B
Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Good morning.
• Today is GIVE 4 GARNET, which is described as, "a one-day campaign when all UofSC advocates, alumni, friends, students, parents and faculty staff members come together worldwide to give for the benefit of today’s students and the future of the University of South Carolina."
• The baseball team beat Charlotte, 5-4, last night.
• The softball team hosts Furman at 6. The game can be watched 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 positional rundown: Wide receiver
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 features a deeper dive into the wide receiver position.
• Just as South Carolina had a clear “top three” last season in Deebo Samuel, Bryan Edwards, and Shi Smith, there’s a pretty set top two in the returning Edwards and Smith.
• Behind those two, USC has some question marks and is looking for a combination of younger players and veterans to step forward and make bigger contributions with Samuel no longer on the roster. One of the biggest questions USC has is related to how the staff can create some of the gamebreaking plays that Samuel was known for during his career.
• One candidate to be that “third” receiver is Josh Vann, who worked a lot during spring ball in the slot, moving Shi Smith to the outside. Vann showed promise as a true freshman last season and although he did not end the year well in the Belk Bowl, he still is a talented player.
• OrTre Smith had a nice true freshman season in 2017 before missing most of last year with a knee injury. He’s coming along nicely, and should be ready for preseason camp. The big-bodied wideout would give USC a boost in the receiver corps, should he be ready to take a step forward.
• Chavis Dawkins and Dreak Davis are depth-type players, with Davis the healthiest he’s been in a Gamecock uniform. Both are strong candidates to see backup snaps this season and to play on special teams. Chad Terrell is also healthy now after recovering from an ACL tear and will be in the mix for playing time. Darius Rush, who redshirted last season, is another USC’s staff will continue to monitor.
• Keep an eye on a couple guys from the Palmetto State that are quarterbacks by trade. Bailey Hart, who switched full-time to wide receiver last year, saw the field some in 2018 and did some quality things during the spring. Jay Urich will remain in the quarterback room but also saw some time at receiver this spring.
• There is an opportunity for newcomers to step forward and draw a strong look from the coaching staff. Tyquan Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Keveon Mullins all will enroll this summer. While that’s not as ideal as them having gone through spring ball, depending on how pick each picks up the offense, they could draw a look.
• Featured item: Football scholarship breakdown
– Chris Clark
2. ⚾ Baseball beats Charlotte
The Gamecocks took care of business Tuesday night, coming from behind and holding on to beat Charlotte, 5-4, thanks to a few clutch hits over the course of the game.
After falling behind 3-1 and putting up just one run on one hit through the first for innings, they had six hits over the last four innings and outscored the 49ers 4-1 over that span.
“It’s become very clear we have to find better ways to manufacture runs. I think our team knows that and are on board with that,” USC coach Mark Kingston said. “I told them be prepared to scrap, be prepared to play old school baseball. If we can drive the ball out of the ballpark we will, but if we have to do other things, we’ll have to try other things. I think it was a gradual realization that we can’t sit back and wait for that home run.”
Player of the game: Noah Campbell had two hits, including a triple, and drove in a run.
Key moment: After the first two batters of the inning reached, Chris Cullen laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move both runners up, which proved to be the game-tying runs.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Gainesville to start a three-game series Thursday against the Gators. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Baseball Links: News | SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
– Collyn Taylor
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Merrifield ties George Brett - Kansas City's Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 30 games, which dates back to last season. He and Hall of Famer George Brett are now tied for the franchise record. (watch)
Former Gamecocks team up for first pitch - Prior to Tuesday's Red Sox game, Super Bowl Champion Stephon Gilmore threw out the first pitch to World Series Champion Jackie Bradley Jr. (watch)
Baseball: Former Gamecocks on MLB top prospect lists - While college baseball started in February, the major and minor league seasons are just beginning, and over 30 Gamecock alums made a roster. (link)
Football: Hilinski speaking at youth symposium - Ryan Hilinski is speaking at the City of Columbia’s National Youth Violence Prevention Week Youth Symposium today. (link)
Women's Basketball: Three players likely transferring - USC women's basketball players Bianca Jackson, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and LaDazhia Williams have entered their names into the NCAA transfer portal.
Softball: Gamecocks to host Furman tonight - The No. 16 softball team returns to action tonight when it hosts Furman. Fans can catch the game on SECN+ with first pitch set for 6. (link)
Softball: Raley named SEC Pitcher of the Week - USC's Dixie Raley was named SEC Pitcher of the Week. She is the first Gamecock to receive a conference pitcher of the week honor since 2017 and just the 11th player in program history. (link)
Women's Tennis: Martins moves up in poll - USC senior Ingrid Martins is the highest-ranked singles player in program history, after coming in at No. 4 in the newest Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll. (link)
Women's Golf: Olarra enjoys historic opportunity - Former USC All-American Ainhoa Olarra (2014-2018) made history last week after finishing tied for 12th at the Inaugural Augusta Women's Amateur tournament. (link)
Track & Field: Terrence Trammell is humble in having jersey retired - Terrence Trammell is the first male USC track & field athlete to have his jersey retired. Trammell will be honored later this month in a ceremony. (link)
Kids Fest highlights promotional events this weekend - As part of the Gamecock Athletics' Year of the Kid initiative, the track & field and beach volleyball programs will host a joint Kids Fest on Saturday, April 13, for kids 12 and under. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. Football Recruiting
A Gamecock Central subscription is required to view the following items:
Football Recruiting: The Big Five - The latest on South Carolina's "Big Five" in-state recruiting targets and more in this Carolina Confidential. (subscription)
In-state 2022 WR Jaleel Skinner on the record - Greer wide receiver Jaleel Skinner picked up his first offer earlier this month when the Gamecocks came calling. Skinner went on camera with Gamecock Central and broke down his interest in the program. (subscription)
Karr talks Gamecocks offer, recent visit - Belmont, N.C., class of 2020 three-star tight end Kendall Karr visited South Carolina late last month for a practice and the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder left Columbia with a scholarship offer. (subscription)
Four-star lineman still thinking about Gamecocks - Not long after decommitting from Florida, Charlotte's Kedrick Bingley-Jones made a return visit to check out South Carolina. Speaking with Gamecock Central, it was apparent that USC is still on the four-star's mind. (subscription)
5. This Date in Gamecock History
April 10, 1993 – South Carolina swept Auburn in an SEC doubleheader in a pair of one-run victories.
6. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Captain Munnerlyn – Munnerlyn was all-state in Alabama as a senior, but at 5-foot-9 flew under the radar of many recruiters. He picked the Gamecocks over Kansas State and West Virginia. He started five games as a true freshman, making 36 tackles and intercepting two passes. He took over as a full-time starter in 2007 and had an interception, fumble recovery and seven tackles in USC's upset of No. 8 Kentucky. He was named all-SEC by the league's coaches at season's end. He started 12 games as a junior and earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned a blocked field goal 82 yards for a touchdown against Kentucky. Munnerlyn has gone on to play 10 years in the NFL with the Panthers and Vikings.
• Stacy Booker (women's basketball/guard, 2003-07)
• Vincent Dinkins (football/center, 1990-94)
• Jon Hall (football/offensive guard, 2002-03)
• Mike Holder (football/offensive tackle, 1971-73)
• Adam Matthews (baseball/outfielder, 2010-12)
• Daren Parker (football/punter, 1987-91)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @msh1958 (member since 2013)
• @Mr.Bordenkircher (member since 2015)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
7. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (15 days)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (28)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (41)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (96)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (101)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (143)
More happenings
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• 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
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Good morning.
• Today is GIVE 4 GARNET, which is described as, "a one-day campaign when all UofSC advocates, alumni, friends, students, parents and faculty staff members come together worldwide to give for the benefit of today’s students and the future of the University of South Carolina."
• The baseball team beat Charlotte, 5-4, last night.
• The softball team hosts Furman at 6. The game can be watched 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 positional rundown: Wide receiver
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 features a deeper dive into the wide receiver position.
• Just as South Carolina had a clear “top three” last season in Deebo Samuel, Bryan Edwards, and Shi Smith, there’s a pretty set top two in the returning Edwards and Smith.
• Behind those two, USC has some question marks and is looking for a combination of younger players and veterans to step forward and make bigger contributions with Samuel no longer on the roster. One of the biggest questions USC has is related to how the staff can create some of the gamebreaking plays that Samuel was known for during his career.
• One candidate to be that “third” receiver is Josh Vann, who worked a lot during spring ball in the slot, moving Shi Smith to the outside. Vann showed promise as a true freshman last season and although he did not end the year well in the Belk Bowl, he still is a talented player.
• OrTre Smith had a nice true freshman season in 2017 before missing most of last year with a knee injury. He’s coming along nicely, and should be ready for preseason camp. The big-bodied wideout would give USC a boost in the receiver corps, should he be ready to take a step forward.
• Chavis Dawkins and Dreak Davis are depth-type players, with Davis the healthiest he’s been in a Gamecock uniform. Both are strong candidates to see backup snaps this season and to play on special teams. Chad Terrell is also healthy now after recovering from an ACL tear and will be in the mix for playing time. Darius Rush, who redshirted last season, is another USC’s staff will continue to monitor.
• Keep an eye on a couple guys from the Palmetto State that are quarterbacks by trade. Bailey Hart, who switched full-time to wide receiver last year, saw the field some in 2018 and did some quality things during the spring. Jay Urich will remain in the quarterback room but also saw some time at receiver this spring.
• There is an opportunity for newcomers to step forward and draw a strong look from the coaching staff. Tyquan Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Keveon Mullins all will enroll this summer. While that’s not as ideal as them having gone through spring ball, depending on how pick each picks up the offense, they could draw a look.
• Featured item: Football scholarship breakdown
– Chris Clark
2. ⚾ Baseball beats Charlotte
The Gamecocks took care of business Tuesday night, coming from behind and holding on to beat Charlotte, 5-4, thanks to a few clutch hits over the course of the game.
After falling behind 3-1 and putting up just one run on one hit through the first for innings, they had six hits over the last four innings and outscored the 49ers 4-1 over that span.
“It’s become very clear we have to find better ways to manufacture runs. I think our team knows that and are on board with that,” USC coach Mark Kingston said. “I told them be prepared to scrap, be prepared to play old school baseball. If we can drive the ball out of the ballpark we will, but if we have to do other things, we’ll have to try other things. I think it was a gradual realization that we can’t sit back and wait for that home run.”
Player of the game: Noah Campbell had two hits, including a triple, and drove in a run.
Key moment: After the first two batters of the inning reached, Chris Cullen laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move both runners up, which proved to be the game-tying runs.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Gainesville to start a three-game series Thursday against the Gators. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Baseball Links: News | SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
– Collyn Taylor
3. This, that, and the other
Baseball: Merrifield ties George Brett - Kansas City's Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 30 games, which dates back to last season. He and Hall of Famer George Brett are now tied for the franchise record. (watch)
Former Gamecocks team up for first pitch - Prior to Tuesday's Red Sox game, Super Bowl Champion Stephon Gilmore threw out the first pitch to World Series Champion Jackie Bradley Jr. (watch)
Baseball: Former Gamecocks on MLB top prospect lists - While college baseball started in February, the major and minor league seasons are just beginning, and over 30 Gamecock alums made a roster. (link)
Football: Hilinski speaking at youth symposium - Ryan Hilinski is speaking at the City of Columbia’s National Youth Violence Prevention Week Youth Symposium today. (link)
Women's Basketball: Three players likely transferring - USC women's basketball players Bianca Jackson, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and LaDazhia Williams have entered their names into the NCAA transfer portal.
Softball: Gamecocks to host Furman tonight - The No. 16 softball team returns to action tonight when it hosts Furman. Fans can catch the game on SECN+ with first pitch set for 6. (link)
Softball: Raley named SEC Pitcher of the Week - USC's Dixie Raley was named SEC Pitcher of the Week. She is the first Gamecock to receive a conference pitcher of the week honor since 2017 and just the 11th player in program history. (link)
Women's Tennis: Martins moves up in poll - USC senior Ingrid Martins is the highest-ranked singles player in program history, after coming in at No. 4 in the newest Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll. (link)
Women's Golf: Olarra enjoys historic opportunity - Former USC All-American Ainhoa Olarra (2014-2018) made history last week after finishing tied for 12th at the Inaugural Augusta Women's Amateur tournament. (link)
Track & Field: Terrence Trammell is humble in having jersey retired - Terrence Trammell is the first male USC track & field athlete to have his jersey retired. Trammell will be honored later this month in a ceremony. (link)
Kids Fest highlights promotional events this weekend - As part of the Gamecock Athletics' Year of the Kid initiative, the track & field and beach volleyball programs will host a joint Kids Fest on Saturday, April 13, for kids 12 and under. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. Football Recruiting
A Gamecock Central subscription is required to view the following items:
Football Recruiting: The Big Five - The latest on South Carolina's "Big Five" in-state recruiting targets and more in this Carolina Confidential. (subscription)
In-state 2022 WR Jaleel Skinner on the record - Greer wide receiver Jaleel Skinner picked up his first offer earlier this month when the Gamecocks came calling. Skinner went on camera with Gamecock Central and broke down his interest in the program. (subscription)
Karr talks Gamecocks offer, recent visit - Belmont, N.C., class of 2020 three-star tight end Kendall Karr visited South Carolina late last month for a practice and the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder left Columbia with a scholarship offer. (subscription)
Four-star lineman still thinking about Gamecocks - Not long after decommitting from Florida, Charlotte's Kedrick Bingley-Jones made a return visit to check out South Carolina. Speaking with Gamecock Central, it was apparent that USC is still on the four-star's mind. (subscription)
5. This Date in Gamecock History
April 10, 1993 – South Carolina swept Auburn in an SEC doubleheader in a pair of one-run victories.
- The opener saw outfielder Mark Gugino score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on a Tiger error.
- Rob Mosser, the fourth Gamecock pitcher in the game, pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the 6-5 win.
- USC fell behind 4-0 in game two before rallying for a 5-4 victory.
- Rich Pratt pitched a complete game to improve his record to 7-1 on the season.
- The sweep extended Carolina's then active SEC winning streak to five games, as they would sweep Arkansas and Auburn in back to back weekends.
6. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Captain Munnerlyn – Munnerlyn was all-state in Alabama as a senior, but at 5-foot-9 flew under the radar of many recruiters. He picked the Gamecocks over Kansas State and West Virginia. He started five games as a true freshman, making 36 tackles and intercepting two passes. He took over as a full-time starter in 2007 and had an interception, fumble recovery and seven tackles in USC's upset of No. 8 Kentucky. He was named all-SEC by the league's coaches at season's end. He started 12 games as a junior and earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned a blocked field goal 82 yards for a touchdown against Kentucky. Munnerlyn has gone on to play 10 years in the NFL with the Panthers and Vikings.
• Stacy Booker (women's basketball/guard, 2003-07)
• Vincent Dinkins (football/center, 1990-94)
• Jon Hall (football/offensive guard, 2002-03)
• Mike Holder (football/offensive tackle, 1971-73)
• Adam Matthews (baseball/outfielder, 2010-12)
• Daren Parker (football/punter, 1987-91)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @msh1958 (member since 2013)
• @Mr.Bordenkircher (member since 2015)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
7. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (15 days)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (28)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (41)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (96)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (101)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (143)
More happenings
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• 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.
