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. Please contact me if you need assistance. – Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
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Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Friday, Feb. 22, 2019
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Good morning.
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Pictured: Will Muschamp
1. The next five-star prospect for the Gamecocks?
Each of Will Muschamp’s four recruiting classes in Columbia have seemed to improve on the last from year to year. 2019 seemed to be the best yet for a number of reasons, whether you count the fact that every prospect that signed participated in the Gamecocks’ summer camp in front of the coaches, the number of highly ranked prospects, or landing a big-time quarterback from California.
Perhaps the most impressive feat was landing five-star defensive lineman Zacch Pickens from under the nose of Clemson and Georgia. The Anderson native represented Muschamp’s first five-star acquisition at USC. Here, we examine the candidates and break down which prospect is most likely to join the five-star club.
Jordan Burch, BUCK/DE – This Columbia product, formerly of Wilson High in Florence, has been a long-time target for Muschamp, who’s had a high level of personal involvement in the pursuit. Burch has offers from all over (Alabama just pulled the trigger) but this one is expected to come down to Clemson or South Carolina. The reality, despite whatever is swirling around, is that this one is too close to call.
Marshawn Lloyd, RB – A five-star back out of Maryland, Lloyd made his first trip to Columbia earlier this year on the strength of a prior relationship with new running backs coach Thomas Brown. The trip seemed to be one that Lloyd enjoyed and could have landed the Gamecocks a seat at the table. Programs around the country are recruiting Lloyd, and home-state Maryland seems to be poised to eventually make some type of move for his services. Lloyd has at least some level of interest, but is likely a longer shot than the other two on this list.
Reggie Grimes, TE/LB – This Tennessee product is listed at both an offensive and defensive position, and that is because he’s talented enough to play both. He could grow into an edge rusher type as well as the college level. Grimes, whose father played at Alabama, counts South Carolina among his favorites and had a great visit to Columbia in January.
The pick: Burch seems to be the prospect South Carolina has the best shot to pull from the five-star ranks in this class. While it’s far from settled whether he’ll head to Clemson or South Carolina, Muschamp has done a great job of recruiting Burch and his family and has the Gamecocks in position to potentially pull it off. It would be a huge acquisition, to be sure.
– Chris Clark, clark@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Jahmyr Gibbs
2. Recruiting rewind: Wave of new football offers
The prevailing theme of this week in South Carolina recruiting was another large wave of offers handed out from the Gamecocks' football staff.
Here are some of the prospects who received scholarship offers from South Carolina in the last week:
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Dakereon Joyner
3. From Thursday
Another Carolina Podcast. Gamecock Central's Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell discuss the the latest on 2020 recruiting, spring football storylines, the men's basketball run and more with host Pearson Fowler. (link)
WBB: South Carolina falls to Kentucky. Going into the fourth quarter, South Carolina appeared to have shaken off a slow start and looked poised to establish control. But repeated defensive lapses doomed South Carolina, which allowed Kentucky to shoot 50 percent in the fourth. (link)
Wes Mitchell: What I'm watching for this spring. As we roll out our pre-spring practice pieces and turn the page to spring football, our attention has turned to practice storylines, key position battles, new players, and reserves who will step into bigger roles this season. (subscription)
Examining the Gamecocks' postseason resume before stretch run.Frank Martin doesn't want to talk about the Gamecocks' postseason resume, but that doesn't stop experts and others from dissecting the wins and losses with a few key games remaining down the stretch. (link)
Boston Globe: Steve Pearce breaks the analytics mold. Steve Pearce, 35, has become the hero for players over 32. That seems to be the magic age now, when the analytics departments feel you’re over the hill. (link)
Justin McKie answering questions. Did you know that former Gamecocks men's basketball player Justin McKie is now an analyst for Gamecock Central? Ahead of Saturday's big game, Justin is answering questions for our subscribers on The Insiders Forum. (subscription)
Former USC trainer joins AAF. Rachel Sharpe, a 2011 USC alumna of the master of science in advanced athletic training program, is the new head athletic trainer for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football league. She is the first female head athletic trainer in professional football. (link)
In-state prospect impressed after first visit to Colonial Life. TJ Sanders didn’t talk much to the Gamecock coaching staff much before region play this year, but their relationship has been progressing since then and took another step forward last weekend with Sanders taking a visit to campus. It was Sanders’s first visit in for a game, and he left impressed. (subscription)
Gamecock football targets dot the Rivals100. Rivals.com released its updated Rivals100 rankings on Tuesday for the class of 2020. In this feature, we take a closer look at several South Carolina targets among the country's top 100 prospects. (subscription)
John Abraham, Nancy Wilson headline the SC Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Former defensive lineman John Abraham and former women's basketball coach Nancy Wilson highlight the seven-member class of the 2019 South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. (link)
Softball. Gamecocks earn fourth-run rule victory. The No. 14 softball team scored runs in four of its five plate appearances on its way to a 9-1 victory in five innings over Charleston Southern at Carolina Softball Stadium. (link)
Swimming & Diving. Barksdale captures 400 IM SEC Title. Senior Emma Barksdale captured her first-career SEC Championship, finishing atop the women's 400 IM A-final with a school record time of 4:01.52. Barksdale becomes just the second female swimmer in program history to win an individual SEC title and the first since Amanda Rutqvist in 2011. (more results)
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Pictured: Reid Morgan
4. Plan your schedule accordingly
Friday, Feb. 22
5. Signee of the Day - Johnny Dixon
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 Tampa (Fla.) Chamberlain four-star cornerback Johnny Dixon, who chose the Gamecocks over Miami on the early National Signing Day.
Other offers: Auburn, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee
Coach's corner: "Two years ago, we had John in camp and felt like he was one of the best cover corners we’ve seen in our camps. Had a patella injury with his knee to start his senior year and didn’t play a whole lot. Really wasn’t healthy the entire season, but we know what John can do when he’s healthy. We think he’s a lock down corner. We’re excited to have John as a part of the program." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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6. This Date in Gamecock History
February 22, 1982. South Carolina held a 19-point lead with 12 minutes to go, but almost allowed Florida State to mount a major comeback before holding on for a 87-84 victory in Tallahassee. In the last 90 seconds Kenny Holmes came up with a key steal and assist and on another play scored on a layup, adding a free throw with 32 seconds left to help preserve the win. Jimmy Foster had 25 points and 11 rebounds, as 17 of those points came in the second half. Former Clemson player Mitchell Wiggins led the Seminoles with 28 points while Brad Jergenson (14), Gerald Peacock (12) and Harold Martin (18) joined Foster in double-digit points for the Gamecocks.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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7. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins (5 days)
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (12)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (19)
March 21: Football: Pro Timing Day (27)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (28)
April 6: Spring football game (43)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (62)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (143)
Aug. 31: Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (190)
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8. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Gamecock Central (from Thursday):
Brad Edwards (safety, 1984-87). Edwards played sparingly as a true freshman. As a sophomore in 1985, he had 47 tackles while backing up Joe Brooks at strong safety. Edwards took over as the starter at strong safety in 1986 and was second among defensive backs in tackles. He had a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown against Clemson and blocked a field goal against Virginia. He had a game-high 17 tackles against Georgia. Edwards and Greg Philpot flipped positions as seniors, with Edwards moving to free safety. The move was a success, as he was named All-South Independent and second-team All-America by UPI and third-team All-America by The Associated Press. He made one of the more memorable defensive plays in USC history when he returned an interception 40 yards for a score to put the nail in the coffin of a 20-7 win over Clemson. In the NFL, he played with the Vikings (1988-89), Redskins (1990-93) and Falcons (1994-96). He won a Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1992, intercepting two passes in the game and being named defensive MVP of the game by Pro Football Weekly. After retirement Edwards went into athletic administration, working at USC as assistant athletic director from 1999 through 2006. He was athletic director at Newberry and Jacksonville University in Florida before taking that post at George Mason. Edwards was named to USC’s All-Time Team in 1993, elected to the USC Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the state of South Carolina’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jason Joseph (cornerback, 1995-96)
Paul Vogel (linebacker, 1980-84)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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9. Around Gamecock Nation
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Spread the word about the Gamecocks and this newsletter! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or two. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up here to start receiving your own copy.
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. Please contact me if you need assistance. – Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
******************
Gamecock Nation Today
Helping You Be The Ultimate Gamecock Fan
Friday, Feb. 22, 2019
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Good morning.
- In a top-25 matchup last night, the No. 13 women's basketball team lost to No. 16 Kentucky. Next up is Tennessee in Knoxville on Sunday.
- It's a busy weekend if you're fan of all Gamecock sports. Saturday alone has 11 games/events scheduled. See Section 4 .
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Pictured: Will Muschamp
1. The next five-star prospect for the Gamecocks?
Each of Will Muschamp’s four recruiting classes in Columbia have seemed to improve on the last from year to year. 2019 seemed to be the best yet for a number of reasons, whether you count the fact that every prospect that signed participated in the Gamecocks’ summer camp in front of the coaches, the number of highly ranked prospects, or landing a big-time quarterback from California.
Perhaps the most impressive feat was landing five-star defensive lineman Zacch Pickens from under the nose of Clemson and Georgia. The Anderson native represented Muschamp’s first five-star acquisition at USC. Here, we examine the candidates and break down which prospect is most likely to join the five-star club.
Jordan Burch, BUCK/DE – This Columbia product, formerly of Wilson High in Florence, has been a long-time target for Muschamp, who’s had a high level of personal involvement in the pursuit. Burch has offers from all over (Alabama just pulled the trigger) but this one is expected to come down to Clemson or South Carolina. The reality, despite whatever is swirling around, is that this one is too close to call.
Marshawn Lloyd, RB – A five-star back out of Maryland, Lloyd made his first trip to Columbia earlier this year on the strength of a prior relationship with new running backs coach Thomas Brown. The trip seemed to be one that Lloyd enjoyed and could have landed the Gamecocks a seat at the table. Programs around the country are recruiting Lloyd, and home-state Maryland seems to be poised to eventually make some type of move for his services. Lloyd has at least some level of interest, but is likely a longer shot than the other two on this list.
Reggie Grimes, TE/LB – This Tennessee product is listed at both an offensive and defensive position, and that is because he’s talented enough to play both. He could grow into an edge rusher type as well as the college level. Grimes, whose father played at Alabama, counts South Carolina among his favorites and had a great visit to Columbia in January.
The pick: Burch seems to be the prospect South Carolina has the best shot to pull from the five-star ranks in this class. While it’s far from settled whether he’ll head to Clemson or South Carolina, Muschamp has done a great job of recruiting Burch and his family and has the Gamecocks in position to potentially pull it off. It would be a huge acquisition, to be sure.
– Chris Clark, clark@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Jahmyr Gibbs
2. Recruiting rewind: Wave of new football offers
The prevailing theme of this week in South Carolina recruiting was another large wave of offers handed out from the Gamecocks' football staff.
Here are some of the prospects who received scholarship offers from South Carolina in the last week:
- Tiger (Ga.) Rabun County class of 2022 QB Gunner Stockton - A 6-foot-2, 195-pound dual-threat quarterback who already has eight offers, Stockton has a unique connection to South Carolina. His head coach, Jaybo Shaw, is the brother of Gamecock legend Connor Shaw.
- St. Louis (Mo.) Lutheran North class of 2020 four-star LB Antonio Doyle - This one is interesting because the Gamecocks rarely venture into Missouri to recruit, but the 6-foot-4, 221-pound Doyle is a national guy, ranked No. 210 in the country. Kyle Markway is the last player to sign with Carolina from the state.
- Dalton (Ga.) class of 2020 three-star RB Jahmyr Gibbs - The Gamecocks continue to hit the Peach State for backs in this class. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder's running style reminds some of our readers of former Gamecock receiver Deebo Samuel's ability in the open field.
- Windsor (On.) Holy Names class of 2020 four-star TE Theo Johnson - The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder is ranked the No. 5 tight end in the country. But this offer is most interesting, because the Gamecocks rarely venture north of the border in football recruiting. The Canadian standout appears to be the real deal.
- Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius class of 2021 QB Christian Veilleux - The pro-style quarterback goes to school in Buffalo, but interestingly enough, he's actually from Canada as well.
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Dakereon Joyner
3. From Thursday
Another Carolina Podcast. Gamecock Central's Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell discuss the the latest on 2020 recruiting, spring football storylines, the men's basketball run and more with host Pearson Fowler. (link)
WBB: South Carolina falls to Kentucky. Going into the fourth quarter, South Carolina appeared to have shaken off a slow start and looked poised to establish control. But repeated defensive lapses doomed South Carolina, which allowed Kentucky to shoot 50 percent in the fourth. (link)
Wes Mitchell: What I'm watching for this spring. As we roll out our pre-spring practice pieces and turn the page to spring football, our attention has turned to practice storylines, key position battles, new players, and reserves who will step into bigger roles this season. (subscription)
Examining the Gamecocks' postseason resume before stretch run.Frank Martin doesn't want to talk about the Gamecocks' postseason resume, but that doesn't stop experts and others from dissecting the wins and losses with a few key games remaining down the stretch. (link)
Boston Globe: Steve Pearce breaks the analytics mold. Steve Pearce, 35, has become the hero for players over 32. That seems to be the magic age now, when the analytics departments feel you’re over the hill. (link)
Justin McKie answering questions. Did you know that former Gamecocks men's basketball player Justin McKie is now an analyst for Gamecock Central? Ahead of Saturday's big game, Justin is answering questions for our subscribers on The Insiders Forum. (subscription)
Former USC trainer joins AAF. Rachel Sharpe, a 2011 USC alumna of the master of science in advanced athletic training program, is the new head athletic trainer for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football league. She is the first female head athletic trainer in professional football. (link)
In-state prospect impressed after first visit to Colonial Life. TJ Sanders didn’t talk much to the Gamecock coaching staff much before region play this year, but their relationship has been progressing since then and took another step forward last weekend with Sanders taking a visit to campus. It was Sanders’s first visit in for a game, and he left impressed. (subscription)
Gamecock football targets dot the Rivals100. Rivals.com released its updated Rivals100 rankings on Tuesday for the class of 2020. In this feature, we take a closer look at several South Carolina targets among the country's top 100 prospects. (subscription)
John Abraham, Nancy Wilson headline the SC Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Former defensive lineman John Abraham and former women's basketball coach Nancy Wilson highlight the seven-member class of the 2019 South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. (link)
Softball. Gamecocks earn fourth-run rule victory. The No. 14 softball team scored runs in four of its five plate appearances on its way to a 9-1 victory in five innings over Charleston Southern at Carolina Softball Stadium. (link)
Swimming & Diving. Barksdale captures 400 IM SEC Title. Senior Emma Barksdale captured her first-career SEC Championship, finishing atop the women's 400 IM A-final with a school record time of 4:01.52. Barksdale becomes just the second female swimmer in program history to win an individual SEC title and the first since Amanda Rutqvist in 2011. (more results)
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Pictured: Reid Morgan
4. Plan your schedule accordingly
Friday, Feb. 22
- All day, Track & Field, SEC Indoor Championships
- 10 am, Swimming & Diving, SEC Champ. Day 4, prelims
- 4 pm, Baseball, hosts Utah Valley, SECN+
- 6 pm, Swimming & Diving, SEC Champ. Day 4, finals, video
- All day, Track & Field, SEC Indoor Championships
- 10 am, Swimming & Diving, SEC Champ. Day 5, prelims
- 10 am, Women's Tennis, hosts Presbyterian
- 11 am, Equestrian, at Texas A&M
- 1 pm, Men's Tennis, hosts Georgia State, video
- 2 pm, Baseball, hosts Utah Valley, SECN+
- 2 pm, Softball, hosts Youngstown State
- 2 pm, Women's Tennis, hosts Coastal Carolina, video
- 3:15 pm, Beach Volleyball, vs Cal Poly (in Tallahassee)
- 6 pm, Men's Basketball, at Mississippi State, SECN
- 6 pm, Swimming & Diving, SEC Champ. Day 5, finals, video
- 6:45 pm, Beach Volleyball, vs Tampa (in Tallahassee)
- 1:30 pm, Baseball, hosts Utah Valley, SECN+
- 1:30 pm, Beach Volleyball, vs LSU (in Tallahassee)
- 2 pm, Softball, at Charlotte, video
- 3:15 pm, Beach Volleyball, at Florida State
- 4 pm, Softball, vs Winthrop (in Charlotte)
- 4 pm, Women's Basketball, at Tennessee, ESPN2
5. Signee of the Day - Johnny Dixon
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 Tampa (Fla.) Chamberlain four-star cornerback Johnny Dixon, who chose the Gamecocks over Miami on the early National Signing Day.
Other offers: Auburn, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee
Coach's corner: "Two years ago, we had John in camp and felt like he was one of the best cover corners we’ve seen in our camps. Had a patella injury with his knee to start his senior year and didn’t play a whole lot. Really wasn’t healthy the entire season, but we know what John can do when he’s healthy. We think he’s a lock down corner. We’re excited to have John as a part of the program." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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6. This Date in Gamecock History
February 22, 1982. South Carolina held a 19-point lead with 12 minutes to go, but almost allowed Florida State to mount a major comeback before holding on for a 87-84 victory in Tallahassee. In the last 90 seconds Kenny Holmes came up with a key steal and assist and on another play scored on a layup, adding a free throw with 32 seconds left to help preserve the win. Jimmy Foster had 25 points and 11 rebounds, as 17 of those points came in the second half. Former Clemson player Mitchell Wiggins led the Seminoles with 28 points while Brad Jergenson (14), Gerald Peacock (12) and Harold Martin (18) joined Foster in double-digit points for the Gamecocks.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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7. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
Feb. 27: Spring football practice begins (5 days)
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (12)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (19)
March 21: Football: Pro Timing Day (27)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (28)
April 6: Spring football game (43)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (62)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (143)
Aug. 31: Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (190)
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8. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Gamecock Central (from Thursday):
- @panama city gamecock (member since 1998)
- @OneCockyDude (2002)
- @SeladenSC (2016)
- @userdb (2018)
Brad Edwards (safety, 1984-87). Edwards played sparingly as a true freshman. As a sophomore in 1985, he had 47 tackles while backing up Joe Brooks at strong safety. Edwards took over as the starter at strong safety in 1986 and was second among defensive backs in tackles. He had a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown against Clemson and blocked a field goal against Virginia. He had a game-high 17 tackles against Georgia. Edwards and Greg Philpot flipped positions as seniors, with Edwards moving to free safety. The move was a success, as he was named All-South Independent and second-team All-America by UPI and third-team All-America by The Associated Press. He made one of the more memorable defensive plays in USC history when he returned an interception 40 yards for a score to put the nail in the coffin of a 20-7 win over Clemson. In the NFL, he played with the Vikings (1988-89), Redskins (1990-93) and Falcons (1994-96). He won a Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1992, intercepting two passes in the game and being named defensive MVP of the game by Pro Football Weekly. After retirement Edwards went into athletic administration, working at USC as assistant athletic director from 1999 through 2006. He was athletic director at Newberry and Jacksonville University in Florida before taking that post at George Mason. Edwards was named to USC’s All-Time Team in 1993, elected to the USC Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the state of South Carolina’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jason Joseph (cornerback, 1995-96)
Paul Vogel (linebacker, 1980-84)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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9. Around Gamecock Nation
- Feb. 23 - Gamecocks at Mardi Gras Party, New Orleans (link)
- Feb. 24 - Charleston Gamecock Club Oyster Roast (link)
- Feb. 25 - Atlanta, Alumni Association President's Reception (link)
- 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
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We have breaking news alerts and more newsletters: customize preferences
Spread the word about the Gamecocks and this newsletter! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or two. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up here to start receiving your own copy.
