B
Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Friday, March 29, 2019
Good morning and Happy Friday.
We hope you have a great Gamecock weekend. May it be filled with lots of honey buns!
Thursday's highlights:
Brad Johnson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. Three things we learned from Mike Peterson
It was assistant coach Mike Peterson’s turn to speak with assembled media following Thursday’s practice, and he didn't disappoint with the knowledge he passed along during the session. Here is a look at several things we found out during our talk with Peterson.
Newcomers have impressed Peterson
The 14-year NFL linebacker veteran handles coaching edge players (defensive end/BUCKs) as well as the SAM linebacker spot on Will Muschamp’s staff. He weighed in on a few newcomers to the roster after seeing this spring, including Zacch Pickens, who’s primarily worked inside at tackle.
Peterson singled out junior Brad Johnson as a player who has noticeably improved.
A year after finishing as one of the nation’s top turnover-producing teams in 2017, the Gamecocks were not as good in that area last season. It’s been a point of emphasis for the staff this spring.
– Chris Clark
Daniel Lloyd/Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. Baseball hosts Auburn ⚾
Who: Auburn (20-5, 4-2 SEC) at South Carolina (16-9, 1-5 SEC)
When: Today 7 pm, Saturday 12 pm, Sunday 1 pm
Where: Founders Park, Columbia
Watch: Tonight on SECN+; Saturday and Sunday on SECN
Radio: Gamecock Radio Network/flagship 107.5 FM
Probable Pitching Rotation:
• SC Daniel Lloyd (RHP, 2-1, 4.32) v. AU Tanner Burns (RHP, 3-0, 1.41)
• SC Reid Morgan (RHP, 2-0, 2.56) v. AU Brooks Fuller (LHP, 1-0, 1.62)
• SC to be announced v. AU to be announced
Other SEC baseball series:
• Georgia at Kentucky (began Thursday)
• LSU at Mississippi St. (began Thursday)
• Alabama at Florida
• Tennessee at Vanderbilt
• Missouri at Texas A&M
• Ole Miss at Arkansas
Gamecocks shake up weekend rotation – When the Gamecocks start their series against Auburn, they'll do it with a new frontline starter. Head coach Mark Kingston announced Thursday that freshman Daniel Lloyd will start for South Carolina Friday night (link)
Baseball Links: SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
Ryan Hilinski/Credit: Katie Dugan
3. This, that, and the other
Football: Photos from spring practice No. 11 – The Gamecocks held their final open practice Thursday morning and we've got two galleries. (link)
Football: How Wonnum, Sterling have looked this spring – After suffering injuries last season and going through frustrating months of rehab, D.J. Wonnum and Aaron Sterling are back. (link)
Gamecocks develop program to connect with children hospital patients – Walk-on football player Spencer Eason-Riddle is spearheading a new program to provide regular involvement between Prisma Health Children's Hospital patients and USC student-athletes. (link)
Football Recruiting: Shipley checks out Thomas Brown's coaching style – Will Shipley has become plenty familiar with South Carolina's football program, having made numerous visits to campus. His latest trip on Thursday had a bit of a different feel. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Rivals100 DE Desmond Evans gives the latest – Highly touted Gamecock target updates his recruitment and where Carolina stands at this point. (subscription)
Baseball: Gamecocks in the MLB – Several former South Carolina players were on rosters during opening day on Thursday, including Jackie Bradley Jr., Christian Walker, Sam Dyson, Whit Merrifield, Grayson Greiner, Jordan Montgomery, Steve Pearce and Justin Smoak. (link)
MLBers by conference – According to the SEC Network, the breakdown of players on MLB opening-day rosters:
Swimming & Diving: Minuth becomes three-time All-American in 500 freestyle – Reigning SEC Champion in the 500 freestyle, Fynn Minuth, finished the championship final of the 500 with a 4:12.72, finishing sixth in the event. (link)
Track & Field: Distance stars shine at Florida Relays – The track & field team opened the 2019 Florida Relays with five runners competing in the 5000m, highlighted by Anna Kathryn Stoddard and Heather Stone. (link)
Equestrian: Gamecocks prepped for SEC Championship – The equestrian team heads to College Station to participate in the SEC Championship as the No. 4 seed. (link)
Equestrian: Eagleton honored – Senior Kate Eagleton was named to the SEC Equestrian Community Service Team. (link)
Men's Tennis: Gamecocks close home schedule – The men's tennis team hosts Texas A&M on Friday followed by a Sunday match against LSU. (link)
Women's Tennis: Gamecocks set for pair of ranked SEC foes – The women's tennis team hits the road for two SEC matches against Texas A&M on Friday and LSU on Sunday. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
March 29, 2008 – Gamecock third baseman James Darnell became the first player in USC history to have a pair of three-home run games as he sent three into the stands against Kentucky.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Mike Vargo – Vargo redshirted as a true freshman in 1978. A pulled hamstring suffered the week of the Georgia game kept him out some in 1980, finishing the year with 13 tackles. He took over as a starter in 1981 at right defensive tackle, working beside All-American Andrew Provence. He had a season-high nine tackles against Pittsburgh that year, while recording a sack against Duke and tackles for loss against North Carolina and N.C. State. Vargo married the sister of defensive linemate Brett Bond and lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area.
• Harry Ekaitis (football/offensive tackle, 1976-77)
• Olivia Gaines (women's basketball/guard, 2013-15)
• Jason Haynie (baseball/pitcher, 1993-96)
• Wayne Lewisvbaseball/pitcher, 1986)
• Richard Ness (baseball/catcher, 1976-79)
• Miranda Tate (women's basketball/guard, 2008-09)
• Mike Washington, (football/defensive tackle, 1992-95)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @toococky4u (member since 2003)
• @GamecockCPA (member since 2011)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. Key Events (Countdown) ⌚
• April 6 – Football: Spring game (8 days)
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game (8)
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game (8)
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement (8)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (12)
• April 13 – Track & Field: T. Trammell, M. Barber jersey retirements (15)
• April 23 – Augusta, Spurs Up Tour (25)
• April 24 – Midlands, Spurs Up Tour (26)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (27)
• April 29 – Lancaster, Spurs Up Tour (31)
• April 30 – Greenville, Spurs Up Tour (32)
• May 2 – York, Spurs Up Tour (34)
• May 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement (36)
• May 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour (39)
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour (40)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (40)
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour (41)
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour (46)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (53)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (108)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (113)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (155)
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.
___________________________________________
Thank you for reading Gamecock Nation Today and being a part of the Gamecock Central community.
Customize: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
Do you have something exciting you'd like to have mentioned in this newsletter? Click here or send an email to shoe@gamecockcentral.com.
– Brian Shoemaker
Celebrating 20 years! Established in 1998, Gamecock Central provides in-depth and insider coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting, and is home to The Insiders Forum. Not a member of Gamecock Central? Subscribe here. Read what our members think about Gamecock Central.
NEED HELP? If you have a Gamecock Central account (free or pay) and cannot remember your password, please go to this link and enter your email address. If you don't receive an email from Rivals within five minutes, please alert me at shoe@gamecockcentral.com. The password needs to be at least nine characters, including at least one number.
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecock Nation Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
------------------------
Gamecock Nation Today
Friday, March 29, 2019
Good morning and Happy Friday.
We hope you have a great Gamecock weekend. May it be filled with lots of honey buns!
Thursday's highlights:
- Football held its 11th practice of the spring; the media was allowed to take a few photos and assistant coach Mike Peterson spoke with the media afterward
- Swimming & Diving's Fynn Minuth became a three-time All-American in the 500 freestyle at the NCAA Championships
- Track & Field's Anna Kathryn Stoddard and Heather Stone with strong distance runs at the Florida Relays
- Several former Gamecock baseball players saw action on MLB's opening day
- 11 am – Swimming & Diving: Men's NCAA Championships Day 3, prelims
- 11:30 am – Track & Field: Florida Relays Day 2, SECN+
- 2 pm – Equestrian: vs Auburn, SEC Championship
- 4 pm – Men's Tennis: Texas A&M, video
- 6 pm – Women's Tennis: at Texas A&M, video
- 7 pm – Baseball: Auburn, SECN+
- 7 pm – Softball: at LSU, SECN+
- 7 pm – Swimming & Diving: Men's NCAA Championships Day 3, finals, video
- TBD – Equestrian: SEC Championship
- 10:30 am – Football: Scrimmage (closed to public), Will Muschamp will speak with the media afterward
- 11 am – Swimming & Diving: Men's NCAA Championships Day 4, prelims
- 11 am – Track & Field: Florida Relays Day 3, SECN+
- 1 pm – Baseball: Auburn, SECN
- 2 pm – Women's Basketball: vs Baylor, NCAA Tournament, ESPN
- 2 pm – Women's Soccer: at North Carolina Courage
- 7 pm – Softball: at LSU, SECN
- 7 pm – Swimming & Diving: Men's NCAA Championships Day 4, finals, video
- 12 pm – Baseball: Auburn, SECN
- 12 pm – Beach Volleyball: Arizona State
- 1 pm – Women's Tennis: at LSU, video
- 1 pm – Men's Tennis: LSU, video
- 2 pm – Softball: at LSU, ESPNU
Brad Johnson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. Three things we learned from Mike Peterson
It was assistant coach Mike Peterson’s turn to speak with assembled media following Thursday’s practice, and he didn't disappoint with the knowledge he passed along during the session. Here is a look at several things we found out during our talk with Peterson.
Newcomers have impressed Peterson
The 14-year NFL linebacker veteran handles coaching edge players (defensive end/BUCKs) as well as the SAM linebacker spot on Will Muschamp’s staff. He weighed in on a few newcomers to the roster after seeing this spring, including Zacch Pickens, who’s primarily worked inside at tackle.
- Rodricus Fitten: “He’s strong, he’s fast, and he plays fast. He comes in after practice every day to grab me and find out the good things he did and the bad things he did, which is a good thing for a young guy. He’s on the right track.”
- Joseph Anderson: “He’s impressed me. The first day I was on him pretty hard. He’s getting better and better. He’s another guy coming in after practice. Every day’s been a little bit better for him. He can do a number of things for you. He’s built like an inside guy but can play on the outside. He’s shown some flashes of rushing the passer. Now it’s just getting that motor going.”
- Zacch Pickens: “Big, athletic guy. Big body, which we’ve been needing around here. A big guy that can do a lot of things for you. He’s going to be a good one.”
Peterson singled out junior Brad Johnson as a player who has noticeably improved.
- Peterson: “He’s one of the guys in the group that’s taken a really big leap. I’ve been on him his whole career here. He’s having a really good camp for us, the technique part of it. He’s a fast, strong guy, who can run. He’s actually listening to some of the things I say. I don’t think early on he was listening, I don’t think he really believed it. He realized maybe coach knows a little of what he’s talking about.”
A year after finishing as one of the nation’s top turnover-producing teams in 2017, the Gamecocks were not as good in that area last season. It’s been a point of emphasis for the staff this spring.
- Peterson: “Got to think about it, that’s what we’ve been preaching in practice. Sacks, everyone gets sacks. Let’s get a sack and get the ball off now, that’s a big play. We’re trying to get the ball whenever we can. You may see a running back in the hall, we’re trying to knock the ball off him. When you have 11 guys thinking about getting the ball off, that’s a good day.”
– Chris Clark
Daniel Lloyd/Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. Baseball hosts Auburn ⚾
Who: Auburn (20-5, 4-2 SEC) at South Carolina (16-9, 1-5 SEC)
When: Today 7 pm, Saturday 12 pm, Sunday 1 pm
Where: Founders Park, Columbia
Watch: Tonight on SECN+; Saturday and Sunday on SECN
Radio: Gamecock Radio Network/flagship 107.5 FM
Probable Pitching Rotation:
• SC Daniel Lloyd (RHP, 2-1, 4.32) v. AU Tanner Burns (RHP, 3-0, 1.41)
• SC Reid Morgan (RHP, 2-0, 2.56) v. AU Brooks Fuller (LHP, 1-0, 1.62)
• SC to be announced v. AU to be announced
Other SEC baseball series:
• Georgia at Kentucky (began Thursday)
• LSU at Mississippi St. (began Thursday)
• Alabama at Florida
• Tennessee at Vanderbilt
• Missouri at Texas A&M
• Ole Miss at Arkansas
Gamecocks shake up weekend rotation – When the Gamecocks start their series against Auburn, they'll do it with a new frontline starter. Head coach Mark Kingston announced Thursday that freshman Daniel Lloyd will start for South Carolina Friday night (link)
Baseball Links: SEC Standings | Schedule | Statistics | Polls
Ryan Hilinski/Credit: Katie Dugan
3. This, that, and the other
Football: Photos from spring practice No. 11 – The Gamecocks held their final open practice Thursday morning and we've got two galleries. (link)
Football: How Wonnum, Sterling have looked this spring – After suffering injuries last season and going through frustrating months of rehab, D.J. Wonnum and Aaron Sterling are back. (link)
Gamecocks develop program to connect with children hospital patients – Walk-on football player Spencer Eason-Riddle is spearheading a new program to provide regular involvement between Prisma Health Children's Hospital patients and USC student-athletes. (link)
Football Recruiting: Shipley checks out Thomas Brown's coaching style – Will Shipley has become plenty familiar with South Carolina's football program, having made numerous visits to campus. His latest trip on Thursday had a bit of a different feel. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Rivals100 DE Desmond Evans gives the latest – Highly touted Gamecock target updates his recruitment and where Carolina stands at this point. (subscription)
Baseball: Gamecocks in the MLB – Several former South Carolina players were on rosters during opening day on Thursday, including Jackie Bradley Jr., Christian Walker, Sam Dyson, Whit Merrifield, Grayson Greiner, Jordan Montgomery, Steve Pearce and Justin Smoak. (link)
MLBers by conference – According to the SEC Network, the breakdown of players on MLB opening-day rosters:
- SEC - 85
- ACC - 47
- Pac-12 - 45
- Big West - 29
- Big 12 - 20
Swimming & Diving: Minuth becomes three-time All-American in 500 freestyle – Reigning SEC Champion in the 500 freestyle, Fynn Minuth, finished the championship final of the 500 with a 4:12.72, finishing sixth in the event. (link)
Track & Field: Distance stars shine at Florida Relays – The track & field team opened the 2019 Florida Relays with five runners competing in the 5000m, highlighted by Anna Kathryn Stoddard and Heather Stone. (link)
Equestrian: Gamecocks prepped for SEC Championship – The equestrian team heads to College Station to participate in the SEC Championship as the No. 4 seed. (link)
Equestrian: Eagleton honored – Senior Kate Eagleton was named to the SEC Equestrian Community Service Team. (link)
Men's Tennis: Gamecocks close home schedule – The men's tennis team hosts Texas A&M on Friday followed by a Sunday match against LSU. (link)
Women's Tennis: Gamecocks set for pair of ranked SEC foes – The women's tennis team hits the road for two SEC matches against Texas A&M on Friday and LSU on Sunday. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
March 29, 2008 – Gamecock third baseman James Darnell became the first player in USC history to have a pair of three-home run games as he sent three into the stands against Kentucky.
- With ample offensive support, Carolina starter Will Atwood won his third straight SEC game, setting a new career high in strikeouts with seven (in six innings).
- The Gamecocks batted around in the second inning to take over the game, highlighted by a two-run homer by Darnell and an RBI double from Phil Disher.
- Darnell would also homer in the fifth and seventh innings, as he finished with four hits and six RBI.
- Disher and Reese Havens also homered.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Mike Vargo – Vargo redshirted as a true freshman in 1978. A pulled hamstring suffered the week of the Georgia game kept him out some in 1980, finishing the year with 13 tackles. He took over as a starter in 1981 at right defensive tackle, working beside All-American Andrew Provence. He had a season-high nine tackles against Pittsburgh that year, while recording a sack against Duke and tackles for loss against North Carolina and N.C. State. Vargo married the sister of defensive linemate Brett Bond and lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area.
• Harry Ekaitis (football/offensive tackle, 1976-77)
• Olivia Gaines (women's basketball/guard, 2013-15)
• Jason Haynie (baseball/pitcher, 1993-96)
• Wayne Lewisvbaseball/pitcher, 1986)
• Richard Ness (baseball/catcher, 1976-79)
• Miranda Tate (women's basketball/guard, 2008-09)
• Mike Washington, (football/defensive tackle, 1992-95)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @toococky4u (member since 2003)
• @GamecockCPA (member since 2011)
If you have a Gamecock Central account - free or subscription - you can add your birthday here.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. Key Events (Countdown) ⌚
• April 6 – Football: Spring game (8 days)
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game (8)
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game (8)
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement (8)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (12)
• April 13 – Track & Field: T. Trammell, M. Barber jersey retirements (15)
• April 23 – Augusta, Spurs Up Tour (25)
• April 24 – Midlands, Spurs Up Tour (26)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (27)
• April 29 – Lancaster, Spurs Up Tour (31)
• April 30 – Greenville, Spurs Up Tour (32)
• May 2 – York, Spurs Up Tour (34)
• May 4 – Baseball: Earl Bass jersey retirement (36)
• May 7 – Sumter, Spurs Up Tour (39)
• May 8 – Myrtle Beach, Spurs Up Tour (40)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (40)
• May 9 – Atlanta, Spurs Up Tour (41)
• May 14 – Charleston, Spurs Up Tour (46)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (53)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (108)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (113)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (155)
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.
___________________________________________
Thank you for reading Gamecock Nation Today and being a part of the Gamecock Central community.
Customize: You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
Do you have something exciting you'd like to have mentioned in this newsletter? Click here or send an email to shoe@gamecockcentral.com.
– Brian Shoemaker
Celebrating 20 years! Established in 1998, Gamecock Central provides in-depth and insider coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting, and is home to The Insiders Forum. Not a member of Gamecock Central? Subscribe here. Read what our members think about Gamecock Central.
NEED HELP? If you have a Gamecock Central account (free or pay) and cannot remember your password, please go to this link and enter your email address. If you don't receive an email from Rivals within five minutes, please alert me at shoe@gamecockcentral.com. The password needs to be at least nine characters, including at least one number.
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