B
Brian Shoemaker
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Good morning from Gamecock Central.
We're 72 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
Donell Stanley/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. 7️⃣2️⃣ Countdown to kickoff: 72 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 72 days which means that today’s athlete is the oldest on the team, sixth-year senior Donell Stanley.
Stanley is the anchor of what should be a very good offensive line unit and will start at either center or guard. Stanley was a four-star recruit from Latta in the 2014 class, choosing the Gamecocks over schools like Clemson and Florida.
One of the team’s top players, Stanley was tabbed as an all-SEC fourth-teamer by Phil Steele and should have an opportunity at the next level after his sixth year in the program.
– Will Helms
2. Five prospects to watch for in the initial Rivals100 for 2021
Rivals.com released its initial batch of prospect rankings for the 2021 class on Tuesday. Several players of interest to South Carolina made the cut as one of the nation’s 100 best for the junior class. Here, we take a look at a select five and where things stand for USC.
• Micah Morris
This Peach State product just wrapped up a two-day visit to Columbia with his Camden County high teammates, and he’s been to USC multiple times during the course of his recruitment. Ranked No. 33 overall in the class by Rivals.com, Morris saw his first offer come from the Gamecocks last year. Eric Wolford has made him a big priority, and this one looks like a Georgia/South Carolina battle early in the process.
• Will Shipley
Shipley turned in a standout performance at the Gamecocks’ camp last summer and earned an offer. He has extensive family ties to NC State, with double-digit family members having graduated from the school. South Carolina had early traction at one point, but others have emerged such as Duke, Northwestern, and Stanford. He could be back on campus before the summer’s over at USC.
• Gavin Blackwell
Ranked No. 63 by Rivals in the 2021 class, Blackwell has numerous connections to USC and to Columbia. His aunt graduated from the school and his cousin is former USC tight end Justice Cunningham. His grandmother and grandfather also live in Columbia. He’s been on campus before for a junior day event and spoken highly of the Gamecocks. With Will Muschamp’s emphasis on the state of North Carolina, it figures that there will continue to be mutual interest here.
• Deandre Boykins
This North Carolina product makes our list of five because South Carolina saw him in a camp setting this spring, as Will Muschamp was permitted to view the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas stop in South Carolina due to the presence of his son, Jackson. USC has an offer out, and likes Boykins’ game as a running back or defensive back.
Rivals.com’s 83rd-best prospect has a family tie to South Carolina in that his brother, Derek, is a current linebacker on the team. He’s far from a lock, however. There is plenty of talk that Deandre would like to forge his own path. He’s still been on campus numerous times and could end up as a priority for the staff, so he’s worth monitoring.
• Lovasea Carroll
An early commitment to the Gamecocks, Carroll checks in at No. 92 on the list of rankings. He was USC’s first commitment for the 2021 class, and continues to pick up offers and interest from others. Alabama, Auburn, and Notre Dame offered after his pledge to USC, and Carroll has also visited Georgia this summer. Carroll was in Columbia for one of USC’s summer camp sessions and plans on returning for the last one on June 22. He’s a big-time playmaker from the running back position, bringing speed and enough versatility to the field to potentially have the ability to play multiple spots in college. At this point, he’s a running back projection for assistant Thomas Brown.
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
ICYMI - Another Carolina Podcast: Official visit recaps and 'Big boy recruiting' - South Carolina football and recruiting insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell join host Pearson Fowler on Another Carolina Podcast to discuss another weekend of official visits and look ahead to more camp days. (link)
Football Recruiting: Inside the commitment of Vershon Lee - Go behind the scenes of South Carolina's recruitment of Virginia offensive lineman Vershon Lee. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Muschamp Football Camp Insider (Day 7) - More news, notes, and observations from our on the ground coverage including some new names. (subscription)
Men's Basketball: The plan for Seventh Woods this year - Frank Martin gives a look at why the Gamecocks won't apply for a waiver this year. (link)
Men's Basketball: Full recap from Frank Martin's summer press conference - Full recap as Frank Martin talks about the state of his program this Summer. (subscription)
Baseball Recruiting: What drew the latest baseball commit to South Carolina - Dallas Beaver explains why he committed to South Carolina. (link)
MLB: Jackie Bradley Jr. makes another insane outfield grab - At this point, catches like this from Jackie Bradley Jr. are becoming pretty routine, but he made another ridiculous grab Tuesday night. (link)
Men's Tennis: Jubb awarded Wimbledon wild card - Less than a month after winning the NCAA Singles Championship, Paul Jubb will get the chance to play on tennis' biggest stage, earning a wild card entry to the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. (link)
Track & Field: Going a long way to support his new team - Fans will go a long way to support their team. As a charter bus driver who was not on the job, Ron Rodney took it to another level by driving his own car 1,100 miles from Greenville, S.C., to Austin, Texas. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
June 20, 2010 – The only game played by South Carolina on June 20 was a narrow loss to Oklahoma in Omaha in 2010.
5. Birthdays!
George Gause – Gause signed with South Carolina over Clemson, joining his cousin Andrea Gause on the squad. He forced a fumble against Alabama as a true freshman in 2001 and made his first start against Ohio State in the Outback Bowl. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team at season’s end. Gause split his time between linebacker and defensive end in 2002, making 10 starts and leading the team in sacks. He started eight games in 2003 and tied for the team lead in sacks. He made 11 starts as a senior and had a huge game against Tennessee, coming up with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He led the team in sacks and tackles for losses. Gause went on to play professionally with the Buffalo Bills (2005), Atlanta Falcons (2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2007), Cologne Centurions (NFL Europe, 2007), Philadelphia Soul (Arena, 2008), Grand Rapids Rampage (Arena, 2008) and Orlando Predators (Arena, 2011).
Gerald Dixon (football/defensive end, 1990-91)
Keith McDonald (football/defensive back, 1987-90)
Eddie Miller (football/wide receiver, 1987-91)
Austin Steed (basketball/forward, 2007-09)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• June 20 – Football: One-day camp (today)
• June 21 – Football: One-day camp (1 day)
• June 22 – Football: One-day camp (2)
• June 22 – Football: Specialists camp (2)
• June 27 – Baseball: Prospect camp (7)
• July 11 – Baseball: Prospect camp (21)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (25)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (26)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (27)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (28)
• July 18 – Baseball: Prospect camp (28)
• July 20 – Ladies Football Clinic (30)
• Aug. 17 – Baseball: Elite prospect camp (58)
• Aug. 22 – My Carolina Sports Preview (63)
• Aug. 22 – Carolina Calls feat. Muschamp (63)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (72)
• Nov. 13 – Basketball: Early signing period (146)
• Dec. 18 – Football: Early signing period (181)
• Feb. 5 – Football: Regular signing period (230)
DID YOU KNOW? You can receive this report (Gamecocks Today) early each morning in your email inbox. Sign up here.
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GAMECOCKS TODAY!
Thursday, June 20
Thursday, June 20
Good morning from Gamecock Central.
We're 72 days away from the Gamecocks playing North Carolina.
Donell Stanley/Credit: Chris Gillespie
1. 7️⃣2️⃣ Countdown to kickoff: 72 days!
Our countdown to South Carolina's 2019 season opener against North Carolina in Charlotte is now down to just 72 days which means that today’s athlete is the oldest on the team, sixth-year senior Donell Stanley.
Stanley is the anchor of what should be a very good offensive line unit and will start at either center or guard. Stanley was a four-star recruit from Latta in the 2014 class, choosing the Gamecocks over schools like Clemson and Florida.
One of the team’s top players, Stanley was tabbed as an all-SEC fourth-teamer by Phil Steele and should have an opportunity at the next level after his sixth year in the program.
– Will Helms
2. Five prospects to watch for in the initial Rivals100 for 2021
Rivals.com released its initial batch of prospect rankings for the 2021 class on Tuesday. Several players of interest to South Carolina made the cut as one of the nation’s 100 best for the junior class. Here, we take a look at a select five and where things stand for USC.
• Micah Morris
This Peach State product just wrapped up a two-day visit to Columbia with his Camden County high teammates, and he’s been to USC multiple times during the course of his recruitment. Ranked No. 33 overall in the class by Rivals.com, Morris saw his first offer come from the Gamecocks last year. Eric Wolford has made him a big priority, and this one looks like a Georgia/South Carolina battle early in the process.
• Will Shipley
Shipley turned in a standout performance at the Gamecocks’ camp last summer and earned an offer. He has extensive family ties to NC State, with double-digit family members having graduated from the school. South Carolina had early traction at one point, but others have emerged such as Duke, Northwestern, and Stanford. He could be back on campus before the summer’s over at USC.
• Gavin Blackwell
Ranked No. 63 by Rivals in the 2021 class, Blackwell has numerous connections to USC and to Columbia. His aunt graduated from the school and his cousin is former USC tight end Justice Cunningham. His grandmother and grandfather also live in Columbia. He’s been on campus before for a junior day event and spoken highly of the Gamecocks. With Will Muschamp’s emphasis on the state of North Carolina, it figures that there will continue to be mutual interest here.
• Deandre Boykins
This North Carolina product makes our list of five because South Carolina saw him in a camp setting this spring, as Will Muschamp was permitted to view the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas stop in South Carolina due to the presence of his son, Jackson. USC has an offer out, and likes Boykins’ game as a running back or defensive back.
Rivals.com’s 83rd-best prospect has a family tie to South Carolina in that his brother, Derek, is a current linebacker on the team. He’s far from a lock, however. There is plenty of talk that Deandre would like to forge his own path. He’s still been on campus numerous times and could end up as a priority for the staff, so he’s worth monitoring.
• Lovasea Carroll
An early commitment to the Gamecocks, Carroll checks in at No. 92 on the list of rankings. He was USC’s first commitment for the 2021 class, and continues to pick up offers and interest from others. Alabama, Auburn, and Notre Dame offered after his pledge to USC, and Carroll has also visited Georgia this summer. Carroll was in Columbia for one of USC’s summer camp sessions and plans on returning for the last one on June 22. He’s a big-time playmaker from the running back position, bringing speed and enough versatility to the field to potentially have the ability to play multiple spots in college. At this point, he’s a running back projection for assistant Thomas Brown.
– Chris Clark
3. This, that, and the other
ICYMI - Another Carolina Podcast: Official visit recaps and 'Big boy recruiting' - South Carolina football and recruiting insiders Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell join host Pearson Fowler on Another Carolina Podcast to discuss another weekend of official visits and look ahead to more camp days. (link)
Football Recruiting: Inside the commitment of Vershon Lee - Go behind the scenes of South Carolina's recruitment of Virginia offensive lineman Vershon Lee. (subscription)
Football Recruiting: Muschamp Football Camp Insider (Day 7) - More news, notes, and observations from our on the ground coverage including some new names. (subscription)
Men's Basketball: The plan for Seventh Woods this year - Frank Martin gives a look at why the Gamecocks won't apply for a waiver this year. (link)
Men's Basketball: Full recap from Frank Martin's summer press conference - Full recap as Frank Martin talks about the state of his program this Summer. (subscription)
Baseball Recruiting: What drew the latest baseball commit to South Carolina - Dallas Beaver explains why he committed to South Carolina. (link)
MLB: Jackie Bradley Jr. makes another insane outfield grab - At this point, catches like this from Jackie Bradley Jr. are becoming pretty routine, but he made another ridiculous grab Tuesday night. (link)
Men's Tennis: Jubb awarded Wimbledon wild card - Less than a month after winning the NCAA Singles Championship, Paul Jubb will get the chance to play on tennis' biggest stage, earning a wild card entry to the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. (link)
Track & Field: Going a long way to support his new team - Fans will go a long way to support their team. As a charter bus driver who was not on the job, Ron Rodney took it to another level by driving his own car 1,100 miles from Greenville, S.C., to Austin, Texas. (link)
– Jackson Fields
4. This Date in Gamecock History
June 20, 2010 – The only game played by South Carolina on June 20 was a narrow loss to Oklahoma in Omaha in 2010.
- Blake Cooper kept the Gamecocks in the game through the first five innings, though he left the game trailing 3-2 after giving up an RBI single in the first and fourth and a solo home run to Caleb Bushyhead in the second.
- USC's runs to that point came on a solo home run by Christian Walker in the second inning and another by Jackie Bradley Jr. in the fourth.
- Sooner 3B Garrett Buechele added an insurance run by opening the top of the eighth with a home run off Jose Mata, a run that would turn out to be much needed.
- Carolina loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth on two walks and a single by Whit Merrifield but was unable to score.
- Hopes rose again in the bottom of the ninth when Kyle Enders and Robert Beary singled and Evan Marzilli walked to load the bases. Bradley then drew a two-out walk to force a run in and make it 4-3, but OU closer Ryan Duke got Adrian Morales to fly out to end the game.
- USC of course, would be undeterred and win their next games and the national championship.
5. Birthdays!
George Gause – Gause signed with South Carolina over Clemson, joining his cousin Andrea Gause on the squad. He forced a fumble against Alabama as a true freshman in 2001 and made his first start against Ohio State in the Outback Bowl. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team at season’s end. Gause split his time between linebacker and defensive end in 2002, making 10 starts and leading the team in sacks. He started eight games in 2003 and tied for the team lead in sacks. He made 11 starts as a senior and had a huge game against Tennessee, coming up with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He led the team in sacks and tackles for losses. Gause went on to play professionally with the Buffalo Bills (2005), Atlanta Falcons (2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2007), Cologne Centurions (NFL Europe, 2007), Philadelphia Soul (Arena, 2008), Grand Rapids Rampage (Arena, 2008) and Orlando Predators (Arena, 2011).
Gerald Dixon (football/defensive end, 1990-91)
Keith McDonald (football/defensive back, 1987-90)
Eddie Miller (football/wide receiver, 1987-91)
Austin Steed (basketball/forward, 2007-09)
– John Parker, gamecockarchives.com
6. ⌚ Key Events (Countdown)
• June 20 – Football: One-day camp (today)
• June 21 – Football: One-day camp (1 day)
• June 22 – Football: One-day camp (2)
• June 22 – Football: Specialists camp (2)
• June 27 – Baseball: Prospect camp (7)
• July 11 – Baseball: Prospect camp (21)
• July 15 – SEC Media Days, Day 1 (25)
• July 16 – SEC Media Days, Day 2 (26)
• July 17 – SEC Media Days, Day 3 (27)
• July 18 – SEC Media Days, Day 4 (28)
• July 18 – Baseball: Prospect camp (28)
• July 20 – Ladies Football Clinic (30)
• Aug. 17 – Baseball: Elite prospect camp (58)
• Aug. 22 – My Carolina Sports Preview (63)
• Aug. 22 – Carolina Calls feat. Muschamp (63)
• Aug. 31 – Football: Gamecocks vs UNC (72)
• Nov. 13 – Basketball: Early signing period (146)
• Dec. 18 – Football: Early signing period (181)
• Feb. 5 – Football: Regular signing period (230)
