B
Brian Shoemaker
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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
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019
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Good Thursday morning!
What's on tap today? The football team holds its second spring practice, baseball coach Mark Kingston meets with the media to preview the Clemson series, Dennis Daley and Zack Bailey meet with the media at the NFL Combine, the women's basketball team plays at Auburn and there's Carolina Calls featuring men's basketball coach Frank Martin.
– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: A.J. Turner. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
1. Three things we've learned so far from spring practice 3️⃣
The running game is a focus - on both sides
If South Carolina is going to take the next step as a program in the SEC, it's going to have to be better in the running game on both sides of the ball, and that's a point of emphasis from Will Muschamp this offseason.
After playing running back for most of his career, senior A.J. Turner will spend the first five practices of the spring at cornerback, where he also spent some time the final two games last year.
After starting at guard last season, redshirt junior Sadarius Hutcherson is going to get the first chance to lock down the left tackle position for South Carolina this year.
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Pictured: Zacch Pickens. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
2. Zacch Pickens would compare to who if he reaches his potential?
South Carolina defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson was quick to point out that freshman defensive end Zacch Pickens is still just that - a freshman - but he didn't hold back when asked in a dream scenario how good Pickens could be...
“You seen that guy that plays for the Eagles, 91 -- Fletcher Cox? Probably something like that guy, that would be my ideal dream scenario,” Robinson said. “Disrupt everything, Aaron Donald type guy, which he has the capability to do one day.
"Obviously, he’s a freshman, guys. He’s a long way from doing that right now. He’s learning the plays, he doesn’t even know what we are doing right now. He’s running around like a chicken with his head cut off right now. But the ideal player I want him to be? I want him to be really good, be the best in our conference and have a chance to help us up front.”
Robinson video. Robinson met with the media to discuss the start of Gamecock spring practice and talked defense and some personnel after the team's first full practice of the year. (link)
Robinson recap. A full of recap of defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson speaking with the media (subscription)
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Ryan Hilinski. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
3. NEW! Another Carolina Podcast
Gamecock Central insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell and host Pearson Fowler discuss the first day of spring practice. (link)
Topics on the episode include:
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Pictured: Frank Martin
4. More News & Headlines
Spring Practice Photos: Two galleries from the first spring practice (link)
Wes Mitchell's practice observations: Thoughts about the newcomers, including Pickens, Hilinski and more (subscription)
Chris Clark's practice observations of returning players (subscription)
Collyn Taylor's practice observations: Early defensive depth chart, impressions of a few sophomores (subscription)
Men's Basketball. The Gamecocks knew they'd be making the trip to Cancun next season, but now they know the teams they'll play. They will have two games in the states before making their way to Mexico to play two games, including one against Wichita State and coach Gregg Marshall. (link)
Men's Basketball. Collyn Taylor with a NET rankings update and SEC tournament seeding notes (subscription)
Softball. Winning streak extended to nine games. No. 13 USC scored seven runs in two innings to defeat Coastal Carolina, 7-4, Wednesday. Kenzi Maguire and Cayla Drotar both hit three-run home runs as the Gamecocks extended their season-high winning streak to nine games. (link)
Gamecock Athletics declares 2019 as the "Year of the Kid." South Carolina officials have launched a new initiative aimed at engaging the youth of Gamecock Country with the "Year of the Kid." Year of the Kid is a year-long collection of programs and promotions inclusive of all varsity sports with the goal of cultivating the youngest spectrum of the Gamecock fan base. (link)
Women's Basketball. Sunday's home finale packed with activities.Fans will find rally towels and Firehouse 3 cards on alternating seats in the lower level. The first 2,000 fans will receive a t-shirt celebrating the four SEC Tournament titles that the 2019 Senior Class has won. Prior to traditional Senior Day presentations, several other activities will bring fans to Colonial Life Arena early. (link)
ICYMI. Sunday's baseball game. Due to potential inclement weather, Sunday's game versus Clemson has been moved to a 12 p.m. start.
– Jackson Fields, jackson@gamecockcentral.com
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Pictured: Bianca Cuevas-Moore. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
Thursday, Feb. 28
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6. Signee of the Day - KeShawn Toney
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 Williston (S.C.) Williston-Elko three-star tight end KeShawn Toney, who is already enrolled at South Carolina and participating in spring practice.
Other offers: Charlotte, Georgia State, Middle Tennessee
Coach's corner: "KeShawn is a Shrine Bowl participant and a guy we had in camp. He’s (6-foot-3), 240 pounds, and moves extremely well. When you get the feedback from the Shrine Bowl coaches, that’s one of the things they talked about: how impressed they were with him. I think this guy’s got a tremendous upside. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what he can do. He played mostly wideout for Williston-Elko, but now he’ll be more of an attached tight end for us. He’s another mid-year enrollee, a guy that I think has a tremendous upside." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
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7. This Date in Gamecock History
February 28, 1968 - South Carolina stunned No. 3 North Carolina as Bobby Cremins made five free throws in the last 45 seconds of the game, including the eventual game-winner with five seconds left. It was the Gamecocks' second win over a top-10 team that week, as they'd knocked off No. 8 Duke just four days earlier. UNC led 49-36 in the second half, but Cremins and Skip Harlicka led a comeback that saw USC tie the game at 61. Both players had 23 points on the night, with Frank Standard adding 18 and Gary Gregor 15.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (6 days)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (13)
March 21: Football: USC's Pro Timing Day (21)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (22)
April 6: Spring football game (37)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (56)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (137)
Aug. 31: Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (184)
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9. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Birthdays of Gamecock Central members. (If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.)
Eddie Bolton - Coming out of Greenwood High School it looked like Bolton would become a star at Carolina as a two-sport athlete. As a sophomore in 1968 he caught seven passes for a 23.6-yard average and had a 50-yard touchdown against Florida State. A broken ankle ended his chances as a standout as his speed was never the same, but Bolton would win 10 games on the mound from 1969 through 1971, including going 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 1970 while also hitting .313. As a senior in 1971, he averaged 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
Jason Fletcher (baseball/pitcher, 2004-05)
Kevin Jones (football/running back, 1985-89)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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10. Around Gamecock Nation
– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
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.
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
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019
---------------------------------------
Good Thursday morning!
What's on tap today? The football team holds its second spring practice, baseball coach Mark Kingston meets with the media to preview the Clemson series, Dennis Daley and Zack Bailey meet with the media at the NFL Combine, the women's basketball team plays at Auburn and there's Carolina Calls featuring men's basketball coach Frank Martin.
– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
Pictured: A.J. Turner. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
1. Three things we've learned so far from spring practice 3️⃣
The running game is a focus - on both sides
If South Carolina is going to take the next step as a program in the SEC, it's going to have to be better in the running game on both sides of the ball, and that's a point of emphasis from Will Muschamp this offseason.
- Last year, South Carolina averaged 4.5 yards per carry on running plays and 4.8 yards per play on perimeter screen throws, which is also counts as part of its running game. It's goal is 5.5 yards per play on all of those, so there's room for improvement.
- On the other side of the ball, Carolina allowed 4.87 yards per carry and 6.6 yards per perimeter screen. It's goal is to allow 3.3 yards per play.
- Muschamp said: "Really, those two factors are going to help both (offense and defense), because both of us need to work on it through spring. As the head coach, you've got to see what you need to improve on, on both sides, and that kind of coincides with each other as far as what we've got to do."
After playing running back for most of his career, senior A.J. Turner will spend the first five practices of the spring at cornerback, where he also spent some time the final two games last year.
- Turner will move back to running back after the first five practices of the spring and is set to play there in the fall.
- By getting Turner time on defense now, it will give him a foundation of knowledge in case he's forced to play the position again as an emergency option this season.
- Muschamp said: "We're trying create depth on our football team, sort of the situation we went through this past year, it's hard to teach a guy all of the concepts of what we do at any position in one week, but if he'd had some experience playing the position, if we keep his hand in it a little bit, he's able to help us."
After starting at guard last season, redshirt junior Sadarius Hutcherson is going to get the first chance to lock down the left tackle position for South Carolina this year.
- Both Hutcherson and current right tackle Dylan Wonnum will both get a chance at left tackle.
- The first-team offensive line in practice Wednesday was (from left to right): Hutcherson, Donell Stanley, Chandler Farrell, Eric Douglas, Wonnum.
- Farrell is battling it out with Hank Manos at center while Douglas and Jordan Rhodes are fighting for the starting spot at right guard. Jovaughn Gwyn is currently limited, but could factor in at guard once he gets healthy.
- Muschamp said: "That's going to be pretty fluid through the spring. I think Eric [Wolford] does a really good job of introducing different concepts to his guys as far as being able to play inside and outside. Last year, Hutch practiced a lot outside in case of injury and different things that could have happened. That's why, comfort-wise, he's going to be fine moving out to the left tackle position."
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Pictured: Zacch Pickens. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
2. Zacch Pickens would compare to who if he reaches his potential?
South Carolina defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson was quick to point out that freshman defensive end Zacch Pickens is still just that - a freshman - but he didn't hold back when asked in a dream scenario how good Pickens could be...
“You seen that guy that plays for the Eagles, 91 -- Fletcher Cox? Probably something like that guy, that would be my ideal dream scenario,” Robinson said. “Disrupt everything, Aaron Donald type guy, which he has the capability to do one day.
"Obviously, he’s a freshman, guys. He’s a long way from doing that right now. He’s learning the plays, he doesn’t even know what we are doing right now. He’s running around like a chicken with his head cut off right now. But the ideal player I want him to be? I want him to be really good, be the best in our conference and have a chance to help us up front.”
Robinson video. Robinson met with the media to discuss the start of Gamecock spring practice and talked defense and some personnel after the team's first full practice of the year. (link)
Robinson recap. A full of recap of defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson speaking with the media (subscription)
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
Pictured: Ryan Hilinski. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
3. NEW! Another Carolina Podcast
Gamecock Central insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell and host Pearson Fowler discuss the first day of spring practice. (link)
Topics on the episode 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.
---------------------------------------
Pictured: Frank Martin
4. More News & Headlines
Spring Practice Photos: Two galleries from the first spring practice (link)
Wes Mitchell's practice observations: Thoughts about the newcomers, including Pickens, Hilinski and more (subscription)
Chris Clark's practice observations of returning players (subscription)
Collyn Taylor's practice observations: Early defensive depth chart, impressions of a few sophomores (subscription)
Men's Basketball. The Gamecocks knew they'd be making the trip to Cancun next season, but now they know the teams they'll play. They will have two games in the states before making their way to Mexico to play two games, including one against Wichita State and coach Gregg Marshall. (link)
Men's Basketball. Collyn Taylor with a NET rankings update and SEC tournament seeding notes (subscription)
Softball. Winning streak extended to nine games. No. 13 USC scored seven runs in two innings to defeat Coastal Carolina, 7-4, Wednesday. Kenzi Maguire and Cayla Drotar both hit three-run home runs as the Gamecocks extended their season-high winning streak to nine games. (link)
Gamecock Athletics declares 2019 as the "Year of the Kid." South Carolina officials have launched a new initiative aimed at engaging the youth of Gamecock Country with the "Year of the Kid." Year of the Kid is a year-long collection of programs and promotions inclusive of all varsity sports with the goal of cultivating the youngest spectrum of the Gamecock fan base. (link)
Women's Basketball. Sunday's home finale packed with activities.Fans will find rally towels and Firehouse 3 cards on alternating seats in the lower level. The first 2,000 fans will receive a t-shirt celebrating the four SEC Tournament titles that the 2019 Senior Class has won. Prior to traditional Senior Day presentations, several other activities will bring fans to Colonial Life Arena early. (link)
ICYMI. Sunday's baseball game. Due to potential inclement weather, Sunday's game versus Clemson has been moved to a 12 p.m. start.
– Jackson Fields, jackson@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
Pictured: Bianca Cuevas-Moore. Credit: Chris Gillespie.
5. Plan your schedule accordingly
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
- 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 for Deebo Samuel; working out for Dennis Daley and Zack Bailey
- 8 am - Beach Volleyball vs LSU (in Boca Raton)
- 10:30 am - Softball vs Troy (in Tampa)
- 12 pm - Beach Volleyball vs Florida (in Boca Raton)
- 12:45 pm - Softball vs Western Michigan (in Tampa)
- 1 pm - Equestrian at Georgia
- 1 pm - Baseball vs. Clemson (in Greenville), SEC Network+
- 3:30 pm - Men's Basketball at Missouri, SEC Network
- NFL Combine. Media interview for Bryson Allen-Williams, working out for Deebo Samuel
---------------------------------------
6. Signee of the Day - KeShawn Toney
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 Williston (S.C.) Williston-Elko three-star tight end KeShawn Toney, who is already enrolled at South Carolina and participating in spring practice.
Other offers: Charlotte, Georgia State, Middle Tennessee
Coach's corner: "KeShawn is a Shrine Bowl participant and a guy we had in camp. He’s (6-foot-3), 240 pounds, and moves extremely well. When you get the feedback from the Shrine Bowl coaches, that’s one of the things they talked about: how impressed they were with him. I think this guy’s got a tremendous upside. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what he can do. He played mostly wideout for Williston-Elko, but now he’ll be more of an attached tight end for us. He’s another mid-year enrollee, a guy that I think has a tremendous upside." - South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp
– Wes Mitchell, wes@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
7. This Date in Gamecock History
February 28, 1968 - South Carolina stunned No. 3 North Carolina as Bobby Cremins made five free throws in the last 45 seconds of the game, including the eventual game-winner with five seconds left. It was the Gamecocks' second win over a top-10 team that week, as they'd knocked off No. 8 Duke just four days earlier. UNC led 49-36 in the second half, but Cremins and Skip Harlicka led a comeback that saw USC tie the game at 61. Both players had 23 points on the night, with Frank Standard adding 18 and Gary Gregor 15.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
---------------------------------------
8. Key Dates (Countdown) ⌚
March 6: SEC WBB Tourney begins (6 days)
March 13: SEC MBB Tourney begins (13)
March 21: Football: USC's Pro Timing Day (21)
March 22: Muschamp Coaches Clinic (22)
April 6: Spring football game (37)
April 25: NFL Draft begins (56)
July 15: SEC Media Days begins (137)
Aug. 31: Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (184)
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9. Gamecock Nation Birthdays
Birthdays of Gamecock Central members. (If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.)
- @itsmebillgamecock (member since 2002)
- @1SGgamecock (2007)
- @jamabry (2011)
- @CALAMUCCI (2013)
Eddie Bolton - Coming out of Greenwood High School it looked like Bolton would become a star at Carolina as a two-sport athlete. As a sophomore in 1968 he caught seven passes for a 23.6-yard average and had a 50-yard touchdown against Florida State. A broken ankle ended his chances as a standout as his speed was never the same, but Bolton would win 10 games on the mound from 1969 through 1971, including going 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 1970 while also hitting .313. As a senior in 1971, he averaged 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
Jason Fletcher (baseball/pitcher, 2004-05)
Kevin Jones (football/running back, 1985-89)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
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10. 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*
– Brian Shoemaker, shoe@gamecockcentral.com
---------------------------------------
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.
