The 2006 Gamecocks will go completely live for the first time today, as the team will hold it's first fall scrimmage in the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium at 4:15 p.m.
The purpose of this scrimmage will be to look at those players that will be needed to fill in some starting positions, and provide depth at others. Position battles to pay close attention to on Saturday include:
Right Guard- incumbent James Thompson has been less than impressive thus far in fall camp. Newcomers Kevin Young and Garrett Anderson will be on audition today.
Cornerback - With Fred Bennett entrenched as the starter at one corner, a three-way battle is shaping up at the other spot between Stoney Woodson, Carlos Thomas, and Captain Munnerlyn. Thomas may have the most natural talent, Woodson has been the most steady, and Munnerlyn has been the surprise of fall camp. The competition here will do nothing but make all three players better.
Wolf Linebacker - Cody Wells has been running with the first team for most of the week, but it is obvious that Dakoda Walker has the natural talent and ability to be a force at this position. Gerrod Sinclair is also in the mix, but is currently battling a knee injury.
Back-up Quarterback- Returning starter Blake Mitchell appears to be in complete control of Steve Spurrier's offense this fall. He is releasing the ball sooner, reading the defense, and not putting the ball in jeopardy. So, today's scrimmage will be an opportunity for Cade Thompson and Chris Smelley to show the New Ball Coach what they can do in a live situation. Thompson has struggled at times this fall, and Smelley is becoming more and more comfortable in coach Spurrier's offense. Today's scrimmage could go a long way in determining who will emerge as Mitchell's back-up.
Back-up offensive tackles - No team can get through an SEC schedule with only two offensive tackles. At this point the only question appears to be how many true freshmen will play at this position. Hutch Eckerson and Heath Batchelor both appear more athletic and talented than Canadian Justin Sorensen. Will USC play both of these newcomers and play 4 tackles? Or will Batchelor or Eckerson be the third tackle and rotate with both Meredith and Thind. This would allow USC to red-shirt one of these talented freshmen.
Kicking Duties - Can anyone help Ryan Succop here? As of today, Succop is the odds on favorite to handle all of USC's kicking duties. Punters and field goal kickers will be on audition today.
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2 comments:
CF, is Sinclair's knee injury serious? I was really looking forward to seeing him on the field this year.
I don't think the injury is very serious. Hopefully Sinclair will be back at practice this week.
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