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Brian Shoemaker
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GAMECOCKS TODAY
- Friday, May 31, 2019 -
Good morning from Gamecock Central.
We're 92 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
Tyreek Johnson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. 9️⃣2️⃣ Countdown to kickoff: 92 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 92 days.
Today's countdown features redshirt freshman defensive tackle Tyreek Johnson, who wears No. 92.
The former three-star prospect from Sumter (S.C.) Lakewood High impressed head coach Will Muschamp last spring, but was forced to miss last season after suffering a torn ACL during fall practice.
Muschamp updated the status of Johnson's rehab during this spring's Spurs Up Tour:
"We're really excited about him. Unfortunately (he had) the non-contact situation with the ACL, but he's rehabbed extremely well. He's got his weight back up; he's about up to 260, 265, 270 range. We're really excited about him. He's a heavy-handed guy, he can hold the point, a very athletic guy, a guy that we're really excited about."
– Wes Mitchell
2. Storylines for a big recruiting weekend
South Carolina’s football staff is set to host a slate of talented official visitors this weekend. The 48-hour long trips will consist of both committed prospects and major uncommitted targets. Here, GamecockCentral.com takes a closer look at a few of the main storylines to watch during the weekend and in the hours afterwards.
Commitment watch?
The Gamecocks have some recruiting momentum built up after nabbing a few talented prospects, the latest being big-time running back Marshawn Lloyd out of Maryland. USC enters this weekend in good position for a few other visiting targets. While none of them have decision dates actually scheduled, could this weekend put them over the top?
Four-star running back Tank Bigsby, North Carolina defensive lineman Myles Murphy, Florida DB Dominick Hill, and junior college offensive lineman Jazston Turnetine all seem to have the Gamecocks on top prior to their arrivals in Columbia. Each recruitment stands on its own, but USC could advance its cause – or better – with those guys.
Holding on to Walker
Florida offensive lineman Issiah Walker had just a few offers when he made a very early pledge to the Gamecocks; his list subsequently blew up with tenders from around the country. Florida, FSU, and Miami, among others, have continued recruiting him hard. Walker is still communicating with other schools and taking visits, so from that standpoint it’s something to watch.
USC does still appear to be in a favorable spot to keep him in the class, but this weekend is undoubtedly an important trip.
Other big names out there?
Four-star offensive lineman Joshua Braun seems to have almost flown under the radar in terms of his interest in USC. He’ll get an in-depth look at the program this weekend, position coach Eric Wolford having put the Gamecocks into position to have a say in the race with Florida and Georgia.
Could in-state five-star Jordan Burch make the short trip down the road to be included in the group of visitors? It is a possibility, but as of this writing not locked in.
Stay tuned to GamecockCentral.com for the latest scoop and developments throughout the week.
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report - More on a talented flip target for the staff, plus other behind-the-scenes recruiting scoop for USC. (subscription)
Football: Times announced for first three games - One day after finding out their game time against Alabama, South Carolina now knows when they'll play their first two games next season. (link)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: The latest on Seventh Woods - What we're hearing as Seventh Woods nears a decision. (subscription)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: Priority target talks upcoming South Carolina official visit - When South Carolina’s coaching staff went to Woodstock Academy to recruit Trey Anderson, they found him and a little bit more. (subscription)
Baseball: Nick Neville enters transfer portal - About a week after the first group entered the NCAA Transfer portal, one more Gamecock made his way into it today. Nick Neville entered it and will officially transfer from the program after this season. (link)
Softball: Betenbaugh named SC Gatorade Player of the Year - Incoming freshman Bailey Betenbaugh has been named the 2018-19 Gatorade South Carolina Softball Player of the Year. (link)
Women's Golf: Building relationships and trust is key for new assistant - New women's golf assistant coach Kevin Williams may be new to South Carolina, but he is no rookie when it comes to coaching at a high level. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
May 31, 2013 – South Carolina opened regional play at home and led 3-0 early before having to rally late to beat St. Louis, 7-3.
5. Birthdays!
• Jason Barnes (football, 2007-11)
• Andrew Cruse (baseball, 2004-06)
• Davy Gregg (baseball, 2003-05)
• Brandon McIlwain (football/baseball, 2016-17)
• Chris Wade (football, 1981-84)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• June 3 – MLB Draft, Day 1 (3 days)
• June 4 – MLB Draft, Day 2 (4)
• June 5 – MLB Draft, Day 3 (5)
• June 6 – Football: One-day camp (6)
• June 7 – Football: One-day camp (7)
• June 8 – Football: One-day camp (8)
• June 13 – Football: OL/DL camps (13)
• June 13 – Football: 7-on-7 passing tourney (13)
• June 14 – Football: OL/DL camps (14)
• June 14 – Football: 7-on-7 passing tourney (14)
• June 15 – Football: One-day camp (15)
• June 19 – Football: One-day camp (19)
• June 20 – Football: One-day camp (20)
• June 21 – Football: One-day camp (21)
• June 22 – Football: One-day camp (22)
• June 22 – Football: Specialists camp (22)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (45)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (46)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (47)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (48)
• July 20 – Ladies Football Clinic (50)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (92)
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecocks Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
------------------------
GAMECOCKS TODAY
- Friday, May 31, 2019 -
Good morning from Gamecock Central.
We're 92 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
Tyreek Johnson/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. 9️⃣2️⃣ Countdown to kickoff: 92 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 92 days.
Today's countdown features redshirt freshman defensive tackle Tyreek Johnson, who wears No. 92.
The former three-star prospect from Sumter (S.C.) Lakewood High impressed head coach Will Muschamp last spring, but was forced to miss last season after suffering a torn ACL during fall practice.
Muschamp updated the status of Johnson's rehab during this spring's Spurs Up Tour:
"We're really excited about him. Unfortunately (he had) the non-contact situation with the ACL, but he's rehabbed extremely well. He's got his weight back up; he's about up to 260, 265, 270 range. We're really excited about him. He's a heavy-handed guy, he can hold the point, a very athletic guy, a guy that we're really excited about."
– Wes Mitchell
2. Storylines for a big recruiting weekend
South Carolina’s football staff is set to host a slate of talented official visitors this weekend. The 48-hour long trips will consist of both committed prospects and major uncommitted targets. Here, GamecockCentral.com takes a closer look at a few of the main storylines to watch during the weekend and in the hours afterwards.
Commitment watch?
The Gamecocks have some recruiting momentum built up after nabbing a few talented prospects, the latest being big-time running back Marshawn Lloyd out of Maryland. USC enters this weekend in good position for a few other visiting targets. While none of them have decision dates actually scheduled, could this weekend put them over the top?
Four-star running back Tank Bigsby, North Carolina defensive lineman Myles Murphy, Florida DB Dominick Hill, and junior college offensive lineman Jazston Turnetine all seem to have the Gamecocks on top prior to their arrivals in Columbia. Each recruitment stands on its own, but USC could advance its cause – or better – with those guys.
Holding on to Walker
Florida offensive lineman Issiah Walker had just a few offers when he made a very early pledge to the Gamecocks; his list subsequently blew up with tenders from around the country. Florida, FSU, and Miami, among others, have continued recruiting him hard. Walker is still communicating with other schools and taking visits, so from that standpoint it’s something to watch.
USC does still appear to be in a favorable spot to keep him in the class, but this weekend is undoubtedly an important trip.
Other big names out there?
Four-star offensive lineman Joshua Braun seems to have almost flown under the radar in terms of his interest in USC. He’ll get an in-depth look at the program this weekend, position coach Eric Wolford having put the Gamecocks into position to have a say in the race with Florida and Georgia.
Could in-state five-star Jordan Burch make the short trip down the road to be included in the group of visitors? It is a possibility, but as of this writing not locked in.
Stay tuned to GamecockCentral.com for the latest scoop and developments throughout the week.
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
Football Recruiting: The Insider Report - More on a talented flip target for the staff, plus other behind-the-scenes recruiting scoop for USC. (subscription)
Football: Times announced for first three games - One day after finding out their game time against Alabama, South Carolina now knows when they'll play their first two games next season. (link)
- Related: Updated 2019 Football Schedule
Men's Basketball Recruiting: The latest on Seventh Woods - What we're hearing as Seventh Woods nears a decision. (subscription)
Men's Basketball Recruiting: Priority target talks upcoming South Carolina official visit - When South Carolina’s coaching staff went to Woodstock Academy to recruit Trey Anderson, they found him and a little bit more. (subscription)
Baseball: Nick Neville enters transfer portal - About a week after the first group entered the NCAA Transfer portal, one more Gamecock made his way into it today. Nick Neville entered it and will officially transfer from the program after this season. (link)
Softball: Betenbaugh named SC Gatorade Player of the Year - Incoming freshman Bailey Betenbaugh has been named the 2018-19 Gatorade South Carolina Softball Player of the Year. (link)
Women's Golf: Building relationships and trust is key for new assistant - New women's golf assistant coach Kevin Williams may be new to South Carolina, but he is no rookie when it comes to coaching at a high level. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
May 31, 2013 – South Carolina opened regional play at home and led 3-0 early before having to rally late to beat St. Louis, 7-3.
- Max Schrock scored on an RBI ground out by L.B. Dantzler in the first inning and Graham Saiko added a solo homer in the second.
- Carolina added one more in the fourth on an RBI single by Connor Bright.
- Nolan Belcher cruised through the first six innings, shutting out the Billikens who finally scored one on Belcher in the seventh.
- St. Louis added two unearned runs off reliever Adam Westmoreland in the eighth to tie the game, but USC scored four in the bottom of the inning to take over.
- An RBI single by Kyle Martin and an RBI double by Saiko accounted for two runs and the Gamecocks scored two more on a wild pitch and an error.
- The victory gave Carolina a 40-18 record on the year.
5. Birthdays!
• Jason Barnes (football, 2007-11)
• Andrew Cruse (baseball, 2004-06)
• Davy Gregg (baseball, 2003-05)
• Brandon McIlwain (football/baseball, 2016-17)
• Chris Wade (football, 1981-84)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• June 3 – MLB Draft, Day 1 (3 days)
• June 4 – MLB Draft, Day 2 (4)
• June 5 – MLB Draft, Day 3 (5)
• June 6 – Football: One-day camp (6)
• June 7 – Football: One-day camp (7)
• June 8 – Football: One-day camp (8)
• June 13 – Football: OL/DL camps (13)
• June 13 – Football: 7-on-7 passing tourney (13)
• June 14 – Football: OL/DL camps (14)
• June 14 – Football: 7-on-7 passing tourney (14)
• June 15 – Football: One-day camp (15)
• June 19 – Football: One-day camp (19)
• June 20 – Football: One-day camp (20)
• June 21 – Football: One-day camp (21)
• June 22 – Football: One-day camp (22)
• June 22 – Football: Specialists camp (22)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (45)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (46)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (47)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (48)
• July 20 – Ladies Football Clinic (50)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (92)
