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GNT: The Gamecock spring practice 3-2-1

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Brian Shoemaker

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Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019
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Good Wednesday morning!
  • Spring football practice begins today!
  • Do you want to impress your significant other? Tell him or her about this newsletter. It's guaranteed to work.
– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Deebo Samuel (No. 1)

1. The Gamecock spring practice 3-2-1

South Carolina opens spring practice today with the first of many practice sessions leading up to the Garnet & Black Game on April 6. As Will Muschamp heads into his fourth spring at the helm of the Gamecocks program, he has a team in which many aspects of personnel and makeup are known. Yet, there are still some key questions about this squad that the spring could go a ways towards answering. In this feature, we break down Carolina right before spring football with three things we know, two questions, and a prediction.

Three Things We Know

ONE: It’s going to be hard to replace Deebo Samuel. It’s not really a surprise to anyone in Columbia who’s seen the guy play the last several years, but Samuel’s getting a lot of buzz heading into the NFL Draft in April. He was one player on the roster who could take it the distance at any time in a variety of ways, and South Carolina simply does not have many other options like that at its disposal this year. Samuel could take the top off a defense in the vertical game, work the middle of the field, run the ball, and was a huge threat in the return game. The staff’s focus is likely not going to center around trying to find the next Samuel, it will be about structuring the offense in a way that makes sense given the talent on the roster and finding a guy or two to grow into the roles needed.

TWO: USC’s defensive line already looks better. Sure, it helps to have some guys back healthy on the edge like D.J. Wonnum and Aaron Sterling who missed substantial time last year. Javon Kinlaw won’t factor in this spring, but the coaches know he’s there. Returners with ample experience such as Keir Thomas, Brad Johnson, and Kobe Smith are back. Jabari Ellis should be in position to have more of a say this spring as a second-year guy, and J.J. Enagbare and Rick Sandidge are former four-star prospects with talent who played last season – probably more than anticipated.

Add to the mix a talented 2019 class that includes five-star Zacch Pickens, junior college transfer Devontae Davis, and four-star Joseph Anderson, and things look up in a key area of the line of scrimmage. USC figures to have much more talent, depth, and competition there than last year.

THREE: There are several key focus areas for this team in terms of improvement, but perhaps none that were more frustrating for the staff last season than turnover margin. This was a team that was among the country’s best in turning teams over in 2017, but that success was not replicated in 2018. Some of that was due to personnel losses, plus the fact that the Gamecocks were severely limited by injuries on that side of the ball last year. Regardless of what you chalk it up to, it’s an area that the staff wants to improve on defense. On the other side, Muschamp has made it clear that he wants to lower the team’s turnover numbers offensively as well.

Two Key Questions

ONE: It’s not just at South Carolina – the backup quarterback is always a topic of conversation anywhere around the country. Last year, there was little doubt as to who would take those reigns with fifth-year senior Michael Scarnecchia behind Jake Bentley.

This year, it’s much more of a question. Who will the backup be? Will there be one named after the spring? Could it change? Does it depend on the situation? Given those questions and the personnel, USC’s battle for the No. 2 spot has more intrigue this spring. Dakereon Joyner, Jay Urich, and newcomer Ryan Hilinski all are vying for the role. Joyner and Urich played sparingly in 2018, and both bring unique skill sets to the roster. Hilinski arrives with plenty of buzz and although a much different type of player, has the talent to where he’s almost sure to be in the conversation.

More on this in a bit.

TWO: Will anyone take a key position and – pun intended – run with it? Thomas Brown is in place as the new running backs coach, and he’s searching for a back that can take the lead this season. Maybe the question does not get answered this spring, but it’s worth wondering if Rico Dowdle can show enough consistency to be the guy, as he has been in the past. The production definitely needs to get better here, and to some degree that will continue to get solved on the recruiting trail. But whether it’s Dowdle, Mon Denson, Deshaun Fenwick, or Lavonte Valentine, it’s hard not to ponder whether or not the staff will have a better sense of its options at this spot after the spring. It’s been a missing element of the offense.

One Prediction

Will Muschamp said during his pre-spring press conference on Tuesday that he would like to have an idea who the team’s backup quarterback will be exiting the spring.

Here’s to thinking the situation may still be a bit foggy after the Garnet & Black Game in early April. It’s likely all the candidates will show some positive traits during their repetitions, and Muschamp has made clear all will get some work with the first-team unit. It could indeed be that one of the candidates shows some separation heading into the summer offseason program. It seems more likely that this is a question that may not be fully answered until preseason, as the opener against North Carolina approaches. As mentioned earlier, it would not be a surprise to see Joyner get some situational work even if Jake Bentley is healthy and productive the entire season.

The staff will likely come away with a better understanding of where things are at with this position once spring ball wraps, but a final choice may be hard to come by in that amount of time.

– Chris Clark, clark@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Malik Kotsar. Credit: Katie Dugan

2. MBB: Gamecocks lose to Alabama

What it means? With Tuesday’s loss, the uphill climb to get into the NCAA Tournament is now a whole lot steeper. The Gamecocks’ tournament hopes took a big shot after the six-point loss at home to Alabama and now will likely need a miracle to get into the field of 68.

If they win out in SEC play, that puts the Gamecocks at 17-14 and 12-6 in the SEC. A win in the tournament could be a boost and could get them in, but right now there’s absolutely no margin for error with three regular season games and the conference tournament left to play.

Recap: Can't complete comeback. South Carolina’s attempt for its sixth double-digit comeback came up short against Alabama, 68-62. (link to story, photos, videos)

What Frank Martin said. Following the game, South Carolina head coach Frank Martin spoke with the media. (subscription)

– Collyn Taylor, collyn@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: J.J. Enagbare. Credit: Chris Gillespie

3. Tuesday's News & Headlines

Will Muschamp Press Conference. Muschamp spoke with the media on Tuesday ahead of today's first spring practice. (link to video)

Muschamp details the plan for J.J. Enagbare. Enagbare came to South Carolina as a defensive end and, after spending a year at defensive tackle, is making the switch this spring back to his original position. (link)

Muschamp runs down spring injury list. As South Carolina starts its 2019 spring practice on Wednesday, the Gamecocks will be without seven players who will miss most or all of the spring. (link)

Gamecocks have unique spring plan for A.J. Turner. When senior A.J. Turner showed up listed as a defensive back on South Carolina's updated spring roster, most assumed that the long-time running back was officially moving to defense. (link)

Bullpen flexes muscle as Gamecocks beat App State. Four pitchers combined to pitch seven scoreless innings, striking out 10 and walking just one. They threw 98 pitches, 68 for strikes. (link)

Kingston updates Campbell, Cullen injuries. Kingston updated a few injuries after Tuesday's game, most notably to leadoff hitter Noah Campbell, who didn't play with what Kingston said was a back injury while the team's starting first baseman Chris Cullen was taken out in the third inning with a similar injury. (link)

Sunday's baseball game. Due to potential inclement weather, Sunday's game versus Clemson has been moved to a 12 p.m. start.

Track & Field. USC to send six to NCAA Indoor Championships.Arinze Chance, Quincy Hall and Yann Randrianasolo will compete individually on the men's side, while Aliyah Abrams was selected on the women's side. Carolina will also field 4x400m relay squads in both the men's and women's competitions. (link)

Women's Basketball. The women's basketball team invites fans to FAMdemonium at The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium to watch the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on March 18. The event features dinner, a photo booth and an autograph session ahead of the selection show. (link)

Women's Basketball. Signee Zia Cooke was named a national finalist for the Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Girls' Player of the Year Award. (link)

– Jackson Fields, jackson@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Jaycee Horn

4. Plan your schedule accordingly

Wednesday, Feb. 27
  • Morning. Football spring practice No. 1 (closed)
  • 6 pm. Softball hosts Coastal Carolina
Thursday, Feb. 28
  • Morning. Football spring practice No. 2 (closed)
  • Afternoon. Media interviews begin at the NFL Combine. Former Gamecocks expected to speak Thursday are Dennis Daley and Zack Bailey.
  • 7 pm. Women’s Basketball at Auburn, SECN+
  • 7 pm. Carolina Calls featuring Frank Martin
Friday, March 1
  • Morning. Football spring practice No. 3 (closed)
  • 10 am. Beach Volleyball at FAU
  • 11:30 am. Softball vs Ball State (in Tampa)
  • 2 pm. Beach Volleyball vs UAB (in Boca Raton)
  • 2 pm. Softball at USF
  • 5 pm. Women’s Tennis hosts Mississippi State
  • 6 pm. Baseball at Clemson, ACC Network Extra
  • 6 pm. Men’s Tennis at Arkansas
  • NFL Combine. Media interview: Deebo Samuel; working out: Dennis Daley and Zack Bailey
– Jackson Fields, jackson@gamecockcentral.com
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5. Signee of the Day - Xavier Legette

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 Mullins (S.C.) three-star wide receiver Xavier Legette, who is considered one of the most underrated prospects in the Gamecocks' class.

Other offers: Tennessee, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Tulane

Coach's corner: "He's a guy that had combine-like numbers for a receiver in our camp. We watched him progress in his senior year as a quarterback. He's really special with the ball in his hands. We got to watch him play basketball as a guy that played the entire game above the rim. He's an explosive athlete and a guy we're really excited about." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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6. This Date in Gamecock History

February 22, 1971. As the Gamecocks wound down their ACC membership, they played their next-to-last regular-season game in front of a highly charged Wolfpack fan base in Raleigh. USC led by one at the half, despite a standout performance by State's Ed Leftwich. Frank McGuire switched up tactics in the second half, putting Tom Owens on Leftwich defensively and Carolina went on a 13-1 run to start the final 20 minutes. John Roche dominated offensively, scoring 37, including 22 in the second half. Roche was aided by Rick Aydlett (12 points) and Owens (11 points, 15 rebounds). The win improved the Gamecocks' record to 19-4.

– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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7. Key Dates (Countdown)

Feb. 28: NFL Combine begins (1 day)
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (7)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (14)
March 21: Football: Pro Timing Day (22)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (23)
April 6: Spring football game (38)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (57)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (138)
Aug. 31: Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (185)
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8. Gamecock Nation Birthdays

Birthdays of Gamecock Central members. (If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.)
Wednesday birthdays of former USC athletes

Duce Staley. After two seasons at Itawamba Community College, Staley signed with Carolina in 1995 and immediately made an impact. Staley rushed for 736 yards and had 236 yards receiving, scoring 10 touchdowns. He passed for a touchdown and averaged 23.7 yards per kick return. He had 139 yards rushing against LSU and 141 vs. Tennessee. Staley stepped it up even further in 1996, being named All-SEC after rushing for 1,116 yards and picking up another 253 receiving. Among his 100-plus yard games that year were UCF (187 yards, 3 TDs), Georgia (170, 1) and Kentucky (193, 2). Despite only playing two years, Staley ranks 18th all-time in rushing yards at USC. He played 10 years in the NFL, three times going over 1,000 yards rushing in a season. Staley has coached for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2010 and his son Damani is a linebacker at USC.
  • Moe Brown, football/wide receiver, 2006-09
  • Mike Cline, football, offensive tackle, 1971-73
  • Donyah Cliney, women's basketball/guard, 2014-19
  • Ricardo Hurley, football/linebacker, 2002-05
  • John Metzger, baseball/pitcher, 1989-90
  • Mark Nelson, baseball/catcher, 1984-88
  • Marcus Robinson, football/wide receiver, 1993-96
  • Watts Sanderson, football/offensive tackle, 1998-02
  • Ken Tarbell, basketball/forward, 1945-46
  • Scott Thomas, football/wide receiver, 1972-75; baseball/pitcher, 1974-77
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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9. Around Gamecock Nation
  • March 9 - Charlotte Gamecock Club, Gamecock Yoga & Mimosas (link)
  • March 27 - Greenville, Alumni Association President's Reception
  • April 23 - Augusta, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • April 24 - Midlands, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • April 29 - Lancaster, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • April 30 - Greenville, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • May 2 - York, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • May 7 - Sumter, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • May 8 - Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • May 9 - Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
  • May 14 - Charleston, Spurs Up Tour featuring Will Muschamp*
* More information, including specific locations and ticket prices, will be announced as it comes available.

– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
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10. Another Carolina Podcast

If you missed it last week, we have a new edition of Another Carolina Podcast. Gamecock Central's Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell discuss the latest on 2020 recruiting, spring football storylines, the men's basketball run and more with host Pearson Fowler. (link)
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