A player to keep an eye on where USC is concerned is Chamblee (Ga.) running back Warren Norman. He was the SPARQ award winner at the Atlanta NIKE Combine. He measured 5-10, 187, ran 4.53 in the 40, turned in a 4.19 short shuttle and a 36-inch vertical leap. He was also a standout at the Tuscaloosa NIKE Camp last weekend. He’s a bit under the radar now, but he’s expected to start receiving offers soon, including a possible Gamecock tender.
There’s a story on the front page on Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace safety Kayvon Webster. As you can probably tell from the quotes, Robert Gillespie has done an excellent job of building a relationship with him, and has Carolina in a great position with him as of today.
I talked to a college coach that scouted Tampa (Fla.) Gaither running back Jarvis Giles recently, and his quote was, “If this kid isn’t a five-star, I don’t know who is.” He will visit South Carolina this summer, but Tennessee is going to be tough to beat. Last time I talked to Giles, I got the distinct impression he had already silently committed to the Vols coaches.
I’ve never seen so many changes so early on in the recruiting process than what has already occurred with Duncan (S.C) Byrnes running back Marcus Lattimore. He’s obviously very impressionable, as he’s only 15 years old. Clemson blew him away on his recent visit there, and USC has since countered the Tigers’ progress. There are likely going to be more twists and turns in Lattimore’s recruitment, but the Gamecocks have been in the best position with him for the longest period of time. Trust is a big issue with him and his family, and the Carolina staff has won that trust.
In talking to McDonough (Ga.) Henry County wide receiver Jamal Patterson this week, I think the two teams to beat are Auburn and Clemson with Auburn on top. Carolina is in there, too, but I think they’re in the next group of schools on his list. They need to get him back on campus soon.
Look for Palmetto (Fla.) defensive end Kedric Johnson’s stock to explode in the coming weeks and months. Comparisons are being made in college coaching circles to Javon Kearse. He and Joe Hills are former teammates and friends, but not overly close. Still, Hills is very happy in Columbia and that should only enhance Carolina’s chances.
While Milledgeville (Ga.) Georgia Military linebacker Tony Straughter is close to receiving an offer from the Gamecocks, it hasn’t officially happened yet. They haven’t decided how many JUCO’s they’re going to sign in this class. They do like him a lot, and as long his head coach recommends him highly to the Carolina staff, I do expect them to offer soon.
This post was edited on 5/8 10:19 AM by Brian Shoemaker
There’s a story on the front page on Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace safety Kayvon Webster. As you can probably tell from the quotes, Robert Gillespie has done an excellent job of building a relationship with him, and has Carolina in a great position with him as of today.
I talked to a college coach that scouted Tampa (Fla.) Gaither running back Jarvis Giles recently, and his quote was, “If this kid isn’t a five-star, I don’t know who is.” He will visit South Carolina this summer, but Tennessee is going to be tough to beat. Last time I talked to Giles, I got the distinct impression he had already silently committed to the Vols coaches.
I’ve never seen so many changes so early on in the recruiting process than what has already occurred with Duncan (S.C) Byrnes running back Marcus Lattimore. He’s obviously very impressionable, as he’s only 15 years old. Clemson blew him away on his recent visit there, and USC has since countered the Tigers’ progress. There are likely going to be more twists and turns in Lattimore’s recruitment, but the Gamecocks have been in the best position with him for the longest period of time. Trust is a big issue with him and his family, and the Carolina staff has won that trust.
In talking to McDonough (Ga.) Henry County wide receiver Jamal Patterson this week, I think the two teams to beat are Auburn and Clemson with Auburn on top. Carolina is in there, too, but I think they’re in the next group of schools on his list. They need to get him back on campus soon.
Look for Palmetto (Fla.) defensive end Kedric Johnson’s stock to explode in the coming weeks and months. Comparisons are being made in college coaching circles to Javon Kearse. He and Joe Hills are former teammates and friends, but not overly close. Still, Hills is very happy in Columbia and that should only enhance Carolina’s chances.
While Milledgeville (Ga.) Georgia Military linebacker Tony Straughter is close to receiving an offer from the Gamecocks, it hasn’t officially happened yet. They haven’t decided how many JUCO’s they’re going to sign in this class. They do like him a lot, and as long his head coach recommends him highly to the Carolina staff, I do expect them to offer soon.
This post was edited on 5/8 10:19 AM by Brian Shoemaker
