Insider Report August 6
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
The coaching staff still has no plans to sign a quarterback in this recruiting class unless something happens where one of the current quarterbacks doesn’t return next season. They are, however, scouring the country for junior signal-callers to focus on. Jake Heaps is still the only 2010 quarterback they’ve offered, but don’t be surprised if they offer a couple more during the season.
I don’t consider South Carolina to be one of Baltimore (Md.) Dunbar four-star running back Tavon Austin’s top schools as things stand today, but I do think he’s a player they could become a bigger factor with in time. The Gamecocks are the only SEC school involved and he has communicated his plans to take an official visit to Columbia. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie has a knack for connecting quickly with players, and I could see that happening with Austin. The key is actually getting him on campus, and of course, having a strong 2008 season.
Wilmington (Del.) Concord four-star receiver Justin Brown had a good visit to USC recently, but I’m not sure it was enough to move Carolina up his list. After talking to him and a couple of sources, Penn State still looks like the team to beat.
South Pointe in Rock Hill has two underclassmen to keep an eye on. Many of you will remember former linebacker Gerald Dixon, who played in Columbia in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, and his son Gerald Jr. is a rising sophomore tight end at South Pointe. He is expected to be a high D-I recruit and Ellis Johnson is well aware of him. Same goes for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, another rising sophomore with big-time potential. Both are in the 6-foot-5, 225-230-pound range.
Team Information
As things stand today it looks like Carolina will be under the 85 scholarship limit when classes begin, and one player I’ve heard who is a strong candidate to be placed on scholarship is Stephen Flint. He has impressed the coaches with his play, attitude and effort, and could very well end up being the first-team holder when all is said and done. He’ll also likely play on several other special teams units.
In watching Mark Barnes it looks like his shoulder is still bothering him at times, which obviously isn’t a good thing where a safety is concerned.
Clifton Geathers is coming on in practice and should play a lot more this year than last. He’s still somewhat raw as a football player, but Brad Lawing is working hard to get him ready.
One thing you won’t have to worry about if Jarriel King remains to left tackle and plays significant snaps is whether he’ll be physical. In watching him Tuesday night, he was searching for someone to hit on every running play.
Mike Davis continues to impress at running back.
Carlos Thomas impressed me last night and had one of his better practices. He seems to have connected well with new CB coach Shane Beamer.
If you haven't read the important message from Shoe, please do so now. Click here. Thanks.
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 8/6 9:14 AM by Brian Shoemaker
This post was edited on 8/6 9:19 AM by Brian Shoemaker
This post was edited on 8/8 8:32 AM 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
The coaching staff still has no plans to sign a quarterback in this recruiting class unless something happens where one of the current quarterbacks doesn’t return next season. They are, however, scouring the country for junior signal-callers to focus on. Jake Heaps is still the only 2010 quarterback they’ve offered, but don’t be surprised if they offer a couple more during the season.
I don’t consider South Carolina to be one of Baltimore (Md.) Dunbar four-star running back Tavon Austin’s top schools as things stand today, but I do think he’s a player they could become a bigger factor with in time. The Gamecocks are the only SEC school involved and he has communicated his plans to take an official visit to Columbia. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie has a knack for connecting quickly with players, and I could see that happening with Austin. The key is actually getting him on campus, and of course, having a strong 2008 season.
Wilmington (Del.) Concord four-star receiver Justin Brown had a good visit to USC recently, but I’m not sure it was enough to move Carolina up his list. After talking to him and a couple of sources, Penn State still looks like the team to beat.
South Pointe in Rock Hill has two underclassmen to keep an eye on. Many of you will remember former linebacker Gerald Dixon, who played in Columbia in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, and his son Gerald Jr. is a rising sophomore tight end at South Pointe. He is expected to be a high D-I recruit and Ellis Johnson is well aware of him. Same goes for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, another rising sophomore with big-time potential. Both are in the 6-foot-5, 225-230-pound range.
Team Information
As things stand today it looks like Carolina will be under the 85 scholarship limit when classes begin, and one player I’ve heard who is a strong candidate to be placed on scholarship is Stephen Flint. He has impressed the coaches with his play, attitude and effort, and could very well end up being the first-team holder when all is said and done. He’ll also likely play on several other special teams units.
In watching Mark Barnes it looks like his shoulder is still bothering him at times, which obviously isn’t a good thing where a safety is concerned.
Clifton Geathers is coming on in practice and should play a lot more this year than last. He’s still somewhat raw as a football player, but Brad Lawing is working hard to get him ready.
One thing you won’t have to worry about if Jarriel King remains to left tackle and plays significant snaps is whether he’ll be physical. In watching him Tuesday night, he was searching for someone to hit on every running play.
Mike Davis continues to impress at running back.
Carlos Thomas impressed me last night and had one of his better practices. He seems to have connected well with new CB coach Shane Beamer.
If you haven't read the important message from Shoe, please do so now. Click here. Thanks.
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 8/6 9:14 AM by Brian Shoemaker
This post was edited on 8/6 9:19 AM by Brian Shoemaker
This post was edited on 8/8 8:32 AM by Brian Shoemaker
