B
Brian Shoemaker
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Gamecock Nation Today
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Good morning.
Yesterday: The baseball team traveled to Charlotte to play N.C. State and left with a dramatic 10-8 victory.
Today: The football team doesn't have a spring practice, but selected defensive players will speak with the media at 11 am; USC returns to the practice fields Thursday morning.
The softball team hosts Charlotte at 6 pm and will be on SEC Network Plus.
A special spring practice edition of Carolina Calls (radio) featuring Will Muschamp begins at 7 pm.
Kyle Krantz/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. What Kyle Krantz had to say on Tuesday
It was assistant coach Kyle Krantz’s turn to speak with the assembled media after practice on Tuesday. Heading into his second year as a full-time assistant with the program, Krantz handles coaching the team’s nickel backs, the SAM linebacker spot, and is a primary assistant helping special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler in that phase of the game. What did we learn from Krantz?
Several players should factor in at the nickel spot this season.
• Krantz noted that USC’s staff will get a look at a handful of players at nickel this season. There are two primary contenders for the spot, two others on the roster that have seen work there, and Krantz also noted that incoming freshmen Jammie Robinson and Cam Smith could see time at the spot. Will Muschamp has said in the past that another freshman, Shilo Sanders, could play nickel.
• Krantz’s words: “Jaycee (Horn), R.J. (Roderick), Israel (Makuamu) has been in there a little bit, Jamyest (Williams) a little bit. We try to cross-train everybody, so everyone gets a spot and a chance to understand their spot in the defense and how it all fits together. Those are the main ones, and really Jaycee and R.J.”
He likes his group’s culture
• Krantz’s words: “We’ll have a good group of guys. They’ve competed this spring in everything we’ve done whether it’s offense vs. defense, DBs vs. wideouts, and then even in the room they’ve competed with who’s got the best GPA, who had the best practice, who knows the defense the best. That competitiveness, in our minds, really helps our team. I’ve been really pleased, and as a staff we’ve been pleased, with how competitive they’ve been. It’s fun to be around them and coach them because they’re always wanting to do more and whatever they can do to improve themselves.”
Jammie Robinson has an excellent skill set for nickel
• Krantz pointed out that having several more established players at the nickel spot lets the staff know where things are and what’s needed to improve heading into the summer and fall camp. That could also create opportunity for a player like Robinson, a former four-star prospect.
• Krantz’s words: “I think Jammie can be in there. He’s shown some ability to do it. He would probably be the one who can come in and help us. He’s athletic, he’s tough, he’s physical, and he’s a ball player. Kind of like R.J. and Jaycee, he’s not afraid to get in there. He’s able to learn and do the things he needs to do.”
RELATED ITEMS
• Video: Krantz talks nickels, more during spring ball – Kyle Krantz met with the media to discuss the group of nickels he's working with, his first season at USC as a full-time assistant and more. (link)
• Could Roderick be the answer at nickelback? – USC's starting nickelback position remains open, though it would be inaccurate to call the spot a question mark. (link)
• Traits that could make Robinson a good nickelback – It’s the usual suspects working with Kyle Krantz at the nickel position this spring, but he knows there will be a few incoming signees that can help out at the position, most notably Jammie Robinson. (link)
– Chris Clark
Jacob Olson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. ⚾ Baseball wins
Jacob Olson belted his second walk-off homer of the season, a two-run shot as the Gamecocks upset No. 3 N.C. State, 10-8, at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte.
After spotting N.C. State four runs in the first inning, the Gamecocks got all of those back and then some in the bottom half of the inning. They'd plate seven runs on six hits in the inning with six coming off home runs from Olson, Luke Berryhill and Brady Allen.
Player of the game: Olson hit two home runs and drove in four of the team's 10 runs Tuesday.
Key moment: Luke Berryhill hit what looked like an inning-ending double play in the ninth but hustled it out and beat the throw to first. Olson homered in the next at-bat.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Alabama for a three-game series starting Thursday with the Tide. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET
– Collyn Taylor
Jordan Burch/Credit: Rivals.com
3. This, that, and the other
Staley and Smith's lasting friendship – The friendship between Dawn Staley and Beverly Smith began when Smith moved into Staley’s neighborhood. They began going for walks, trusting in each other for advice, venting and watching each other’s pets when the other is on the road. (link)
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report – The latest on significant targets such as Tank Bigsby, Jordan Burch and more in this edition. (subscription)
#SameHere tour offers lessons in mental health – Creating a culture of care is the main theme for Gamecock Sports Science. A key component of that includes mental and emotional health, which is why the student-athletes took part in the #SameHere Sit-Downs College Tour. (link)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: McCreary's coach says 'Not too many people can jump with him' – Jalyn McCreary was only at Legacy Early College for one year, but that was long enough for him to earn a flashy nickname. Now, McCreary will be bringing that nickname to South Carolina. (subscription)
Women's Golf: Olarra set for Augusta – Former Gamecock golfer Ainhoa Olarra is ready to take on the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur being held in Augusta, Ga. USC head coach Kalen Anderson will be Olarra's caddy for the tournament. (link)
Men's Golf: Hall takes second at Wofford Invitational – Playing as an individual, freshman Ryan Hall earned runner-up medalist honors at the Wofford Invitational after shooting 209 (-7) over 54 holes. It marks Hall's spring debut, as he's been sidelined with a wrist injury since early February. (link)
Women's Tennis: USC moves up to No. 3; Martins at No. 5 – The women's tennis team continues to make history in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rankings, coming in at No. 3. Senior Ingrid Martins is No. 5 in the singles poll. (link)
Women's Soccer: USC adds defender – Women's soccer coach Shelley Smith announced the addition of defender Anna Patten on Tuesday. The rising junior joins the Gamecocks after playing two seasons at Florida State. (link)
Equestrian: USC gets No. 7 seed for NCEA Championship – The equestrian team earned the No. 7 seed for the NCEA Championship that'll be hosted by Baylor from April 17-20. (link)
Softball: Gamecocks return home to face Charlotte – The softball team returns to action as it hosts Charlotte tonight at 6 on SEC Network Plus. (link)
Two more Georgia football players arrested Tuesday (link)
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 3, 1981 – A pitching duel was expected when No. 18 South Carolina hosted Clemson, but both starters got off to a shaky start and it was 3-1 USC after one.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Scott Blackman (football/defensive end, 1973-77) – The son of a three-sport athlete at Rutgers, Blackman played tight end in 1973, mostly with the junior varsity but did get called up to the varsity as the year went on. He was shifted to defense in 1974 and redshirted. Blackman started some at defensive end in 1975 and made a huge play in the 35-29 win over Ole Miss, as he returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Blackman led the team in sacks in 1976, including two against both Appalachian State and Duke. He had another big season of making plays behind the line of scrimmage in 1977, as he had 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. He had eight tackles and a sack against Georgia Tech that year. and nine tackles, two for losses, and a sack against Georgia.
• Cheyne Hurst (baseball/outfielder, 2006-07)
• Jeffery Jones (baseball/first base, 2009-10)
• Cedrick Snead (football/CB-WR, 2007-10)
• Lee Whatley (baseball/pitcher, 1986-87)
• Brennan Williams (soccer/midfielder, 2005-08)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @HOOVERCOCKFAN (member since 2010)
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 (3 days)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (7)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (22)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (35)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (48)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (103)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (108)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (150)
More happenings
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game
• April 6 – Junior Gamecock Club Punt, Pass & Kick
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• 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.
___________________________
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
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Good morning.
Yesterday: The baseball team traveled to Charlotte to play N.C. State and left with a dramatic 10-8 victory.
Today: The football team doesn't have a spring practice, but selected defensive players will speak with the media at 11 am; USC returns to the practice fields Thursday morning.
The softball team hosts Charlotte at 6 pm and will be on SEC Network Plus.
A special spring practice edition of Carolina Calls (radio) featuring Will Muschamp begins at 7 pm.
Kyle Krantz/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. What Kyle Krantz had to say on Tuesday
It was assistant coach Kyle Krantz’s turn to speak with the assembled media after practice on Tuesday. Heading into his second year as a full-time assistant with the program, Krantz handles coaching the team’s nickel backs, the SAM linebacker spot, and is a primary assistant helping special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler in that phase of the game. What did we learn from Krantz?
Several players should factor in at the nickel spot this season.
• Krantz noted that USC’s staff will get a look at a handful of players at nickel this season. There are two primary contenders for the spot, two others on the roster that have seen work there, and Krantz also noted that incoming freshmen Jammie Robinson and Cam Smith could see time at the spot. Will Muschamp has said in the past that another freshman, Shilo Sanders, could play nickel.
• Krantz’s words: “Jaycee (Horn), R.J. (Roderick), Israel (Makuamu) has been in there a little bit, Jamyest (Williams) a little bit. We try to cross-train everybody, so everyone gets a spot and a chance to understand their spot in the defense and how it all fits together. Those are the main ones, and really Jaycee and R.J.”
He likes his group’s culture
• Krantz’s words: “We’ll have a good group of guys. They’ve competed this spring in everything we’ve done whether it’s offense vs. defense, DBs vs. wideouts, and then even in the room they’ve competed with who’s got the best GPA, who had the best practice, who knows the defense the best. That competitiveness, in our minds, really helps our team. I’ve been really pleased, and as a staff we’ve been pleased, with how competitive they’ve been. It’s fun to be around them and coach them because they’re always wanting to do more and whatever they can do to improve themselves.”
Jammie Robinson has an excellent skill set for nickel
• Krantz pointed out that having several more established players at the nickel spot lets the staff know where things are and what’s needed to improve heading into the summer and fall camp. That could also create opportunity for a player like Robinson, a former four-star prospect.
• Krantz’s words: “I think Jammie can be in there. He’s shown some ability to do it. He would probably be the one who can come in and help us. He’s athletic, he’s tough, he’s physical, and he’s a ball player. Kind of like R.J. and Jaycee, he’s not afraid to get in there. He’s able to learn and do the things he needs to do.”
RELATED ITEMS
• Video: Krantz talks nickels, more during spring ball – Kyle Krantz met with the media to discuss the group of nickels he's working with, his first season at USC as a full-time assistant and more. (link)
• Could Roderick be the answer at nickelback? – USC's starting nickelback position remains open, though it would be inaccurate to call the spot a question mark. (link)
• Traits that could make Robinson a good nickelback – It’s the usual suspects working with Kyle Krantz at the nickel position this spring, but he knows there will be a few incoming signees that can help out at the position, most notably Jammie Robinson. (link)
– Chris Clark
Jacob Olson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
2. ⚾ Baseball wins
Jacob Olson belted his second walk-off homer of the season, a two-run shot as the Gamecocks upset No. 3 N.C. State, 10-8, at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte.
After spotting N.C. State four runs in the first inning, the Gamecocks got all of those back and then some in the bottom half of the inning. They'd plate seven runs on six hits in the inning with six coming off home runs from Olson, Luke Berryhill and Brady Allen.
Player of the game: Olson hit two home runs and drove in four of the team's 10 runs Tuesday.
Key moment: Luke Berryhill hit what looked like an inning-ending double play in the ninth but hustled it out and beat the throw to first. Olson homered in the next at-bat.
Up next: South Carolina travels to Alabama for a three-game series starting Thursday with the Tide. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET
– Collyn Taylor
Jordan Burch/Credit: Rivals.com
3. This, that, and the other
Staley and Smith's lasting friendship – The friendship between Dawn Staley and Beverly Smith began when Smith moved into Staley’s neighborhood. They began going for walks, trusting in each other for advice, venting and watching each other’s pets when the other is on the road. (link)
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report – The latest on significant targets such as Tank Bigsby, Jordan Burch and more in this edition. (subscription)
#SameHere tour offers lessons in mental health – Creating a culture of care is the main theme for Gamecock Sports Science. A key component of that includes mental and emotional health, which is why the student-athletes took part in the #SameHere Sit-Downs College Tour. (link)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: McCreary's coach says 'Not too many people can jump with him' – Jalyn McCreary was only at Legacy Early College for one year, but that was long enough for him to earn a flashy nickname. Now, McCreary will be bringing that nickname to South Carolina. (subscription)
Women's Golf: Olarra set for Augusta – Former Gamecock golfer Ainhoa Olarra is ready to take on the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur being held in Augusta, Ga. USC head coach Kalen Anderson will be Olarra's caddy for the tournament. (link)
Men's Golf: Hall takes second at Wofford Invitational – Playing as an individual, freshman Ryan Hall earned runner-up medalist honors at the Wofford Invitational after shooting 209 (-7) over 54 holes. It marks Hall's spring debut, as he's been sidelined with a wrist injury since early February. (link)
Women's Tennis: USC moves up to No. 3; Martins at No. 5 – The women's tennis team continues to make history in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rankings, coming in at No. 3. Senior Ingrid Martins is No. 5 in the singles poll. (link)
Women's Soccer: USC adds defender – Women's soccer coach Shelley Smith announced the addition of defender Anna Patten on Tuesday. The rising junior joins the Gamecocks after playing two seasons at Florida State. (link)
Equestrian: USC gets No. 7 seed for NCEA Championship – The equestrian team earned the No. 7 seed for the NCEA Championship that'll be hosted by Baylor from April 17-20. (link)
Softball: Gamecocks return home to face Charlotte – The softball team returns to action as it hosts Charlotte tonight at 6 on SEC Network Plus. (link)
Two more Georgia football players arrested Tuesday (link)
- Linebackers Robert Beal and Brenton Cox were arrested on misdemeanor charges of marijuana.
- On March 24, wide receiver Tyler Simmons and Tyrique Stevenson were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct as the result of a fight that at a downtown Athens bar.
- On March 20, backup linebacker Jaden Hunter was arrested for illegally stopping, standing or parking his car and driving with a suspended license.
- Backup safety Latavious Brini was arrested on Feb. 28 after he allegedly slapped a man at another downtown Athens Bar.
4. This Date in Gamecock History
April 3, 1981 – A pitching duel was expected when No. 18 South Carolina hosted Clemson, but both starters got off to a shaky start and it was 3-1 USC after one.
- "I was really proud of (Dennis) Lubert," said USC coach June Raines of his starting pitcher. "I thought he was good early but we got him in trouble with our defense."
- The Gamecocks made six errors on the day.
- An RBI single by Rod Carraway and RBI groundout by Jim Curl, along with a wild pitch, accounted for USC's early runs.
- Lubert then settled down, allowing a run in the second and nothing more.
- Robbie Vollmer drove in another Carolina run with a sac fly and Carraway finished up the scoring with a two-run single with the bases loaded.
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
5. Birthdays and Celebrations!
Scott Blackman (football/defensive end, 1973-77) – The son of a three-sport athlete at Rutgers, Blackman played tight end in 1973, mostly with the junior varsity but did get called up to the varsity as the year went on. He was shifted to defense in 1974 and redshirted. Blackman started some at defensive end in 1975 and made a huge play in the 35-29 win over Ole Miss, as he returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Blackman led the team in sacks in 1976, including two against both Appalachian State and Duke. He had another big season of making plays behind the line of scrimmage in 1977, as he had 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. He had eight tackles and a sack against Georgia Tech that year. and nine tackles, two for losses, and a sack against Georgia.
• Cheyne Hurst (baseball/outfielder, 2006-07)
• Jeffery Jones (baseball/first base, 2009-10)
• Cedrick Snead (football/CB-WR, 2007-10)
• Lee Whatley (baseball/pitcher, 1986-87)
• Brennan Williams (soccer/midfielder, 2005-08)
Gamecock Central birthdays
• @HOOVERCOCKFAN (member since 2010)
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 (3 days)
• April 10 – Give 4 Garnet (7)
• April 25 – NFL Draft begins (22)
• May 8 – SEC Softball Tourney (35)
• May 21 – SEC Baseball Tourney (48)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days begins (103)
• July 20 – Muschamp Ladies Football Clinic (108)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (150)
More happenings
• April 6 – Football: Alumni Game
• April 6 – Junior Gamecock Club Punt, Pass & Kick
• April 6 – DJ Swearinger Celebrity Basketball Game
• April 6 – Softball: Trinity Johnson jersey retirement
• April 10 – Women's Soccer: Fan Appreciation Clinic
• April 13 – Track & Field: Terrance Trammell, Miki Barber jersey retirements
• 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.
___________________________
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.
