Insider Report September 16th
With the start of a new football season, GamecockCentral.com is happy to announce a new feature: The Insider Report. Check back each weekday during the season for a new edition.
For continuity reasons, if you have question regarding this report, please use today’s “Ask Tony" thread on The Insiders Forum.
Recruiting tidbits
I know some of you have expressed concern about the fact that Stephon Gilmore didn’t attend the Georgia game. I’ve talked to multiple sources close to him, and I still like Carolina’s chances with him. Alabama is second on his list. The key is going to be how the rest of the season plays out. If Carolina goes on to have a good season, I think they’ll land him. If not, he’ll probably go elsewhere.
Four-star wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey has attended both Carolina home games and should be back again for more contests later this season. The downside to the visit is that the Gamecocks have struggled on offense in both games, which doesn’t help their case with him. For them to turn him their way, they’re going to need to show vast improvement between now and season’s end.
Despite what he’s saying now, I’ll be surprised if Greenwood (S.C.) defensive end Sam Montgomery doesn’t take an official visit to Carolina before all is said and done. Same things applies to Richland Northeast defensive lineman Chris Bonds.
Team Information
Unless his hamstring shows a lot of improvement between now and Saturday, I doubt Kenny McKinley will play against Wofford this weekend. He could be back for the UAB game and should definitely be back for Ole Miss.
I expect Eric Baker to get multiple carries this weekend as the Gamecocks look to add some speed and elusiveness to their running game. Baker can bring them both, but he’s still developing as a running back at the college level.
Some of you seem to think only Carolina has a problem with young, talented players not being ready right off the bat. Take a look at Georgia’s backup running backs - Caleb King and Richard Samuel. Each was very highly recruited and will be good college players down the line, but neither did a thing against Carolina when they touched the ball. The other side of the coin is A.J. Green, who looked good, but he isn’t asked to do much in their offense. Some players get it early and some don’t, but don’t get down on a player if he can’t pick things up right away.
If you have any news or tips you'd like to share, please send an email to recruiting@gamecockcentral.com
This post was edited on 9/17 5:40 PM by Brian Shoemaker
With the start of a new football season, GamecockCentral.com is happy to announce a new feature: The Insider Report. Check back each weekday during the season for a new edition.
For continuity reasons, if you have question regarding this report, please use today’s “Ask Tony" thread on The Insiders Forum.
Recruiting tidbits
I know some of you have expressed concern about the fact that Stephon Gilmore didn’t attend the Georgia game. I’ve talked to multiple sources close to him, and I still like Carolina’s chances with him. Alabama is second on his list. The key is going to be how the rest of the season plays out. If Carolina goes on to have a good season, I think they’ll land him. If not, he’ll probably go elsewhere.
Four-star wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey has attended both Carolina home games and should be back again for more contests later this season. The downside to the visit is that the Gamecocks have struggled on offense in both games, which doesn’t help their case with him. For them to turn him their way, they’re going to need to show vast improvement between now and season’s end.
Despite what he’s saying now, I’ll be surprised if Greenwood (S.C.) defensive end Sam Montgomery doesn’t take an official visit to Carolina before all is said and done. Same things applies to Richland Northeast defensive lineman Chris Bonds.
Team Information
Unless his hamstring shows a lot of improvement between now and Saturday, I doubt Kenny McKinley will play against Wofford this weekend. He could be back for the UAB game and should definitely be back for Ole Miss.
I expect Eric Baker to get multiple carries this weekend as the Gamecocks look to add some speed and elusiveness to their running game. Baker can bring them both, but he’s still developing as a running back at the college level.
Some of you seem to think only Carolina has a problem with young, talented players not being ready right off the bat. Take a look at Georgia’s backup running backs - Caleb King and Richard Samuel. Each was very highly recruited and will be good college players down the line, but neither did a thing against Carolina when they touched the ball. The other side of the coin is A.J. Green, who looked good, but he isn’t asked to do much in their offense. Some players get it early and some don’t, but don’t get down on a player if he can’t pick things up right away.
If you have any news or tips you'd like to share, please send an email to recruiting@gamecockcentral.com
This post was edited on 9/17 5:40 PM by Brian Shoemaker
