning hits two weeks ago in a vital rubber match against Tennessee. (link)
Softball: Gamecocks take down Furman - Kennedy Clark blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth to give USC some breathing room in a 9-7 victory over Furman. (link)
Track & Field: Barber just keeps going - Miki Barber talks about being the first women's track and field athlete to have her jersey retired at South Carolina. (link)
Swimming & Diving: Six earn all-SEC honors - The swimming & diving squads combined for six all-SEC honors. USC's four conference champions – Emma Barksdale, Itay Goldfaden, Fynn Minuth and Marissa Roth – were recognized as first-team all-conference performers. (link)
Women's Golf: Gamecocks wrap up regular season - The women's golf will travel to Athens, Ga., this week for the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic at the University of Georgia Golf Course. (link)
Football: Three Gamecocks named to Hampshire Honor Society - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced members of the 2019 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. (link)
Men's Tennis: Jubb honored - Junior Paul Jubb was named to the SEC Community Service Team. (link)
Men's Golf: Wilson named SEC Golfer of the Week - Junior Jamie Wilson was named SEC Co-Golfer of the Week. He shares the honor with Vanderbilt's Patrick Martin. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 11, 1931 – Right fielder Bill Harley sets a Gamecock record with six hits in an 18-6 blowout of Erskine.
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Dunta Robinson – Originally from Athens, Ga., Robinson played in nine games as a true freshman, working on special teams and as a reserve safety. He played spur mostly in 2001, seeing time in 11 games and making a game-high three tackles against Mississippi State. Robinson moved to cornerback for 2002 and led the team with four interceptions. He had a standout game against Mississippi State, picking off two passes, making five tackles and breaking up two passes. He also had eight tackles and two pass breakups against Tennessee. Robinson started all 12 games in 2003 and was one of the team captains. He went on to play in the NFL after being a first-round pick of the Houston Texans (2004-09). He also played for the Atlanta Falcons (2010-12) and Kansas City Chiefs (2013).
• Mindy Ballou (women's basketball/guard, 1982-86)
• Blake Brettschneider (soccer/forward, 2007-10)
• Robby Coker (baseball/pitcher, 1983-84)
• Seth Constable (baseball/outfielder, 2012)
• Terry Cousin (football/cornerback, 1993-96)
• Chaz Elder (football/safety, 2012-16)
• Josh Malloy (football/offensive guard, 2001-03)
• Bo Taylor (baseball/pitcher, 1983-85)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (14 days)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (27)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (40)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (95)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (100)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (142)
More happenings
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• April 16 – Football Recruiting: Michael Wyman announcement
• 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 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement
• 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
• May 18 – SC Legends Camp
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 becomes available.
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecock Nation Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
------------------------
Gamecock Nation Today
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Good morning from Gamecock Central.
• Football countdown: There are 142 days until the Gamecocks play North Carolina in Charlotte.
• The softball team beat Furman, 9-7, last night.
• It's another Thursday-Saturday baseball series for the Gamecocks. This time it's against Florida in Gainesville. Tonight's game begins at 7:30 and is on ESPNU, while the next two games are on SECN+.
• If you were forwarded this newsletter or found it on social media, you can sign up here to get it each morning.
1. Spring review: Tight ends rundown
South Carolina put a bow on spring football on Saturday with the Garnet & Black Game inside Williams-Brice Stadium. In this series, GamecockCentral.com takes a look at where things stand at each position now that spring ball is over. Today focuses on the tight ends.
• Two tight ends that factored in prominently on offense last season – K.C. Crosby and Jacob August – will not be around this season after exhausting their eligibility.
• The Gamecocks still returned several candidates with game experience for spring ball, and Will Muschamp said at the conclusion that senior Kiel Pollard and junior Kyle Markway had separated themselves amongst that group.
• Even though he entered last season as a backup, Pollard ended up playing the most snaps out of anyone at the tight end position due to injuries and other factors. He also started multiple games and played 400 snaps and led the tight ends in receptions (15) and touchdowns (2).
• Markway, who battled injuries during the early part of his career in Columbia, was fully healthy last season and broke through with significant playing time at tight end and on special teams. He’s not a huge-play threat, but reliable in the pass-catching department and a strong blocker.
• Evan Hinson has always been an intriguing talent with his size and skill set, and now that he’s totally focused on football (he gave up hoops in February) perhaps he can make a move. Redshirt sophomore Will Register is another player who can add depth to this room.
• USC also got an abbreviated look at freshman Traevon Kenion, a talented newcomer who joined the team in the midst of spring ball. He’ll continue competing in the summer and preseason.
• The other freshman on the roster, Palmetto State product Keshawn Toney, has impressed the coaches with his work ethic since his arrival. He’s more of a down-the-road prospect, but has potential.
• Featured item: Football scholarship breakdown
– Chris Clark
2. ⚾ Baseball travels to Florida
Who: South Carolina (20-13, 3-9 SEC) at Florida (22-13, 4-8 SEC)
Where: Alfred A. McKethan Stadium (Gainesville, Fla.)
• Thursday, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU, TuneIn
• Friday, 6:30 p.m., SECN+, TuneIn
• Saturday, 3:30 p.m., SECN+, TuneIn
Probable starting pitchers
SC: Jr. RHP Reid Morgan (3-1, 2.60), R-Fr. RHP Cam Tringali (1-0, 3.03), TBA
UF: So. RHP Tommy Mace (5-3, 4.26), Fr. RHP Christian Scott (3-1, 3.60), TBA
After three straight trips to the College World Series, the Gators are having an uncharacteristic year, starting at 4-8 in the SEC through four series. They’re coming off getting swept at home against Ole Miss and beating Florida State in a midweek game.
This is a huge series for both teams as they try to get back on the right track for the last half of SEC play.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Charlotte to play North Carolina on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Baseball Links: News | SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
– Collyn Taylor
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Merrifield breaks records - With a seventh-inning bunt single, Kansas City's Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 31 games, setting a franchise record. (watch)
Football: The plan for Turner this season - Senior A.J. Turner could have the unique opportunity this season to do what few players in recent school history have done - play both offense and defense. (link)
Football: Urich embracing new do-it-all role - When speaking to the media after the spring game, Will Muschamp noted that it’s difficult to give four different players reps at the quarterback position. That's part of the reason Jay Urich will get snaps at multiple positions. (link)
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report - More on USC's pursuit of a four-star linebacker, plus more inside scoop on other significant targets at defensive line and tight end. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: North Carolina standout raves about Gamecocks - Zaire Patterson has already established himself as one of the top prospects in the Southeast for the 2021 class. The 6-foot-6, 205-pounder was an early offer for the South Carolina staff, and he was back in town on Saturday to take in the spring game. (subscription)
ICYMI: The Big Five - The latest on South Carolina's "Big Five" in-state recruiting targets and more in this Carolina Confidential. (subscription)
Baseball: Bridges lived up to his promise Tuesday - Sawyer Bridges had a simple message after giving up the game-winning hits two weeks ago in a vital rubber match against Tennessee. (link)
Softball: Gamecocks take down Furman - Kennedy Clark blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth to give USC some breathing room in a 9-7 victory over Furman. (link)
Track & Field: Barber just keeps going - Miki Barber talks about being the first women's track and field athlete to have her jersey retired at South Carolina. (link)
Swimming & Diving: Six earn all-SEC honors - The swimming & diving squads combined for six all-SEC honors. USC's four conference champions – Emma Barksdale, Itay Goldfaden, Fynn Minuth and Marissa Roth – were recognized as first-team all-conference performers. (link)
Women's Golf: Gamecocks wrap up regular season - The women's golf will travel to Athens, Ga., this week for the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic at the University of Georgia Golf Course. (link)
Football: Three Gamecocks named to Hampshire Honor Society - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced members of the 2019 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. (link)
Men's Tennis: Jubb honored - Junior Paul Jubb was named to the SEC Community Service Team. (link)
Men's Golf: Wilson named SEC Golfer of the Week - Junior Jamie Wilson was named SEC Co-Golfer of the Week. He shares the honor with Vanderbilt's Patrick Martin. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 11, 1931 – Right fielder Bill Harley sets a Gamecock record with six hits in an 18-6 blowout of Erskine.
- Harley went 6 for 6 on the day with five singles and a double.
- Carolina also got three hits from shortstop Hap Edens and third baseman Buddy Laval.
- Edens, Laval and Harley, the 3-4-5 hitters, combined to go 12 for 16 with a pair of doubles.
- Bill Ouzts went the distance on the mound for USC, striking out three.
- The win improved Carolina's record to 4-0 on the year and they had outscored opponents 48-11 in that stretch.
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Dunta Robinson – Originally from Athens, Ga., Robinson played in nine games as a true freshman, working on special teams and as a reserve safety. He played spur mostly in 2001, seeing time in 11 games and making a game-high three tackles against Mississippi State. Robinson moved to cornerback for 2002 and led the team with four interceptions. He had a standout game against Mississippi State, picking off two passes, making five tackles and breaking up two passes. He also had eight tackles and two pass breakups against Tennessee. Robinson started all 12 games in 2003 and was one of the team captains. He went on to play in the NFL after being a first-round pick of the Houston Texans (2004-09). He also played for the Atlanta Falcons (2010-12) and Kansas City Chiefs (2013).
• Mindy Ballou (women's basketball/guard, 1982-86)
• Blake Brettschneider (soccer/forward, 2007-10)
• Robby Coker (baseball/pitcher, 1983-84)
• Seth Constable (baseball/outfielder, 2012)
• Terry Cousin (football/cornerback, 1993-96)
• Chaz Elder (football/safety, 2012-16)
• Josh Malloy (football/offensive guard, 2001-03)
• Bo Taylor (baseball/pitcher, 1983-85)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (14 days)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (27)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (40)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (95)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (100)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (142)
More happenings
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• April 16 – Football Recruiting: Michael Wyman announcement
• 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 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement
• 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
• May 18 – SC Legends Camp
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 becomes available.
