HSSR Media Day Report

Cockfather Illustrated was on hand for the annual HSSR Media Day held at Williams-Brice Stadium today, and there is plenty of good news to report.

First of all, OL/DL Quintin Richardson and RB Brian Maddox both stated today that their commitment to South Carolina is firm and they have not been influenced by Gary Gray's decision to re-open his recruitment between USC and Notre Dame. The 6'4 270 pound Richardson, a Rivals.com 100 member, looks the part of an SEC defensive tackle right now. Each time I see the Spring Valley star I am more and more convinced he will play on the defensive side of the ball at the collegiate level. Maddox, a 4 star prospect from Anderson T.L. Hanna High School was also very impressive in his uniform and looks great at 6'0 215.

A source familiar with his recruitment also told Cockfather Illustrated on the condition of anonymity that Richland Northeast WR Mark Barnes would definitely be a Gamecock.

There is good news out of the low-country with 6'6 240 pound Fort Dorchester High School DE Carlos Dunlap. The 6th rated prospect, regardless of position, in the 2007 SC Sweet 16 was the most impressive rising senior athlete on hand. Dunlap's father, Carlos Dunlap, Sr., feels that his son will be ready to make a college decision before Labor Day. The elder Dunlap is completely sold on South Carolina for several reasons, including his relationship with both Steve Spurrier, Jr. and defensive line coach Brad Lawing. Mr. Dunlap told Cockfather Illustrated that he believes USC is the best place for his son, and believes without a doubt that Steve Spurrier will look after his son's best interests away from football. All of this bodes extremely well for the Gamecocks, who currently lead for the services of the big defensive lineman. If Dunlap makes an early decision, Cockfather Illustrated forecasts Dunlap will choose South Carolina.

The news out of Fort Dorchester gets even better, in that super rising junior DE Robert Quinn was also on hand, and publicly stated that he and Carlos want to play their college football together. The 6'3 245 pound junior will be one of the top five prospects in the class of 2008.

Another impressive player on hand was UNC commitment William Brimfield. The 6'6 287 pound DT from Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School in Orangeburg county definitely passes the eye ball test. He was timed at 5.0 in the 40 yard dash at UNC's camp last month.USC has received Brimfields junior film and will be evaluating this physically gifted defensive line prospect. Should USC offer, I think they will be a major factor.

Blufton High School's Jansen Hamilton was also in attendance, and is another big defensive tackle to watch for the 2007 season. The 6'5 290 all-state basketball star runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. He is currently under evaluation by USC. Hamilton also passes the eye ball test. He reminds us of a taller Darrell Shropshire.

Perhaps the most physically gifted player on hand was rising junior super star Daquan Bowers. The Bamberg-Ehrhardt defensive linemen checked in at 6'5 250 pounds and currently bench presses 340 pounds. A source familiar with his recruiting believes that USC is gaining ground, and according to my source has informed the USC coaching staff that he intends on postponing his college decision. I still believe he is a longshot for the Gamecocks, but a postponement of his decision at least shows that he has legitimate interest in the Gamecocks.

Cheraw DE Cliff Mathews was also on hand and told Gamecock Central recruiting analyst Tony Morrell that his top 3 are still the same, with USC currently running third behind Georgia and Clemson. However, Cockfather Ilustrated spoke with a source very familiar with Matthews recruitment, and the source feels that ultimately, Mathews will sign with South Carolina. I believe that as things stand today, the two-sport star will sign with the University of Georgia. USC will get its last chance to impress Mathews this Thursday, as the jumbo-athlete will be on campus to meet with USC Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier, assistant coach David Reaves and defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix.

One Travian Robertson rumor floating around today is that the 6'4 230 pound rivals 100 member could be making an announcement this week between USC, NC State, and Clemson. ESPNU is planning on covering Robertson's announcement, and they have requested that it be this week if at all possible. Stay tunes to Cockfather Illustrated for the latest on The Laurinburg, NC native.

One negative note, Cockfather Illustrated has learned that 6'6 309 pound OT Clarence Bailey did not make it academically, and therefore will not play for the Gamecocks.

Stanley Doughty was spotted today underneath Williams-Brice Stadium, and the red-shirt junior NG appears to be shaping up. Doughty currently weighs in at 311 pounds. That is assuming he has lost the 15 pounds that was reported earlier this week on Gamecock Central.

We were unable to get pictures today, but should be getting the entire picture CD from the HSSR this week and I will post a link to those as soon as they are available.